Child support is an important issue in any divorce or paternity case. It is important to keep in mind that child support is for the benefit and support of your child. When considering child support the question is not "How much do I have to pay?" or "How much can I get?", but rather "What is necessary to adequately support the needs of my child?".
- Child Support Guidelines: In Florida, the child support guidelines serve as a starting point to calculate the amount that should be paid by each parent for support of their child. The guidelines factor in the net income of both parents as well as payments for health insurance coverage and to daycare providers. Using this information, the guidelines calculate an amount that each parent should contribute to the support of their child. However, there are a multitude of reasons that the guideline amount should be adjusted upwards or downwards including the educational, physical or psychological needs of the child.
- Timesharing: The most common reason for an adjustment occurs when both parents spend a significant amount of time with the child. In this circumstance, the assumption is that while each parent is spending time with the child, that parent is also financially providing for the needs of that child.
- Costs Not Covered: Certain expenses associated with caring for a child are not considered in the child support guidelines. These expenses include private school costs, tutoring cost, summer camps and extra-curricular activities. Any parenting plan should provide for the payment of these necessary expenses.
Don't let fear or uncertainty keep you from pursuing a necessary modification of your child support. Contact us today at Christmas Spano & Owen, P.A. and let us help you.
Brandon Child Support Attorneys
Christmas Spano & Owen, P.A. helps clients with child support matters throughout the State of Florida, with offices located in Riverview, Tampa, Clearwater, and Tallahassee. Our Riverview office is conveniently located near the intersection of I-75 and the Leroy Selmon Expressway. Call us today to schedule your consultation. You can reach us at 813-902-3897 or toll free at 888-432-7421, or contact us by email.
