When parents separate or divorce, ensuring the well-being of the children involved becomes the court’s top priority. In Florida, child support is a legal obligation designed to provide children with the financial resources they need to grow, thrive, and maintain stability—regardless of which parent has custody.

At Crag Chaderton Law, we advocate for fair and accurate child support outcomes that serve the best interests of the child while protecting our client’s rights. Whether you're seeking support, being asked to pay it, or need to modify an existing order, our legal team is here to guide you every step of the way.

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a court-ordered payment that one parent makes to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child. These payments are meant to provide for a child’s:

Housing and utilities

Food and clothing

Health care and medical insurance

Educational needs

Childcare and extracurricular activities

In Florida, both parents are legally required to contribute financially to the upbringing of their child. Child support ensures that children receive the benefit of both parents' income, even if the parents are no longer together.

We view child support as a shared responsibility, and we work to ensure that support arrangements are based on accurate financial information, reasonable expectations, and the best interests of the child. Whether you're the parent seeking support or the one being asked to provide it, our role is to protect your rights while helping to build a stable foundation for your child. 

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Florida courts follow a standardized formula based on the Florida Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines consider several key factors:

Each parent’s gross income

Number of overnight stays each parent has with the child (time-sharing)

Costs of health insurance, daycare, and medical expenses

Number of children involved

Any special needs or extraordinary expenses

The result is a support amount intended to reflect what the child would have received had the parents remained together.

However, the court has the discretion to deviate from the guideline amount if there is a valid reason—such as financial hardship, special needs, or substantial travel costs related to visitation.

Modifying or Enforcing Child Support

Life changes—and sometimes, so do financial circumstances. Either parent may request a modification of the child support order if there has been a significant, lasting change such as:

Loss of employment

Increase or decrease in income

Change in the child’s medical or educational needs

Change in time-sharing arrangement

If a parent fails to pay child support, the law provides enforcement tools such as wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, or even legal penalties. We help both custodial and non-custodial parents navigate these situations with clarity and care.