How is Florida Child Support Calculated?

When couples with children divorce in Florida, the court endeavors to establish child support so the well being of the children does not suffer just because they are no longer living in a two-income household.

In Florida, child support is calculated based on the incomes of both spouses and credits are given based on who is paying for childcare costs (the custodial parent) and health insurance.

Florida child support is based on both spouses’ monthly income and is paid monthly. It is designed to cover a portion of the children’s expenses, including housing, food, clothing, school supplies, etc., and to provide the children with the same standard of living they enjoyed prior to the divorce – or as closely as possible.

Florida child support calculations are based on the income of both spouses and their percentage of contribution to the overall household income. For example, if each spouse makes $40,000 per year, the total household income is $80,000 and each is contributing half, or 50 percent. If the child support calculation comes to $1,000 per month, then the noncustodial parent will pay half, or $500.

When the cost of childcare is factored in, the spouse paying child support receives a 75 percent credit for the money paid. So if childcare is $100 per month paid by the custodial spouse, that spouse would get a credit of $75. The same is true for insurance payments.

If you have questions about child support, contact a Jacksonville divorce attorney to assist you with making a valid calculation.