Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate for informational purposes only, based on the guidelines in Florida Statute 61.13, the “Child Support Guidelines” in Florida Statute 61.30, and the official Form 12.902(e). It is not legal advice. The final child support amount is determined by a court and can be affected by many factors not included here. Always consult a qualified Florida attorney for legal advice.
Child Support Calculation Inputs
Parent A (Petitioner)
Parent B (Respondent)
Child Information & Shared Costs
Your Next Step is Crucial
This calculator provides a valuable estimate, but it cannot replace a personalized legal strategy. Understand how a court will view the unique factors of your case.
Call us at (305) 596-9951 to understand your options.
How Child Support is Calculated in Florida
Florida law follows the “Income Shares Model” to ensure children receive support from both parents in proportion to their income. The calculation follows the official Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Form 12.902(e)).
- Determine Net Income: The monthly net income of each parent is calculated by subtracting allowable deductions from their gross income. Net income is your gross income minus allowable deductions, including income taxes, health insurance premiums, mandatory retirement payments, and court-ordered support for other children.
- Find Basic Obligation: The parents’ net incomes are combined, and this total is cross-referenced with the number of children on the state’s official Child Support Guidelines Schedule to find a “basic monthly obligation.”
- Add Shared Costs: The monthly costs of childcare and the child’s portion of health insurance are added to the basic obligation.
- Calculate Each Parent’s Share: Each parent is assigned a percentage of the total obligation based on their share of the combined net income.
- Adjust for Timesharing: If each parent has the child for at least 20% of the overnights in a year (73 nights), a more complex “Gross Up Method” is applied to adjust the final payment amount based on the timesharing schedule.
Your Estimate is the First Step
This number provides a baseline, but a court considers many factors. A confidential discussion is essential to build a strategy around your family’s specific financial situation.
Call us at (305) 596-9951.
All Factors a Florida Court May Consider
The calculator provides a “presumptive” amount based on the standard guidelines, but a judge is required to consider specific circumstances and can deviate from this amount. According to Florida Statute 61.30, a court must evaluate all relevant factors to ensure a just outcome, including:
- The financial resources and needs of the child.
- The financial resources and needs of both parents.
- The standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marriage not been dissolved.
- The physical and emotional condition of the child, and any special needs they may have.
- The individual parenting plan and timesharing schedule.
- All sources of income available to each parent.
When Does Child Support End in Florida? (Termination Events)
A parent’s legal obligation to pay child support does not always end on the child’s 18th birthday. According to Florida law, the obligation terminates when the child:
- Turns 18, unless an exception applies.
- Turns 19 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs first, if the child is still in high school and has a reasonable expectation of graduating.
- Becomes emancipated by marrying, joining the armed services, or by court order.
- Passes away.
Support may continue indefinitely if the child has a mental or physical disability that began before they turned 18, rendering them dependent.
Can Child Support Be Changed or Modified?
Yes. A Florida court can modify a child support order at any time after it has been established. To do so, the parent requesting the change must prove that there has been a “substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances.”
The difference between the existing order and the amount that would be ordered under the new circumstances must be at least 15% or $50, whichever is greater, for the court to consider the change substantial. Common reasons for a successful modification include:
- A significant and involuntary decrease or increase in a parent’s income.
- A change in the timesharing schedule where one parent now spends substantially more or less time with the child.
- A change in the needs of the child, such as a new health diagnosis.
- A change in the cost of health insurance or daycare.
Navigating These Factors is Our Strength
As you can see, the calculation involves many variables and potential deviations. We are experienced in presenting these details clearly and effectively to protect your child’s financial future.
Call us at (305) 596-9951.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Child Support
Child support is based on each parent’s net income. The court calculates this by taking all sources of gross income and subtracting legally allowable deductions, such as income taxes, health insurance premiums, and mandatory retirement contributions.
Usually, yes. Even with a 50/50 timesharing schedule, child support is still calculated. The “Gross Up Method” is used, and the parent with the higher net income will typically still have a child support obligation to the other parent to ensure the child’s needs are met equally in both households.
Generally, child support ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still attending high school and is reasonably expected to graduate before turning 19, the support obligation continues until graduation.
Florida law is gender-neutral. The obligation is not based on whether a parent is the mother or father. It is calculated based on each parent’s net income, the number of overnights, and shared costs like childcare and health insurance. The higher-earning parent or the parent with less overnight time typically pays support.
The information provided on this page, including the results from the calculator and the explanations of legal standards, is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The application of the law is highly dependent on the specific facts of your case. For advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.
This tool is based on the text of Florida Statute 61.30 and Form 12.902(e). Laws are subject to change.