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Child Support & Timesharing in Florida
Comprehensive legal guidance for establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support and timesharing arrangements that serve the best interests of your child.
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
Child support and timesharing are fundamental aspects of paternity cases that ensure children receive financial support and maintain meaningful relationships with both parents.
Priority: Florida courts always prioritize the best interests of the child in all decisions.
Fairness: Support and timesharing arrangements are based on established guidelines and individual circumstances.
Child Support in Florida
Florida uses specific guidelines to calculate child support obligations based on both parents’ incomes and the child’s needs.
Support Calculation
Florida uses a statutory formula considering both parents’ gross incomes and the number of overnight stays.
- Combined parental income
- Number of children
- Timesharing schedule
- Health insurance costs
- Childcare expenses
Modifications
Support orders can be modified when there’s a substantial change in circumstances affecting either parent or the child.
- Income changes (15% or more)
- Job loss or promotion
- Changes in timesharing
- Medical needs changes
- Remarriage considerations
Enforcement
Florida has strong enforcement mechanisms to ensure child support obligations are met consistently.
- Wage garnishment
- Asset seizure
- License suspension
- Contempt of court
- Credit reporting
Timesharing Arrangements
Florida encourages meaningful relationships between children and both parents through fair and practical timesharing schedules.
Factors Considered
Child’s Best Interests
The child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs are the primary consideration.
Parent-Child Relationship
Quality and history of the relationship between each parent and the child.
Practical Considerations
Work schedules, distance between homes, school location, and child’s activities.
Common Arrangements
Primary Residence
Child primarily lives with one parent, visits the other.
Shared Parenting
Child spends substantial time with both parents.
Alternating Schedule
Weekly, bi-weekly, or other rotating arrangements.
Holiday & Summer
Special arrangements for holidays and school breaks.
Comprehensive Parenting Plans
Florida requires detailed parenting plans that address all aspects of the child’s care and the parents’ responsibilities.
Primary Residence
Child primarily lives with one parent, visits the other.
Communication Guidelines
How parents will communicate about the child’s needs and activities.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, and other important matters.
How to Prepare for Your Case
Proper preparation strengthens your case and helps achieve the best possible outcome.
1
Case Assessment
Comprehensive review of your situation, income, and relationship with your child.
2
Documentation
Gather financial records, employment information, and other necessary documentation.
3
Negotiation
Work with the other parent to reach mutually acceptable support and timesharing agreements.
4
Court Action
Present your case to the court if agreement cannot be reached through negotiation.
Special Circumstances
We handle complex situations that require specialized legal expertise and tailored solutions.
High-Income Cases
Support calculations for families with incomes above the statutory guidelines require special consideration.
Relocation Issues
When a parent wants to move with the child, special procedures and considerations apply.
Special Needs Children
Additional support and specialized timesharing arrangements for children with special needs.
Military Families
Unique considerations for military families including deployment and base assignments.
International Cases
Cross-border enforcement and international custody considerations.
Safety Concerns
Protective measures and supervised visitation when safety is a concern.
Protect Your Child’s Future
Ensure your child receives the support they deserve and maintains strong relationships with both parents. Our experienced attorneys will fight for fair and practical arrangements.