What is the standard for awarding child support?

In Florida, the standard for awarding child support is based upon the income of each parent and the needs of the child. The court must consider the income and expenses of each parent, the health and educational needs of the child, as well as the ability of each parent to provide support. The court will look at the amount of time each parent spends with the child, the amount of time each parent has available for employment and any other factors that might affect a parent’s ability to pay support. When determining the amount of support to award, the court will consider the income of both parents, the financial needs of the child, the ages of the child, the standard of living of each parent prior to the divorce, the health of each parent, and any other relevant factors. The court may also consider the amount of time parents spend with their children and the lifestyle each parent affords the child. Once the court has determined the amount that should be paid, the parent who is responsible for paying support will be required to make the payments. This can be done through direct payment to the other parent, through wage withholding from the payer’s wages, or through the use of other payment methods as determined by the court. Child support payments cannot be changed or altered except by court order. A court order is needed to make changes in the amount, frequency or method of payment, or to modify or terminate the obligation. If there is a change in either parent’s income or the needs of the child, the court can modify the amount of support to ensure that the child is adequately provided for.

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What is the standard for awarding child support?

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