Florida Child Support Attorney

Child support plays a critical role in ensuring a child’s financial needs are met following a separation or divorce. At The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C., we represent clients across Florida in establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support obligations in accordance with state guidelines. Our firm focuses exclusively on family law, allowing us to navigate Florida statutes, income calculations, and support factors with precision. Whether you are seeking support or responding to a claim, we work to secure fair, accurate, and enforceable outcomes that protect your child’s well-being and your financial stability.

Establishing and Enforcing Support Under Florida Guidelines

Child support in Florida is calculated under statutory guidelines designed to ensure that children receive financial support from both parents. Whether support is being established in a divorce or paternity case, or enforced after a court order has been entered, accurate income calculation and statutory compliance are essential.

Child support in Florida is governed primarily by Section 61.30, Florida Statutes.

The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. represents parents in child support matters throughout Southwest Florida and the greater Tampa Bay region, including but not limited to, Sarasota County, Manatee County, Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Lee County, Hillsborough County, and Pinellas County. Every consultation is conducted directly with a licensed Divorce and Matrimonial Law Attorney, not a salesperson, not a case manager, and not an intake team.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Florida uses a statutory formula known as the Child Support Guidelines.

The calculation considers:

  • Each parent’s gross monthly income
  • Allowable deductions
  • Number of children
  • Health insurance costs
  • Daycare expenses
  • Overnights exercised by each parent

 

The court combines both parents’ incomes to determine the total support obligation, then allocates each parent’s share proportionally.

What Counts as Income for Child Support?

Income may include:

  • Salary and wages
  • Bonuses and commissions
  • Self-employment income
  • Business distributions
  • Rental income
  • Investment income
  • Retirement income
  • Social Security benefits

 

Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Deviation From Child Support Guidelines

While the guidelines create a presumptive amount, courts may deviate when appropriate based on statutory factors, including:

  • Extraordinary medical expenses
  • Special needs of the child
  • Independent income of the child
  • Seasonal income variations
  • Parenting time adjustments

 

Any deviation must be supported by written findings.

Duration of Child Support

Child support typically continues until the child:

  • Turns 18
  • Graduates high school (if before age 19)

 

Support may extend beyond age 18 in cases involving special needs children.

Health Insurance and Uncovered Medical Expenses

Florida courts require that health insurance for the child be addressed. Parents may also share responsibility for:

  • Uncovered medical expenses
  • Dental and orthodontic costs
  • Prescription expenses

Allocation is typically proportional to income.

Enforcement of Child Support

If child support is not paid, enforcement options may include:

  • Income withholding
  • Contempt proceedings
  • License suspension
  • Tax refund interception
  • Liens on property

 

Florida courts take nonpayment seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is child support automatic in Florida divorce?
Yes, if minor children are involved, support must be addressed.

Can child support be waived?
Generally no. Child support is considered the right of the child.

What if the other parent hides income?
Financial discovery and forensic investigation may be necessary.

Speak With a Florida Child Support Attorney

If you need to establish, modify, or enforce child support, experienced legal representation ensures compliance with Florida guidelines and protection of your child’s financial interests.

Contact The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. to schedule a confidential consultation regarding child support in Florida.

Call us at (773) 893-0228.

Locations

Address

123 W Main Street, Suite 400 Chicago, IL 60601

Address

1201 6th Ave W STE 100 Unit #677 Bradenton, Florida 34205