Some Crucial Facts To Know About Child Support in Florida (For 2024)

Usually, in a situation where parents are not married and not living together, one parent is required to send the other parent child support payments. As a parent, there are several details you need to know in regard to child support. Whether you will be the paying or receiving parent, you want to ensure you know everything there is to know about child support in Florida. Below, we share some crucial facts to know about child support in Florida.

Fact #1: Paternity Must Be Established

For a father to be required to pay child support in Florida, paternity must have been legally established. Until paternity is legally established, an alleged father does not have a legal obligation to pay child support. When a child is born to married parents, it is presumed that the husband is the legal father of the child. On the other hand, in the case of parents who have never been married, paternity must be established. This can be done by both parties signing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity form or through a court case.

Fact #2: Child Support Amounts Are Based on a Formula

The amount of child support a parent is required to pay is not some random number the court comes up with. Instead, Florida has a method for calculating child support payments. The formula used to calculate child support payments in Florida is called the “Income Shares Model.” This formula is outlined under Florida Child Support Guidelines. The Income Shares Model considers several crucial factors, such as both parents’ income, childcare and healthcare expenses, and tax implications.

Note: When determining child support payments, courts can deviate from standard guidelines if doing so is in the best interest of the child.

Fact #3: You Need a Court Order

You need a child support order stating specific facts, such as the amount of child support to be paid and the frequency of payments. An unofficial agreement between you and the other parent is not enough.

Fact #4: Child Support Can Be Modified

Whether you are the paying or receiving parent, there are situations when child support payments can be modified. Child support orders can be modified when there is a significant change in circumstances. Examples of significant changes in circumstances include changes in income and changes in a child’s needs. Depending on the situation, child support payments can be modified to a higher or lower amount.

Fact #5: Child Support Can Continue Past a Child’s 18th Birthday

In Florida, child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, there are some instances when child support can continue beyond a child’s 18th birthday. If a child who is 18 years old is still in high school and hasn’t graduated, child support can continue until they graduate or turn 19, whichever happens first. Also, child support may continue past a child’s 18th birthday if the child has special needs or a disability that makes them dependent on parental support.

Contact an Orlando Child Support Lawyer

For more information or help with your child support case, contact our Orlando child support lawyers at the Arwani Law Firm. We work tirelessly for our clients to ensure fair results that are in your child’s best interest.