How is child support determined?

In Florida, child support is among the few areas of divorce law that is determined according to strict statutory guidelines. In calculating child support, the court looks at the total available income of both spouses and determines the percentage each spouse’s share bears to the total income of the parents. These percentages are then multiplied by the child support guideline amount found in the schedules listed in Chapter 61, Florida Statutes, thereby determining the amount for which each spouse is responsible. In addition to basic child support, the court will also determine responsibility for medical and dental care, day care and for special expenses applicable to the couples’ minor children.