Child support is a child’s legal right to obtain financial support and care from their parents. The court order enforces child support to secure payment from guardians or parents to cover the expenses related to children’s upbringing. There is a specific formula for child support payment by the parent, which depends on several factors[i].
It is critical to understand the factors which impact the court’s final order to achieve the best resolution for all stakeholders. At Giovannetti Thurston, PLLC, we can provide legal help for you as you navigate and seek to understand more about child support cases.
How to Apply for Child Support in Florida
At the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), you can submit an initial order to apply for child support in Florida. You need to fill the form with complete personal details, including contact information and social security number. Additional details may also be required depending on your case.
- The first step is to establish paternity.
- Child support case is included in the marriage dissolution case with children
- The legislature develops child support guidelines according to the Florida Statutes, Section 61.30[ii].
Factors Considered While Deciding Child Support
It is the noncustodial parent’s responsibility to pay the child support amount as specified in a court order to the custodial parent[iii]. However, there are several factors that the judge considers while deciding child support. These include:
- Costs of health insurance
- Number of overnights with a parent
- Educational expenses
- And both parent’s relative income[iv].
The number of overnights that a child spent with each parent is a significant aspect of the judge’s decision. In general, a noncustodial parent with whom a child has spent more overnights pays less for child support.
Giovannetti Thurston, PLLC, can help you make an informed decision regarding your child support.