The Guidelines on How Child Support is Calculated in Florida

Failure to pay child support in Florida can result in some kind of punishment as discussed. However, someone can default on payment because they are underemployed or unemployed. In this case, the judge could order the defaulting party to enroll in a work program, job training, or seek employment. Child support could also be withheld from the paycheck of the party making payments. An enforcement officer can also receive the child support amount on behalf of the recipient. Florida has elaborate guidelines on child support. The child support calculator Florida stipulates that the combined income of both parents should be used. A statutory formula uses the net income of the spouses to determine the child support amount. The formula gets applied after taking into account the number of kids involved and the time spent with the kids by each parent. 

Child support payment is proportional to the net income made by each parent. Child care, health care, health insurance, and other costs get added to the guideline amount. The judge can order other expenses to be added separately. The guidelines on child support have contributed to the elimination of court battles concerning this topic. However, disputes could arise. A spouse could claim that the other party has not disclosed their full income. Either spouse could also claim that the other party can earn more than they are disclosing. The court can deviate from statutory guidelines on child support by a specific percentage or more if there are sufficient reasons to do so.

Deviation from the statutory child support guidelines may happen if one spouse spends more time with the kids. The child support amount could also be revised if one spouse spends less time with the kids. Florida is a state that protects the rights of children. The objective is to give them a good upbringing, whether or not their parents are together. Child support is a sensitive topic that requires legal intervention. Amicable parenting allows children to enjoy childhood and have a good life.