Florida law recognizes the care of ones child to be a duty and unlike alimony, it can never be waived by a contract. Courts have adamantly encouraged both parents to share in the expense and joy of raising ones own, and yes it is expensive but well worth it.

Child support is for the care and well being of the child. The support typically helps cover the childs living expenses such as: food, water, shelter, and healthcare. However, if a child has special needs (such as heavy medical expenses) these expenses can be added to the amount of money one receives for the care of the child. The money received is not counted as income and unlike alimony, no taxes are paid on it.

To determine who will pay for child support is often based upon who is the primary caretaker of the child and who is secondary. A primary caretaker typically has the child for the majority of the time. To determine the amount to pay, Florida follows a "Child Support Guideline Table," which gives a calculation based on the number of children, the wages you earned (includes retirement), and the number of sleepovers at their respective parents homes. However, if both parents share custody and have equal time sharing the amount given in child support may be negligible. Parents may also through the course of their divorce contract amongst themselves to the court on how much one will pay.

Child support payments can be modified if there is a substantial need that was not accounted for. Courts typically look for at least a 15% change in circumstances. Necessary changes include an increase or decrease in income by the parent in need or by the parent who is paying. This can happen with the lose of a job or illness or maybe your child is not going to a private school anymore. However, a person seeking to forgo child support payments by not working voluntarily will not be protected and could face court sanctions including contempt. Typically, it is encouraged to review your child support plan once every three years to make any necessary changes.

Child support typically last until the child reaches the age of majority, which in Florida is 18 years old. The parent who is paying for support must file a notice with the court of the child being of age and his/her request to stop making payments. A parent of a child who is still in high school at age 18 may ask for the payments to continue.

When thinking of your childs future it is important to get with a family law attorney Clermont FL who knows the in and outs of child support.

For more information Visit https://www.jjlawfl.com/


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