Child Support in Florida

In Florida there is a set, and specific, mandatory statutory formula to determine exactly how much child support must be paid, taking into account the Best Interests of the Child.

Questions Often Asked

How Is Child Support Calculated?

Child Support is calculated by using the income of both parents. The income is based on net income, not gross income. Next, the formula takes into account the amount of timesharing each parent has based upon overnights.

The final number depends entirely on the accuracy of the financial information both parents provide. This is why having an experienced attorney matter, and Melissa Waldinger has represented parents in Child Support Proceedings all the way through Trial and knows exactly where numbers get disputed and how to protect your interests and knows what goes into the formula:

1. Income: The net monthly income of both parents
2. Overnight schedule: The number of overnights the child spends with each parent under the Parenting Plan
3. Health insurance: The monthly cost of health coverage for the children
4. Childcare costs: Daycare, often taking into account after-school care costs

When Does Child Support End?

Child Support in Florida generally ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school whichever comes later or emancipates. However, there are exceptions: if a child has a physical or mental disability that makes them unable to support themselves, a Court can order support to continue past age 18, or if back/retroactive child support is owed. Melissa Waldinger has represented Parents in Child Support Proceedings through Trial and in Multiple Hearing and Mediations, please contact her for more information.

Does Florida require Parents to Pay for College?

No. Florida law does not require either parent to contribute to college or post-secondary education costs unless both parents voluntarily agreed to and incorporated it into their Parenting Plan and Marital Settlement Agreement. Both of those then needed to be further incorporated into a Court Order. If no such Agreement exists, support ends at the Statutory cutoff regardless of whether the child goes to college.