Florida Child Support Statute - Laws -

61.13  Custody and support of children; visitation rights; power of court in making orders.—

(1)(a)  In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, the court may at any time order either or both parents who owe a duty of support to a child to pay support in accordance with the guidelines in s. 61.30. The court initially entering an order requiring one or both parents to make child support payments shall have continuing jurisdiction after the entry of the initial order to modify the amount and terms and conditions of the child support payments when the modification is found necessary by the court in the best interests of the child, when the child reaches majority, or when there is a substantial change in the circumstances of the parties. The court initially entering a child support order shall also have continuing jurisdiction to require the obligee to report to the court on terms prescribed by the court regarding the disposition of the child support payments.

(b)  Each order for support shall contain a provision for health care coverage for the minor child when the coverage is reasonably available. Coverage is reasonably available if either the obligor or obligee has access at a reasonable rate to a group health plan. The court may require the obligor either to provide health care coverage or to reimburse the obligee for the cost of health care coverage for the minor child when coverage is provided by the obligee. In either event, the court shall apportion the cost of coverage, and any noncovered medical, dental, and prescription medication expenses of the child, to both parties by adding the cost to the basic obligation determined pursuant to s. 61.30(6). The court may order that payment of uncovered medical, dental, and prescription medication expenses of the minor child be made directly to the obligee on a percentage basis.

What the Florida Statutes mean:

In any divorce with minor children (under 18) the court will order the parents to pay child support.   The main consideration is known as "best interests of the child."  While the court will consider potential benefits or harm to either parent, the primary goal is to provide for and safeguard minor children.

The court will also retain jurisdiction of your case if there are minor children involved.  This means the judge has authority to later change support amounts based on your changing situation and based on what is best for the children.

Finally, the court will also provide for other needs of the child such as medical insurance, medical and dental care, and other special needs.  Costs of these provisions are normally split between the parents.

The Bottom Line:

The court will order each spouse the pay child support.  This is something you can count on because Florida places a high priority on making parents support their children.  Child support is based on Florida Child Support Guidelines, available in our self help center.

The law requires support from both parents but the primary residential parent normally retains his or her payment and uses it directly for the children.

   Child support payments are a property right of the children, not the parents.  This means that parents cannot make a mutual agreement for child support that is vastly different then the amounts shown on this chart.

Divorce can be the single most important event in your life.  Make sure you gather lots of information so you can make informed decisions.  Many people can benefit from the advice of a good, honest, loyal divorce attorney.  The Divorce Center can provide a divorce attorney that can help you protect yourself.  A lawyer is not an expense in a divorce case - they are an investment. We help clients in Hernando County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, and Hillsborough County. Our service area includes Tampa, Clearwater, Largo, New Port Richey, Brooksville, Dade City, and the New Tampa area. CONTACT US NOW or call 888-469-3486

    

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