Child Support
The State of Florida has established a formula on how to calculate each parent’s ongoing and retroactive child support obligation based on you and your spouse’s net income.
A child support obligation can begin up to two years prior to the date of the filing of the initial Petition for child support.
Generally, for W-2 employees the Court will first determine each party’s net income by subtracting allowable deductions such as federal taxes, Medicare, your health insurance premiums, mandatory union dues, and mandatory retirement, from your gross income. However, if someone is self-employed, reasonable, ordinary, and necessary expenses for the business may be considered when determining the business owner’s net income.
Your child(ren)’s health insurance premiums and daycare/aftercare expenses are also part of the child support calculation. You or your spouse’s housing expenses, car payment, utilities, etc. are generally NOT considered when calculating child support.
The other main factor that is considered when calculating child support is the timesharing arrangement with your child(ren). The timesharing arrangement between parents also affects child support calculations. Whenever a parent has over 72 of overnights per year, this may reduce their child support obligation to the other parent.
For additional information or questions regarding child support matters, contact Attorneys at Law Joseph M. Corey, Jr., P.A. at (305) 557-1750 for a FREE consultation. Payment plans available and credit cards accepted.