When it comes to child support orders, the court does not pull numbers out of thin air. Instead, there is a formula that takes multiple factors into account before ultimately recommending a reasonable monthly payment. The judge then has the power to increase or decrease this suggested amount depending on the circumstances.
If you have questions about calculating child support in Little Gables, our team of dedicated child support attorneys is here to help. While this process involves the use of a formula, you have the opportunity to make your case to the judge for a higher or lower payment.
How is Child Support Calculated?
In Little Gables, child support is calculated using standardized guidelines established by the state. These guidelines consider multiple factors to ensure that the child’s financial needs are met in proportion to each parent’s ability to contribute. The most important factor is the combined income of both parents, which is used to determine a basic support amount based on the number of children involved.
Next, the court looks at each parent’s share of that combined income to assign a percentage of the financial responsibility. Time-sharing is also a major consideration—specifically, how many overnight stays the child has with each parent. If the noncustodial parent has substantial time-sharing, this can reduce the support obligation.
Additional adjustments may be made for health insurance premiums, daycare or after-school costs, and other extraordinary expenses like special medical or educational needs. These costs are usually split proportionally based on each parent’s financial share.
While the court generally follows the guideline amounts, judges do have discretion to deviate upward or downward if special circumstances justify it. The goal is always to prioritize the child’s well-being while maintaining fairness between parents.
Understanding What Qualifies as Income
When parents in Little Gables calculate their child support amounts, a critical factor is the income of both parties. That means understanding how the term “income” is defined is crucial for anyone going through this process.
Your income is more than just the wages you receive. In addition to your paycheck, the state also considers most other sources of money income as well. The formula will take into account:
- Rental income
- Side gig money
- Commissions
- Bonuses
It is important to keep in mind that the court will also take action if it believes a parent is attempting to avoid paying what they owe. If a parent quits their job right before this obligation is calculated, with the intention to defraud the court, the judge can issue an order based on what they believe the parent could earn if they tried to maintain employment.
Time-Sharing and Child Support
In addition to income-related factors, one of the key elements in a child support determination is how time is shared. The more overnights a parent has with a child, the less likely they are to owe any support. The court will primarily look at what is best for the child when making these decisions. If it appears a parent is seeking more time with their child in order to lower their payments, the judge will take that into account.
Talk to an Attorney in Little Gables About Calculating Child Support
If you have questions about calculating child support in Little Gables, call our team right away. A free case evaluation with The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm could help you discover the answers you need.
Our team is prepared to guide you through every phase of the child support calculation process, and we can even make the case with a judge for deviating from the suggested amount. Reach out today to learn more in a free case evaluation.