How Are Fort Lauderdale Child Support Payments Calculated?

If you’re going through a divorce or separation and have children, understanding how child support is calculated is essential in protecting your rights. Our Fort Lauderdale child support attorney represents clients in these cases and understands how important it is to ensure your child is supported financially after your breakup. The following explains what you need to know about how Florida courts determine child support amounts.

Florida’s Child Support Guidelines Explained

Under the Florida Statutes, parents are legally obligated to provide for their children. Rather than just negotiating the matter with your former partner, getting a court order is the best way to protect your rights and your child’s well-being.

When determining the amount that must be paid, the Broward County Family Court uses the formula laid out under state laws. This factors in the combined net income of both parents and the number of children they have to determine a reasonable support amount.

Once the amount of child support gets calculated, the following are additional details that the judge in your case will generally consider in determining how much each parent owes:

• The total amount of time the child spends in each parent’s care;
• The amount needed to cover the child’s housing, food, clothing, and other essential costs;
• Additional expenses, such as health insurance, private school, and childcare;
• Any special needs the child has.

What Other Factors Affect Child Support Payments In Fort Lauderdale?

Even with a pre-determined formula, each Broward County child support case is as different and unique as the individual people involved. As a result, other common factors a judge will consider that influence child support payments in Fort Lauderdale and the total amount you may be entitled to include:

• The other parent is voluntarily underemployed: In this case, the court can impute child support based on the other parent’s earning abilities, which factor in their education, skills, and prior work experience.
• Parenting time is split close to 50/50 between the parties: In this situation, child support may still be awarded if one parent makes significantly more than the other.
• One parent pays for additional expenses not accounted for in the guidelines: If the paying parent lists the child on their health care or covers other costs, this could impact the amount they owe.
• Any alimony payments and marital property settlements: Being awarded alimony to help care for children after a divorce or a settlement allowing you to remain in the marital home while your former spouse covers the cost could influence how much child support you receive.

Schedule A Consultation Today With Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Support Attorney

Every family is different, and child support payments in Fort Lauderdale should reflect your child’s individual needs. Whether you are seeking support or expecting to pay it, we can help you understand your rights and obligations.

Sandra Bonfiglio provides trusted legal guidance tailored to your unique situation and fights to protect you and your child in court. To schedule a consultation, contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale child support attorney today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.29.html

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family