Child Support in Florida: Understanding Your Rights & Obligations

Child support is a legal obligation in Florida, ensuring that both parents contribute to their child’s financial well-being. Whether you are seeking child support, modifying an existing order, or defending against an unfair claim, understanding Florida’s child support laws is essential.

At The Franklin Firm, PLLC, we help parents navigate the child support process, protect their rights, and ensure fair outcomes.

Florida courts calculate child support using the Florida Child Support Guidelines under Florida Statute 61.30. The amount is based on:

• Each parent’s income (salary, wages, bonuses, self-employment earnings, etc.)

• Time-sharing (custody arrangement) – The more overnight stays a parent has, the lower their support obligation may be.

• Child’s needs, including medical expenses, education, and daycare.

• Health insurance and childcare costs paid by each parent.

Child support is mandatory, and courts rarely allow parents to waive it, as it is for the child’s benefit—not the parents’.

A child support order can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as:

• Loss of a job or significant income change
• Change in parenting time (overnight stays increase/decrease)
• Medical or educational expenses increase
• One parent has another child to support

If you believe your child support payments are too high or too low, The Franklin Firm, PLLC can help petition for a modification.

Whether you are seeking child support, defending against excessive payments, or modifying an order, The Franklin Firm, PLLC is here to protect your rights. We provide strategic, results-driven representation to ensure a fair outcome for you and your child.