In determining the amount of child support to be paid in a Florida divorce case, courts have established a precise numerical formula for calculating those payments. The Florida child support guidelines are based on factors such as the children's health care expenses and the number of days the child stays overnight at each parent's house. Ultimately, Florida family law courts are confined to this formula to establish payments.

For example, a child may possibly hold a job as a hostess or a bus boy at a local restaurant. If this child is earning enough income to purchase his or her own clothes, or pay for his or her own car insurance or medical expenses, child support payments may be lower than the formula establishes.

A board certified Tampa family law attorney can guide you through court proceedings in this scenario. While a modification or deviation from the formula is not guaranteed, the court will take your situation into consideration when calculating payments.

Bottom Line: The Florida child support guidelines contain exceptions to the usual formula.

(copyright Stann Givens 2009)