Child Support

Establishment of Support – Child Support is determined pursuant to Florida Statute §61.30.  The calculation takes into consideration the gross income of the parties, allowable deductions, such as health insurance and daycare costs to determine the amount each party will be responsible  to contribute for the support of the minor children.

Modification/Termination of Support -There are specific grounds for a parent to successfully be granted a modification of child support, these are: 
  • When the court finds that it is in the best interests of the child.
  • When the child reaches majority.
  • When there is a substantial change in the circumstances of the parties.
  • When the circumstances or financial ability of either party changes.
However, to warrant a “substantial-change-in-circumstances” for a downward modification in support the court has held that such a change in circumstances must be significant, material, involuntary, and permanent.  The purpose behind this is in part to ensure that the duty of a parent to provide required court-ordered support is not deliberately avoided.  Additionally, the substantial change in circumstances must not have been contemplated or anticipated at the time of the original support order.

It is always best to sit down with an attorney and discuss your individual problems and needs.