Yes, it is possible that you will have to pay child support if you have 50/50 custody in Florida. It all depends on each parent’s financial situation, what expenses each parent incurs when caring for the children, and the children’s needs.
Our Orlando child support lawyers can figure out what a fair child support agreement looks like in your case. We can even modify the agreement later if your or your former spouse’s situation changes.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?
Under Florida law, the amount of time you spend with your children is just one factor that the court will use to decide how much you have to pay in child support. Even if you have 50/50 custody, you could still end up paying child support if:
- You make substantially more money than your former spouse
- Your former spouse is unemployed
- Your former spouse has to pay additional costs related to raising the children, such as the cost of daycare
The amount you pay is determined by how much you make and how many children you have, although the judge does have the right to increase or decrease this amount (within limits) based on each family’s needs and circumstances. You and your former spouse will likely need to submit financial documents to the court to prove your respective income levels.
How Does Your Time-Sharing Agreement Affect Your Child Support Payments?
The answer to this question may vary on a case-by-case basis. In general, if a parent is caring for the children less than 20 percent of the time, they will be expected to pay a certain amount of child support. Once their share of responsibility is 20 percent or more, they may or may not have to pay support, depending on other factors.
To consult with an experienced family law lawyer today
(855) 780-9986
What Does Child Support Cover?
The amount you pay in child support helps your former spouse cover the things they need to properly care for your children. This includes basics like food, clothing, and the children’s health insurance, as well as any additional expenses required to cover your children’s specific needs.
Can You Modify Child Support in Florida?
Yes, but you need a good reason for doing so. The following are all acceptable reasons for requesting child support modification:
- One parent is now spending significantly more time with the children than the other parent
- You have lost your job and cannot keep up with payments
- Your spouse is making more money and no longer needs as much child support (or should be paying you child support)
How Do You Modify Child Support?
An Orlando family lawyer can notify your former spouse and the court about your need for a modification. Then we can work with all involved parties to alter the existing support agreement to everyone’s satisfaction.
What if I Stop Paying Child Support?
If you stop making payments without getting permission from the court, you could face a variety of consequences. According to the Florida Department of Revenue:
- Your driver’s license or professional license could be suspended.
- The Child Support Program might put a lien on your motor vehicle or other eligible property.
- Your employer might withhold some of your income.
- If you applied for a passport, your application may be denied.
- You may be taken to court.
The consequences you face may depend on how long it has been since your last payment and how much money you owe. The court may even try to work with you to make it easier for you to pay what you owe and avoid further trouble. However, it is better to avoid these problems by either making your payments on time or promptly notifying your lawyer if you cannot make payments.
When Does Child Support End in Florida?
Typically, you stop paying child support when your children reach 18 years of age. However, exceptions may exist if, for example, the child needs an extra year to finish high school. In this case, you may have to continue paying child support a while longer.
Click to contact our Florida Attorneys today
Does Modifying Your Parenting Plan Affect Child Support Payments?
It could. Your parenting plan details how much time each parent will spend with the children during the school year and on breaks or holidays. It may also outline which parent has to pay relevant transportation costs or the cost of your children’s extracurricular activities (e.g., sports uniforms and equipment).
If there is a substantial change to any of these categories, your child support payments may be affected. For example, if you move out of state and your former spouse has to take over caring for the children on a full-time basis—in other words, if you no longer have 50/50 custody—your payments will increase.
If you want more information about how your parenting plan affects your child support payments, or if you believe the amount you are paying is not appropriate for any reason, our Orlando child custody lawyers are here to listen.
Do You Need a Child Support Lawyer?
It is always a good idea to seek legal advice when you are facing any family law issue. Our legal team can:
- Review all relevant documentation, including your financial documents
- Ensure your child support and child custody documents are in order and reflect your children’s best interests
- Calculate how much your child support payments should be
- Address any misunderstandings or disagreements regarding payments
Submit a Consultation Request form today
Our Child Support Lawyers Are Ready to Hear About Your Case
You want what is best for your children, but you also want to ensure that both you and your former spouse are each contributing fairly to your children’s upbringing. This may or may not include paying child support if you have 50/50 custody in Florida.
Call Bogin, Munns & Munns today for more information. We are here for Florida and here for you.
Call or Submit Our Consultation Request Form Today
