When parents separate or divorce, ensuring that children continue to receive financial stability becomes one of the most important issues to resolve. Child support exists to help maintain a child’s well-being and ensure that both parents remain responsible for meeting their child’s needs—regardless of their relationship with one another. Florida has a detailed set of laws to guide courts in determining fair and predictable support amounts. At Owenby Law, P.A., we help Jacksonville families navigate these rules with confidence and protect what matters most: their children’s futures.
How Florida Calculates Child Support
Florida follows the “income shares” model. This approach begins with the principle that a child should receive the same proportion of financial support they would have received if their parents were still living in the same household. To determine this amount, the court first reviews the incomes of both parents and adds them together to form a combined monthly total.
Each parent’s responsibility is then calculated as a percentage of that combined income. For example, if one parent earns 60% of the total household income, that parent is generally responsible for about 60% of the financial support.
Several factors influence the final support amount, including:
- Each parent’s gross monthly income – This includes wages, bonuses, commissions, business income, disability benefits, rental income, and other sources of revenue. Florida looks at gross income before taxes for consistency and clarity.
- Childcare expenses – Work-related childcare costs are factored into the formula to ensure that parents share these necessary expenses.
- Health Insurance and Medical Expenses – The parent who provides health insurance for the child receives a credit for the cost. Uninsured medical expenses may also be taken into account.
- Number of overnights – Parenting time has a significant impact on child support. When parents share substantial time with the child, support may be adjusted to reflect shared responsibilities.
- Special needs or extraordinary expenses – Children with medical conditions, learning disabilities, or other special requirements may need additional financial support to address their unique needs.
This formula aims to ensure that support determinations are fair, consistent, and focused on the child’s best interests.
Adjustments and Modifications
Child support orders are based on the circumstances at the time they were created. But life changes—and Florida law allows for modifications when there has been a substantial, permanent, and involuntary change in circumstances. Common reasons for modification include:
- A significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income
- Changes in employment, such as job loss or disability
- A shift in the parenting schedule or custody arrangement
- New expenses related to the child’s medical, educational, or personal needs
Either parent may request a modification, but the court requires substantial evidence to justify the change. At Owenby Law, P.A., we can help you gather and present the documentation needed to support your case.
Enforcement of Child Support
When child support payments fall behind, it can place unnecessary strain on the child and the parent who depends on the support. Florida provides several enforcement tools to help ensure compliance, such as:
- Wage garnishment
- Driver’s license suspension
- Interception of tax refunds
- Liens on property
- Contempt of court proceedings
While these measures may seem harsh, the intention is not to punish the paying parent. Instead, the goal is to ensure that children receive the financial support to which they are legally entitled.
Work With an Experienced Jacksonville Attorney
Because child support often intersects with custody, relocation, or other family law matters, it can quickly become complex. Having knowledgeable legal guidance can help you avoid mistakes, ensure accurate calculations, and secure a support arrangement that genuinely reflects your child’s needs.
Owenby Law, P.A., offers compassionate and experienced representation for parents throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. We are committed to helping your family move forward with stability and confidence.
Jacksonville Divorce Lawyer
For clear and dependable answers about child support in Jacksonville, contact Owenby Law, P.A. at (904) 770-3141 or visit our website to schedule a complimentary initial consultation. We’re here to protect your family’s future with skill, care, and experience.