In Florida , when the Court is asked to make a decision regarding child support it is required to set the support amount using an algebraic formula commonly referred to as “guideline child support.” The formula considers the number of children, the income of each parent, and the percentage of time the children are in each parent’s care. Computer programs have been designed to make the algebraic calculations considering the tax situation of each parent, as well as the deductions from each parent’s income for such things as health insurance, union dues, mandatory retirement and other support obligations actually paid by either parent .
When a child support order is issued, the amount of child support is based on the income of both parents and the needs of the child. Over time the needs of a child or the parent's income may change. If this happens, you may want to request an increase or decrease in the ordered child support. This change is called a modification. if both parties are in agreement they can mediate the change in child support and submit the agreement to the court.
Are There Any Alternatives to Guideline Child Support?
Couples can reach agreements to a child support amount that is greater or less than the guideline amount. For the Court to accept such an agreement the couple is required to acknowledge their right to have support set by guideline, that their agreement is in the best interest of the children and will allow each parent to adequately meet the needs of the children. It will also say what the child support would have been and what they are agreeing to. Ant the specific reason why the parties are deviating from the guidlines will go into the agreement.
Mediation gives the couple flexibility regarding the setting of child support. They may choose to stick to a guideline level of support, or they may look at the needs of each household and come up with a level of support that focuses more on how each of their needs can be best met. Guideline child support provides the Court with a quick mechanism to set support. Unfortunately, this level of support may either be unrealistic to the parent obligated to pay or insufficient for the supported parent to meet the needs of the children. Looking at all the circumstances of the couple rather than just the inputs that the guideline calculations call for, can aid in making a support decision that is best for the whole family.
