Custody

• Before defining child support guidelines, the court must first determine legal custody of the minor child. This determination is based upon the child's best interests and abilities of each potential custodian. In the determination of custody, the court offers fathers the same consideration as mothers. A final designation of custody represents the best environment and situation for the minor child.
  
  

Responsibility

• Florida uses a "shared income" model to calculate the amount of child support in each case. This model takes into consideration the amount of income available to the child had the family remained together. Shared responsibility for this amount is then divided between the parents, depending on each parents' income level. Net income is determined by combining all sources of income, then deducting certain expenses, such as taxes, health insurance, other child support, mandatory retirement plans and professional union dues. For example, in a situation where the father makes more money than the mother, the father's portion of the child support would be greater.
  
  

Amount

• Minimum child support required is determined by state statutes and takes into consideration the combined net income of both parents and the number of children involved. For example, parents with a combined monthly net income of $3,356 and two children would have a monthly child support obligation of $1,105. This amount would then be divided between the parents, depending on each parent's individual income.
  
  

Modification

• Modification of Florida court-ordered child support is possible, based on individual situations or circumstances. Examples include a temporary increase in support to cover emergency health issues, pay long-term health care, make adjustments for seasonal income fluctuations, or take into consideration a child's independent income.
  
  

Enforcement

• Non-payment of Florida court-ordered child support can result in the suspension of professional licenses or certificates, the suspension of state driving privileges, reporting of delinquent payment to credit reporting agencies, fines or even arrest. Responsibility for enforcement of these guidelines falls to the Florida Department of Revenue.