Clermont Child Support Lawyers

Strong Advocacy for Parents in the Four Corners Area & Surrounding Areas

Child support is a critical component of Florida family law. It requires that children receive the financial support necessary to meet their basic needs and maintain their well-being after a divorce or separation, or where paternity has been established for unmarried fathers.

At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we understand how vital it is to approach child support matters with clarity and care. We help parents resolve initial child support determinations, modifications, and enforcement. With 20+ years of experience in Florida family law, our team is well-versed in the statutes, the procedures, and the court system that addresses this issue. 

Request a consultation with a Clermont child support attorney at our firm by calling (888) 835-5840 or connecting with us online. Hablamos español.

How Does Florida Determine Child Support? 

Florida uses a standardized formula called the "Child Support Guidelines" to calculate child support obligations. 

This calculation considers several factors, including the following: 

• Income of both parents. The combined gross income of both parents plays a vital role in determining the amount of support required.
• Number of children. The number of children being supported influences the overall obligation.
• Health care and child care costs. The calculation includes child health insurance premiums, medical costs, and child care.
• Parenting time and custody arrangements. The amount of overnights a child spends with each parent directly affects each parent's financial responsibility.

This guidelines-based approach promotes consistency while considering each family's unique circumstances.

Who Pays Child Support?

Child support is typically paid by the parent who spends less time with the child, often referred to as the noncustodial parent. This parent must contribute financially to the child's care and well-being, regardless of whether they share legal decision-making authority with the other parent. 

Even in shared custody arrangements, one parent may still owe child support if their income is significantly higher than the other parent's or if their share of parenting time is less.

Child support is solely for the benefit of the child. It is intended to cover necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care, preserving the child’s quality of life to the fullest extent possible.

While parents can reach their own agreements regarding child support, these agreements must adhere to the state's guidelines and receive court approval.

Deviations in Child Support Calculations

Courts may allow deviations from the standard child support calculation under certain circumstances. 

Factors that may justify a deviation include the following.