How is Florida child support amounts calculated?
The child support guideline amount presumptively establishes the amount the judge, or Trier of fact, shall order as child support in an initial proceeding for such support or in a proceeding for modification of an existing order for such support. It is determined by florida statute 61.30. The Trier of fact may order payment of child support which varies, plus or minus 5 percent, from the guideline amount, after considering all relevant factors, including the needs of the child or children, age, station in life, standard of living, and the financial status and ability of each parent. The Trier of fact may order payment of child support in an amount that varies more than 5 percent from such guideline amount only upon a written finding explaining why ordering payment of such guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate. The Trier of fact must order payment of child support which varies from the guideline amount whenever any of the children are required by court order or mediation agr
