When a relationship ends and children are involved, the questions come fast. Who pays? How much? What happens if circumstances change? Child support is one of the most emotionally charged, and legally complex, areas of family law. And if you’re navigating it in South Florida, you deserve a team that knows both the law and this community.
At Sanchez Vadillo LLP, we understand that child support isn’t just about numbers; it’s about your children, your peace of mind, and your family’s future. For generations, we’ve stood beside families in Doral during some of life’s most difficult transitions, offering guidance, protection, and compassionate support every step of the way. We were here before the city even had a name, and we remain committed to protecting what matters most to our community: its families.
How Florida calculates child support
Florida follows an “income shares” model, meaning the court looks at what both parents would collectively spend on a child if they were still together, then divides that responsibility based on each parent’s income and time with the child.
Under Florida Statute §61.30, the key factors the court considers include:
- Both parents’ gross monthly income (wages, business income, bonuses, rental income, and more)
- Allowable deductions to arrive at each parent’s net income
- Number of children
- Health insurance and uncovered medical costs
- Childcare and daycare expenses
- Overnights — how much time the child spends with each parent
Florida’s 2025 guidelines also reflect updated costs of modern parenting: extracurricular activities, private school tuition, and standard of living before the separation can all factor into the final number. Judges can adjust the guideline amount by up to 5% in special circumstances, but they need written justification to go beyond that.
Child support belongs to the child. Neither parent can waive it. The obligation exists whether you were married, divorced, or never together.
What about timesharing?
In July of 2023, the Florida legislature made significant legal changes regarding timesharing by establishing a legal presumption that equal timesharing is in the best interest of children. It is important to recognize that this presumption is rebuttable and as such, can be challenged. In order to successfully challenge Florida’s 50/50 timesharing presumption, the party challenging the presumption must present compelling evidence to the court that demonstrates that equal timesharing is not in the best interest of the child. In situations where equal timesharing is at issue, the guidance of experienced legal counsel is important because the amount of timesharing a parent exercises also has a direct impact on child support calculations.
Can child support be modified later?
Yes — and it’s more common than people think. Life changes. Jobs are lost. Children’s needs evolve. A parent may relocate, or a new medical situation may arise.
Florida law allows you to request a modification of child support when there is a substantial, permanent, and involuntary change in circumstances. The current guideline also requires that the difference between the existing order and the new calculation be at least $50 or 15% (whichever is greater) before a court will modify it.
Recent updates to Florida’s family law framework have streamlined the modification process, making it faster to respond when real life doesn’t wait for court schedules. If your situation has changed, it’s worth talking to an attorney before assuming nothing can be done.
Common myths — and the truth
We hear these all the time. Let’s clear them up:
- “If he doesn’t pay, I can stop visitation.”
No. Child support and parenting time are separate legal matters. Withholding visits can actually hurt your case.
- “She makes more than me, so I won’t have to pay much.”
Not necessarily. Income is just one factor. Overnights and expenses matter too.
- “We agreed between ourselves, so we don’t need a court order.”
Verbal agreements aren’t enforceable. A court order protects both of you.
- “I can’t afford an attorney.”
The cost of not having one often far exceeds the cost of having one — especially when your child’s future is on the line.
Your family deserves a firm that knows this community
Doral officially became a city on January 28, 2003. Sanchez Vadillo LLP was already here. Over the years, we’ve grown alongside this community, through its incredible expansion, its changing families, and the real life challenges that many South Florida parents face every day.
Today, we are proud to be the largest law firm in Doral, and we never take that responsibility lightly. To us, family law is about more than legal paperwork or court proceedings. It’s about helping people protect their children, their stability, and their future during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Whether you’re establishing child support for the first time, seeking a modification, or simply trying to understand your rights and options, you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and honest answers every step of the way.
Ready to talk? Our team is available for consultations in English and Spanish. Call us or visit us in Doral. We’re proud to serve the families of this community with the guidance, care, and support they deserve.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family situation is unique. Contact Sanchez Vadillo LLP to discuss your specific circumstances with a licensed Florida attorney.