Provide For Your Child With Guidance From A Skilled Florida Child Support Attorney

Last updated on April 23, 2026

Lesley Turmelle Abbott, P.A., has dealt with all forms of child support cases, from establishing child support, modifications and contempt cases to any other type of enforcement hearing, i.e., suspension of driver’s licenses, etc.

In determining child support, the number of overnights the minor children spend with each parent is taken into consideration in doing the calculation of the number. The amount paid for day care and health and dental insurance is also included in the final child support number.

Let Ms. Abbott represent you in your complex child support case in Viera, Melbourne Beach, Rockledge or other parts of Brevard County.

How Do Florida Courts Calculate Child Support?

Florida child support is calculated using a formula based primarily on both parents’ finances and the child’s needs. The process begins by determining each parent’s monthly net income. This includes wages as well as bonuses and commissions, self-employment income, rental income, unemployment benefits and other income sources. It also deducts some expenses like taxes, mandatory union dues and qualifying insurance costs.

The parents’ combined net incomes are the total monthly income used to calculate support under Florida’s guideline schedule. Once the court calculates the guideline support amount, Florida divides that obligation between the parents based on their share of the combined net income. For example, if one parent earns 60% of the combined income, that parent is typically responsible for 60% of the guideline support amount if they have equal parenting time.

Parenting time can significantly affect the final support amount. If one parent has the child most of the time, that parent typically receives support. If parents have a more balanced schedule for their parenting time, Florida courts may adjust the support based on that shared parenting.

Although Florida courts generally follow guideline amounts, a judge can order a different amount if following the guidelines would be unfair or inappropriate.

Common reasons for deviation include:

• Significant medical or educational needs
• Seasonal or fluctuating income
• A parent’s substantial assets
• Special circumstances affecting the child’s best interests

Florida law permits deviations, but the court typically must explain the reason in writing if the amount differs significantly from the guideline result.

Factors That Determine Child Support In Florida

Child support in Florida is designed to ensure children receive consistent financial support from both parents. Several key factors influence the final child support amount:

• Each parent’s income: Florida child support calculations start with both parents’ net monthly income.
• The number of children and their needs: Guidelines vary based on how many children are involved. The child’s needs also matter, especially when there are special circumstances such as educational expenses, ongoing medical needs or any disabilities that require additional care.
• The amount of time each parent will care for their child: Florida uses a time-sharing model. The number of overnights each parent has can significantly affect child support.
• The cost of health insurance and medical care: Courts factor in who pays for the child’s health insurance premiums and any uninsured medical, dental and vision expenses.
• Child care costs: Work-related child care (such as day care needed for a parent to work or attend school) is commonly included in the child support calculation.
• Each parent’s ability to pay: The court also considers each parent’s ability to pay and other financial responsibilities.
• Either parent’s other support obligations: If a parent is already paying child support for other children or has other court-ordered support obligations, that can impact the available income used to calculate a new support amount.
• Any extraordinary expenses involved in the child’s life: Some expenses fall outside typical guideline assumptions. Costs like private school tuition, extracurricular activities with significant costs or travel expenses related to time-sharing may be shared and can justify deviations from guideline amounts.
• Imputed income: If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may “impute” income based on their work history and education, their earning potential and available job opportunities in the area. This helps prevent a parent from reducing income to avoid paying support.

Unemployment Does Not Stop Child Support Obligations

Every child is entitled to support from both parents. Even if a party is not working at the time child support is established, a judge may assess the minimum wage to the unemployed parent. If a parent has quit their job in an attempt to avoid paying child support, the judge may assess their past income when establishing child support.

Paternity Questions

A Brevard County parent has the right to be represented by an attorney for any Department of Revenue (DOR) hearings. DOR can establish child support without having a hearing. The only way to “fix” these orders would be to appeal those orders or file a paternity action to establish a timesharing schedule (visitation). Ms. Abbott has handled many child support cases dealing with DOR.

Call Ms. Abbott Today

If you have a challenging child support issue that needs resolution, turn to Ms. Abbott, lead attorney at Lesley Turmelle Abbott, P.A.. She has more than twenty (20) years of legal experience to guide you through matters with confidence. Let her be your zealous advocate for a favorable solution.

To reach her Satellite Beach office, call 321-253-2275 or send her an email. Schedule a consultation today. She serves clients throughout Satellite Beach, Cocoa, Palm Bay and the whole of Brevard County.