Florida divorces are never as cut and dry as they are in other states, nor is how custody and child support are determined. Each state has a different model, but all states try to create some type of calculator that will benefit the child and provide for his or her welfare. It is difficult for many to understand how child support is calculated, because it seems without normal rationale at times. For example, a father with multiple children could pay less each month than those with one. This causes quite a bit of anger in some custodial parents who see other people paying less money than them. However, the state has determined that child support should be fair, in the best interest of the child, and take into consideration both the number of dependents and income of the parents.
Florida requires both parents to support their children. To make this fair, Florida has developed what is called “Income Shares Model” that determines the amount of money parents would spend on those children were they not divorcing. That money is then divided between both parents and that is the amount of child support to be paid. This was determined to be the fairest method of calculation and one that is able to create a soft landing for children of divorce.
Depending upon if the circumstances of one parent changes, modifications (temporary) may be requested through petition to the court. Job loss, injury, and other relevant triggers may serve as a reason for a change to this calculation; however, in general the courts are reticent. If you have any questions about child support in Florida, we are available to provide a response to your concern.
