Child Support Based On Statutory Guidelines.
Eric guides you through each component of the State-mandated formulas so you understand exactly how the final amount is calculated.
A Transparent Approach to Child Support
A Shared Financial Obligation
In Florida, providing for your children is a shared journey. Both parents have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure their children’s financial needs are met, allowing them to maintain stability in both homes.
How Child Support Is Calculated?
In Florida, child support is calculated using a statutory formula based on each parent’s net monthly income and the allocation of time-sharing overnights, resulting in a standardized support amount under state guidelines.
Clarity Through Accurate Calculation
The child support calculation is fully documented by:
- Obtaining from each parent their respective Monthly Net Income.
- Applying Florida’s statutory formula.
- Preparing the required child support worksheet.
This allows both parents to see exactly how the support amount is determined and reduces confusion or disagreement about the outcome.
The 4 Pillars of Child Support Calculations
Clarity on the factors that determine support, ensuring an accurate and equitable financial roadmap for your children’s future.
Understanding Your Monthly Net Income
Eric provides each parent with a fillable Monthly Income/Payroll Deductions form to determine two key figures:
- Gross Monthly Income: This includes all sources such as paychecks, self-employment business income, and pensions.
- Net Monthly Income: This is calculated after deducting common payroll expenses, including Federal withholding, Social Security, and Medicare taxes, along with certain mandatory payroll deductions.
The sum of the gross income minus these specific deductions is known as your Monthly Net Income. The Gross and Net monthly income is reflected in the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet prepared by Eric.
Understanding Time-Sharing & Overnights
During the mediation process, Eric will assist you in determining an appropriate and fair Time-Sharing schedule. The total number of overnight periods agreed upon in this schedule is a primary factor in the State-approved child support formula.
- The Percentage Calculation: The formula uses the total overnights allocated to each parent to determine a percentage of time each parent spends with the children.
- 50-50 Split Example: For example, if time is shared equally, each parent’s percentage in the formula will be close to 50% (the allocation will actually be 182-183 days).
- Varied Schedule Example: If one parent has 280 overnights and the other has 85, the respective percentages used would be approximately 77% and 23%.
Calculating the Support Amount
Once each parent’s net income and time-sharing schedule are applied to the formula, the calculation determines the child support obligation.
- Guideline Result: The formula produces a presumptive support amount based on statutory factors.
- Each Parent’s Obligation: The calculation reflects each parent’s share of the total support responsibility.
- Offset Between Parents: The final payment amount is determined by comparing each parent’s respective obligation.
- Special Circumstances: The result may differ in situations involving zero income or when one parent has all overnights.
All calculations are detailed in the child support exhibits prepared by Eric, allowing both parents to clearly see how the final amount is determined.
Monthly Support Amount
After the guideline calculation establishes each parent’s respective obligation, the final step determines the net monthly payment.
- Offset of Obligations: Each parent’s calculated share is compared, and the smaller amount is subtracted from the larger amount.
- Single Net Payment: Rather than separate payments, the result is a single net amount paid from one parent to the other.
- Final Amount: This net figure represents the actual monthly child support payment under the guidelines.
This final calculation is clearly reflected in the child support exhibits prepared by Eric, allowing both parents to see how the payment amount is derived.
Common Questions About Child Support
Clear guidance on how child support is calculated and applied under Florida law
Can We Waive Child Support?
Parents may want to waive child support in favor of informal arrangements. However, under Florida law, child support is considered the right of the child and is determined under statutory guidelines.
Parents cannot simply agree to waive support. Any deviation, including reducing support to zero, requires court approval and a written finding that the guideline amount would be inappropriate.
Can We Pay More Than the Formula Requires?
Yes, but any significant deviation from the guideline amount must be supported by proper documentation.
Under Section 61.30(1)(a), F.S., a court may approve a deviation of more than 5 percent only if there is a written finding explaining why the guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate. Additional filings may be required to request and support this adjustment.
What is Imputed Income?
Imputed income is income assigned by the court to a parent who is unemployed or underemployed on a voluntary basis.
Under Section 61.30(2)(b), F.S., in a litigated divorce, the court may use imputed income unless there is evidence of a physical or mental incapacity or other circumstances beyond the parent’s control that prevent employment. In mediation, the parents may agree that one parent's income should be imputed.
Is Child Support Paid Directly to the Other Parent?
Child support is most commonly paid directly between parents using agreed-upon methods such as bank transfer, check, or other payment systems.
Alternatively, upon mutual agreement, payments may be made through the Florida Department of Revenue, which collects and disburses funds to the receiving parent.