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How Much Is The Average Monthly Florida Child Support Payment?
When Florida couples with children divorce, child support is a given outcome. But what is the average child support payment in the Sunshine State? The answer to that question: It’s difficult to know because the data is not publicly available.
Across the United States, 4.1 million parents received child support in the form of cash payments in 2021, according to the U.S. Census. The average monthly payment was $441. The Florida Department of Revenue, which handles child support payments in the state, does not disclose the average child support payment. The department does reveal that it sends payments to more than 1.2 million children, totaling over $1.6 billion annually.
Florida’s Child Support Guidelines
All states have child support payment guidelines. Florida’s child support guidelines were established by the law, and the court or agency issuing the child support order must use these guidelines for the initial order and modifications to the order.
When determining child support payments, Florida’s guidelines require the court or agency to take into account the income of both parents, the child’s healthcare and childcare costs, the standard needs of the child, which are based on the child’s age, and the parents’ net income. They also must consider the amount of time the child will spend with each parent.
Baseline Monthly Child Support Amounts
Florida’s child support guidelines include a schedule based on the parents’ combined monthly net income–ranging from $800 to $10,000–and the number of children. This table is used to determine the minimum child support needed.
For a couple with one child and a combined income of $800, the minimum support needed in 2024 is $190 per month. For three children, it’s $213 per month. With a combined income of $5,000, the minimum monthly child support for one child is $1,000; for three children, it increases to $1939.
During the divorce process, the parents must complete Florida’s child support guidelines worksheet and file it with the court. They also must submit financial affidavits that detail their gross income. Gross income encompasses almost all income, including employment, workers’ compensation benefits and settlements, pension, Social Security benefits, and spousal support.
Deductions should be subtracted to calculate net income. A few important allowable deductions are payments for a separate child support order, alimony, taxes, union dues, and each parent’s medical insurance.
To calculate each parent’s contribution to the child support payment, they divide each of their incomes by their total combined income. If they have a total combined income of $4,000 and one parent’s income is $3,000, that parent will be responsible for 75% of the child support payment.
Adjustments To The Baseline Amount
Again, the payment amounts in the guidelines are baseline. Certain factors may result in adjustments, such as those stipulated by the law–the child’s health insurance and other medical costs, childcare expenses, and the number of overnights the child has with each parent. The court may also make adjustments based on the child’s age, needs, and standard of living. If the child has a disability, the court may increase the amount.
Only The Court Will Know The Exact Amount
While it may be difficult to know what the average child support payment is in Florida, the guidelines established by the state can help parents get a ballpark figure. Alternatively, as the Florida Department of Revenue suggests, parents can get an estimate using an online Florida child support calculator. In the end, only the court can determine the exact amount that a parent will pay. Contact McMichen, Cinami & Demps in Orlando, Florida, today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Contact Our Child Support Law Firm in Orlando, FL
Contact the experienced Orlando child support lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for legal assistance. Contact our Orlando, FL office at (407) 898-2161 to schedule a free consultation.
McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803