Child Support
Child support in Florida is determined by using the Child Support Guidelines as established in § 61.30 of the Florida Statutes.
If you have children and are seeking a divorce, you are required to complete the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. As part of our uncontested divorce package, we will help you complete the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet that will be submitted to the court as part of your divorce.
The guidelines set forth the basic factors that must be taken into account in determining child support. Not surprisingly, the most basic factor in the guidelines is the income of each party. Income is further analyzed taking into account total income minus permitted deductions (such as health insurance payments and taxes).
Courts take paying child support very seriously. When the judgment of divorce becomes final, the child support obligations formally begin. Failure to pay child support can result in child support being taken out from your paycheck or from an IRS refund. Not paying can also result in penalties like having your driver’s license suspended or even jail time.
There are many issues relating to child support that can arise. Loss of employment or other basis of requests for modifications are not uncommon. Requests for modification relating to changing needs of the minor child may also have to be dealt with preferably by the parties, but if not, then by the court.
Additional requirements for parties WITH MINOR children
Parties who share minor children must attend a parenting class approved by the Department of Children and Families. The cost of the class is typically between $30-$40 online. The parenting class is also offered at most local community colleges. In some jurisdictions, there is the additional requirement that children between the ages of 6-17 attend a class geared to help them cope with the realities of the divorce.
Whether contested or uncontested, parties with minor children will need a financial affidavit, a child support worksheet, and a parenting plan. By filling out the Child Support Worksheet you can understand what your child support obligations will be as child support is generally established by using the mandatory statutory calculation. These documents can be difficult to complete even if the parties are not fighting. We will help you complete these documents and will be available to answer your questions so that there are no surprises when we accompany you to the Final Hearing. To learn more about what to expect at a final hearing refer to our FAQ's.
Even with this extra work, we offer an affordable service to help you obtain an uncontested divorce at a low cost. Please contact us today if you think our service is the right solution for your needs or if you have any questions.
Whether contested or uncontested, parties with minor children will need a financial affidavit, a child support worksheet, and a parenting plan. By filling out the Child Support Worksheet you can understand what your child support obligations will be as child support is generally established by using the mandatory statutory calculation. These documents can be difficult to complete even if the parties are not fighting. We will help you complete these documents and will be available to answer your questions so that there are no surprises when we accompany you to the Final Hearing. To learn more about what to expect at a final hearing refer to our FAQ's.
Even with this extra work, we offer an affordable service to help you obtain an uncontested divorce at a low cost. Please contact us today if you think our service is the right solution for your needs or if you have any questions.