Child support is money paid by one parent to the other parent to provide financial support to a child or children. Child support helps to ensure that children are happy and healthy and that both parents share the responsibility of supporting the children. When some parents learn the amount of child support the court is requiring them to pay, they may feel confused, angry, or cheated – especially if they know other parents in similar circumstances who do not pay as much child support. For example, did you know that in Florida, a parent of four children can pay less in child support than the parent of one child? How child support is calculated can often be confusing and complicated for all parties involved. This research guide serves to educate on all aspects of child support in Florida.
According to a new report released by the U.S. Census Bureau, the majority (70.1%) of the nation’s children under age 18 lived with two parents, 21.4% lived with their mother, 4.4% with their father, and 4.0% did not live with a parent in 2019. The rising number of broken families has resulted in a massive increase in child support cases nationwide. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/living-arrangements-of-chldren.html
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The 50% divorce rate only applies to first marriages. Those who wed multiple times face a far higher rate of divorce. In fact, 67% of second marriages end in divorce, and 73% of third marriages end in divorce. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/divorce/divorce-statistics/
In a Florida divorce or child custody case, the judge will consider the children’s best interests when deciding how time-sharing will be allocated amongst the parents. See Florida Statute 61.13. Florida custody law does not give any preference to mothers or fathers when deciding child custody matters. Instead, the custody arrangement will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
Samantha Diane Carlson
Degree Sought: JD
Current Standing: 2L