Child Support Attorney – Ensuring Fair Support in Florida

Helping Central Florida Parents Navigate the Numbers

Child support isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a vital piece of your child’s stability and future. We help parents understand Florida’s support laws, advocate for fair outcomes, and protect their rights when circumstances change.

Florida Child Support Overview

Legal Obligations for Both Parents

In Florida, both parents are responsible for supporting their children financially—regardless of marital status. Typically, the parent who has fewer overnights pays child support, but the final amount is based on a specific state formula that factors in income, parenting time, and key expenses.

How Child Support Is Calculated

Understanding the Formula Behind the Figures

Florida’s child support guidelines are based on a shared-income model. That means both parents’ incomes are combined, and the support obligation is divided based on their respective contributions and parenting time.


Here are the key factors included in the calculation:

  • Gross Income: Wages, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and self-employment earnings from both parents.
  • Child-Related Costs: Health insurance premiums for the child, uncovered medical expenses, and daycare necessary for work.
  • Time-Sharing Percentage: More overnights for the paying parent typically reduce the monthly amount.
  • Other Children or Obligations: Existing support obligations for other children can affect the outcome.

We use this framework to make sure your numbers are correct—and that your child gets what they need.

Our Role in Your Support Case

Advocacy for Fair, Accurate, and Legal Orders

We ensure every financial detail is fully accounted for before a support order is finalized. That includes verifying income sources like overtime, commissions, and freelance work, and pushing back against inflated or inaccurate claims. We also handle enforcement agency communications and help parents pursue guideline deviations in unique situations, such as caring for a child with special needs or facing unusual financial hardship.

Enforcement & Penalties

When Support Isn’t Paid or Received

Missing child support payments in Florida comes with serious consequences—including wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, and possible jail time. Whether you’re owed support or facing enforcement actions, we’ll guide you through the legal process with an emphasis on protecting your rights and your child’s best interests.

Modification of Child Support

When Life Changes, Orders Can Too

If your financial circumstances have changed due to job loss, a raise, a new time-sharing schedule, or other life events, you may be eligible for a modification. Florida courts require a significant, ongoing change to modify a support order—and informal agreements between parents won’t hold up in court. We’ll help you petition for an official update that reflects your current reality.

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FAQ – Your Child Support Questions Answered

Common Concerns for Florida Parents

  • How is child support calculated in Florida?

    Florida follows a formula that combines both parents’ net incomes, then allocates the support amount based on parenting time and shared expenses. The guidelines consider costs like health insurance and daycare, and the result is a monthly obligation typically paid by the non-majority time parent. A parenting plan is required so time-sharing can be factored into the final figure.

  • What happens if I don’t pay child support in Florida?

    Unpaid support can lead to wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, credit damage, passport denial, and even jail time. Courts take enforcement seriously, and interest can accrue on unpaid amounts. If you’re struggling to pay, it’s important to request a formal modification—ignoring the issue only makes it worse.

  • Can child support be changed after divorce?

    Yes. If there’s a substantial change in either parent’s income, the child’s needs, or time-sharing arrangements, the support order can be reviewed and adjusted. However, the court must approve the change, and informal verbal agreements between parents are not legally binding.

  • Does getting remarried affect my child support obligation?

    No. Florida does not consider a new spouse’s income when calculating support. However, if remarriage changes your personal expenses or increases household financial stability, it may be indirectly considered in special situations. Your obligation to support your children from a prior relationship remains unchanged unless officially modified.

  • How long does child support last in Florida?

    Support typically continues until the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school and expected to graduate before turning 19, it may continue until graduation. Support may end earlier if the child becomes legally emancipated, marries, or joins the military. Special needs may also justify extended support beyond age 18.