Child Support
Clear Guidance for Fair, Accurate Support Orders
Child support decisions have a direct impact on a child’s stability and future, and the process can feel overwhelming without experienced guidance. Saxey Law PLLC helps parents throughout Okaloosa County and the Emerald Coast—including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and nearby communities—establish, modify, and enforce child support orders that protect children while remaining fair to both parents.
Ensuring Fair Child Support
Protecting Your Child’s Financial Stability
Florida law requires both parents to contribute to their child’s financial needs, and child support exists to ensure that responsibility is shared equitably. The state uses a structured formula that considers each parent’s income, the time-sharing schedule, childcare costs, and health insurance expenses. We work carefully to ensure that all financial information is accurate and complete so support calculations are based on reality—not assumptions or incomplete disclosures. Our goal is to secure support orders that meet a child’s needs without creating unnecessary financial strain for either parent. With clear guidance and thorough preparation, we help parents move forward with confidence.
Calculating Child Support in Florida
How the Guidelines Work
Florida follows a Child Support Guidelines chart that begins by combining both parents’ monthly net incomes to determine the total support amount for the child. That figure is then allocated between the parents based on their respective income percentages and adjusted according to the number of overnights each parent has. Income can include wages, bonuses, disability benefits, and other sources, while allowable deductions may include taxes, health insurance premiums, and existing support obligations. Saxey Law carefully reviews these figures to ensure income is not hidden, overstated, or improperly excluded.
Key factors in the calculation include:
- Each parent’s net income
- The number of children
- Time-sharing and overnight schedules
- Childcare and health insurance costs
Establishing and Modifying Support
From Initial Orders to Changes Over Time
Child support issues may arise during divorce, paternity cases, or as standalone matters, and we assist parents at every stage. For parents receiving support, we ensure that all relevant expenses—such as childcare, medical needs, and education-related costs—are properly considered. For paying parents, we work to confirm that support obligations reflect true income and realistic financial circumstances. When life changes occur, Florida allows modifications if the change would alter support by at least 15% or $50. We represent parents seeking increases, decreases, or temporary adjustments so support orders remain fair and appropriate.
Enforcement and Nonpayment Issues
Ensuring Compliance With Court Orders
When child support is not paid as ordered, Florida law provides enforcement tools designed to protect the child’s financial security. These may include income deduction orders, interception of tax refunds, driver’s license suspensions, and contempt proceedings in serious cases. We help clients document missed payments, file enforcement motions, and present clear evidence to the court. If you are accused of nonpayment, we assist in responding appropriately and pursuing modifications when financial hardship or job loss is involved. Our focus is on resolving issues efficiently and minimizing unnecessary conflict.
Other Child Support Considerations
Understanding Duration and Special Circumstances
In Florida, child support typically continues until a child turns 18 or graduates from high school if graduation occurs before age 19. In cases involving children with special needs, support may extend beyond these timelines depending on the circumstances. Child support and time-sharing are separate legal issues—support cannot be withheld due to visitation disputes, and time-sharing cannot be denied because support has not been paid. Support obligations may also arise in paternity cases involving unmarried parents, and we assist clients in establishing these orders when needed. Saxey Law provides steady guidance so families understand their rights, responsibilities, and options at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions – Child Support
Answers to Common Florida Support Concerns
How much will my child support be?
Child support amounts vary widely because they depend on income, time-sharing schedules, childcare costs, and health insurance contributions. Florida uses a standardized formula that provides structure, but the results still depend on accurate financial documentation. We can give you a realistic estimate once we review your income details and expenses. A consultation allows us to calculate guideline support for your exact situation so you know what to expect.
Do I have to pay child support if we have 50/50 custody?
You might still owe support even with equal time-sharing, especially if there is a significant difference in income. Florida’s formula ensures the child enjoys a comparable standard of living in both households, which sometimes requires the higher-earning parent to contribute. If incomes and expenses are roughly equal, support may be minimal or eliminated entirely. We help you understand how the guideline applies to your specific time-sharing arrangement.
What if my ex isn’t spending the child support money on the kids?
Courts generally do not track how support payments are spent day-to-day, because support is presumed to cover a wide range of household and child-related expenses. As long as the child’s needs are being met, there is usually no requirement for accounting. If the child is being neglected or basic needs are not met, that becomes a custody or welfare issue rather than strictly a financial one. We help clients determine the proper legal path when concerns about the child’s care arise.
Can we agree on no child support?
Parents may agree to a different amount, but the court must still review the arrangement to ensure it meets legal guidelines. Completely waiving support is rare because the right to support belongs to the child, not the parents. Minor deviations are sometimes approved when justified, such as when both parents earn similar incomes and share time equally. We help structure agreements that are fair, enforceable, and compliant with Florida’s requirements.
Can child support be modified if I lose my job?
Yes, you can request a modification if your income changes significantly through no fault of your own. Florida typically requires at least a 15% or $50 change in the support amount to allow modification. It is crucial to file as soon as your situation changes, because courts do not usually apply reductions retroactively before the filing date. We help clients request temporary or permanent adjustments to prevent arrears and financial strain.