Is Child Support Awarded When Both Parents Share Custody 50/50 in Florida?

Yes. In fact, Florida law prohibits courts from not awarding any child support. As we’ll see, the annual income of the parents plays a big role in how much child support is awarded in each case. If two parents were to make the exact same salary and split custody of their child exactly 50/50, a judge may be able to go outside the Florida child support guidelines, but that situation is exceptionally rare.

How Child Support Is Awarded in Florida

Under Florida law, both parents are required to provide financial support to their children. How much each parent contributes depends on how much time the child spends with the parent and how much money each parent earns.

Factors a court considers when determining child support include:

  • The income earned by both parents
  • The child’s monthly expenses, including education, childcare, and healthcare
  • Any special needs of the child
  • Insurance needs, including health insurance
  • The child’s standard of living

In Florida, the amount of child support that is paid is calculated using a specific formula. The formula takes into account each parent’s income and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. The formula also considers whether either parent has other children who are not part of this action.

Florida’s formula for calculating child support is complex, so you’re going to want to speak with a trusted legal advisor to help you estimate what your payment will be or how much you’ll receive each month. Be aware that more children will not exponentially increase child support payments, and a court must also find that a parent has the financial resources to be able to make child support payments. If a parent’s income is too little, they won’t be forced to pay child support as it would hinder their own ability to survive.

Child Support Deviation Factors

In some cases, a court may deviate from these guidelines when determining how much child support should be paid. A court may do this if it finds that the guideline amount would be unfair to either party or would not meet the needs of the child.

Factors that may be considered when making a deviation include:

  • The financial resources and needs of both parents and the child
  • The standard of living that the child would have enjoyed if both parents had not divorced or separated
  • Seasonal variations in a parent’s income or expenses
  • The parenting plan involved
  • The physical and emotional health needs of both parents and the child
  • The educational needs of both parents and/or the child
  • Any special needs that either parent or the child may have

The court may consider any other adjustments when determining child support, including debts or expenses that were incurred jointly during the marriage.

Speak With an Orlando Family Law Attorney Today Regarding Child Support and Child Custody Issues

It might sound counterintuitive, but Florida courts may still award child support when parents share custody 50/50. If you’re unsure how child support is calculated and you want to protect your rights, speak with a trusted Orlando family law attorney to help guide you.

An Orlando family lawyer can explain your rights and options regarding child custody and child support and guide you through the process.

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