Tampa Child Support Lawyers

How Is Child Support Determined in Florida?

Regardless of the parenting plan reached, both parents are obligated to financially support their children. This is true even for a non-custodial parent who may not have visitation rights. 

When the parents are divorcing, the issuance of a support order will be a standard part of the settlement process. If the parents were never married, the birth mother must go to court and ask a court to order paternity testing. Once a father is conclusively identified, the mother can seek child support.

Child support amounts are calculated according to Florida guidelines. The formula includes such factors as:

• Both parents’ incomes 
• Healthcare and childcare costs
• Standard needs for the child

A sliding scale of basic monthly support obligations based on the child’s age and net income of the parents appears in Florida’s child support law.

An unwed father has obligations to pay child support, but he also has parental rights, which can include visitation. Fathers who want to assert their rights can get help from our Tampa child custody lawyers in proving their own paternity.

What Happens if You Feel the Child Support Amount is Too High?

If a parent feels that the child support amount ordered is too high, legal options are available to address this concern. In Florida, child support is calculated based on specific guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the child’s needs, and other relevant factors. However, these calculations may not always accurately reflect a parent's financial situation, especially if there has been a significant change in circumstances.

Parents who believe the child support amount is excessive can petition the court for a modification of the order. Common reasons for seeking a reduction include job loss, a decrease in income, or an increase in the cost of living that makes the current payments unmanageable. In some cases, the amount may have been miscalculated initially, and a detailed review of the original order could uncover errors or oversights.

To request a modification, the parent must demonstrate a "substantial, material, and permanent" change in circumstances. This can include financial hardship or changes in the child’s needs, such as reduced daycare or healthcare costs. It's important to act quickly and seek legal assistance when considering a modification, as Florida courts will not retroactively adjust child support before the filing date of the petition.

By working with an experienced Tampa child support attorney, parents can explore their options and ensure that any adjustments made are fair and in accordance with Florida law.