When parents split up, figuring out child support becomes one of the most critical (and often debated) parts of the process. Who pays what? How is it calculated? And why does it sometimes feel like the numbers don’t add up? If you need help with properly calculating child support in Coral Gables, allow our experienced child support attorney to break it down in a way that actually makes sense.
How The State Calculates Child Support
Co-parents in Coral Gables have a standard formula for calculating child support, but don’t expect it to be as simple as plugging in a couple of numbers and getting a magic answer. There are a lot of moving parts. The court looks at both parents’ incomes, time-sharing arrangements, and essential expenses like health insurance, childcare, and medical costs.
At its core, the state follows Florida Child Support Guidelines, which establish a baseline based on combined income. The more that the parents earn, the higher the support calculation. But that’s just the starting point—adjustments happen depending on other factors. If one parent has the child most of the time, the other typically pays more. If the time is split evenly, the amount might be reduced or, in some cases, eliminated altogether.
What Actually Counts as Income?
Income is not just what’s on your paycheck. Florida considers almost every source of money, including wages, self-employment earnings, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and even side projects. So if one parent is running a thriving Etsy shop on the side, the court can factor that in.
And what if a parent conveniently quits their job right before child support is calculated? That usually will not work. The court can impute income, meaning they will estimate what that parent should be making based on their work history, education, and the job market. In other words, quitting to avoid child support will not result in a reduced payment.
When it comes to expenses, the court looks at necessary costs like health insurance, daycare, and medical bills. If a parent has other children they are legally responsible for, that might lower their child support obligation—but it does not erase it.
How Time-Sharing Impacts Child Support
Calculating child support in Coral Gables is not just about money—it’s about time, too. The number of overnights each parent has with the child plays a big role in the final amount. Generally, the more time a parent spends with their child, the less they might owe in support. But that does not mean parents can fight for more time just to cut their payments; judges see right through that.
At the end of the day, the court’s goal is what’s best for the child—not what is most financially convenient for either parent. If time-sharing is split equally, support calculations may be adjusted. However, if one parent is clearly the primary caregiver, the other is expected to contribute financially.
Call a Coral Gables Attorney to Discuss the Calculation of Child Support Today
Child support can feel like a confusing maze of numbers, legal jargon, and endless paperwork. Whether you need to establish, modify, or enforce child support, The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm is here to help. Schedule a free case evaluation today and make sure the court is fairly calculating child support, so your child gets the care they need.