The Significance and History of Child Support in Florida

It may be hard for either spouse to pay child support as ordered if they are underemployed or unemployed. The judge may order the defaulting party to get job training, enter a work program, or seek employment. Child support could also be withheld from an uncooperative spouse’s paycheck. The defaulting party can also be ordered to remit the child support money to an enforcement authority for distribution. The support enforcement body can testify against a party that fails to make payments as ordered. The regulations and guidelines regarding FL child support payment history ensure children get the upbringing they deserve. The guidelines indicate that the net income of both spouses is subjected to the statutory child support formula. The goal is to determine child support amounts based on income levels. Other considerations that come into play include the number of kids and the time spent by each parent with the kids. 

The child support payment amount due from each spouse is calculated as a percentage of their income. Expenses, such as child care, health care, and health insurance may be added before calculating child support. Additional expenses can also be ordered to get paid separately. The guidelines on child support have helped alleviate conflict over support. However, disputes may arise despite the regulations. For instance, one party can claim that the other makes more money than they are willing to disclose. Another spouse can claim that the other could earn more than they are currently earning. Courts could deviate from child support guidelines to a certain degree. The court can also deviate significantly from the guidelines if there are sufficient legal grounds. 

The court could depart from the statutory guidelines if both parents spend a significant amount of time with the kids. The departure can also happen if one spouse rarely spends time with the kids. The issue of more kids coming into the picture after child support matters arise may come into play. The court can be justified to deviate from the guidelines if children are born after child support requests have been made.