Child Support Guidelines
Child Support is determined when there is a child between the parties under the age of eighteen (18). Children of unwed parents are entitled to the same support as children of married parents. Florida has child support guidelines to determine ranges of support. The guidelines are based on: the number of children, the financial resources and needs of both parents, the timesharing plan, the physical and emotional and educational needs of the children, the costs of medical insurance, and cost of child care or after school care.
Parents cannot agree to waive child support because it is against the law and the public policy of the State of Florida. Child Support is the right of the child, not the parents.
Child Support is a mathematical recipe with three ingredients:
- Basic Obligation
- Medical Insurance Cost for the Children
- Child Care for the children
First, the parents' net monthly income is determined according to Statute. Each parents' percentage of the combined net income is applied to a predetermined statutory chart to determine the basic child support obligation for each parent.
Second, the parent's percentage is applied to the cost of the medical insurance for the minor children alone.
Third, the parent's percentage is applied to 75% of allowable child care.
The total of these three numbers is the monthly child support obligation for each parent. However, there are several circumstances to deviate from the above calculated amount.
For more information contact the family law offices of Sorkin and Sorkin. Call 800-375-2942 for a free office consultation.
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