Divorce Child Support

At St. Johns Law Group, our experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorneys understand the challenges that come with navigating child support, custody modifications, and complex post-divorce matters. With more than 10 attorneys—several of whom focus exclusively on family law—we are the largest law firm in the St. Augustine area, ready to help you protect your financial stability and parental rights.

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a court-ordered financial obligation that ensures both parents contribute to the upbringing and needs of their child. In Florida, support amounts are determined based on the combined income of both parents, the needs of the child, and how much time the child spends with each parent.

Payments can be ordered:

• Directly to the receiving parent

• Via income deduction through an employer

• Through the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR)

[Make Payments – Florida DOR]
[Receive Payments – Florida DOR]

How Is Child Support Calculated?

Florida has statutory Child Support Guidelines that provide a framework for calculating monthly obligations. Key considerations include:

• Gross income of each parent

• Number of children

• Cost of health insurance and daycare

• Number of overnight stays each parent has with the child

The more overnights you have, the lower your support obligation may be.

Even a change of 1 or 2 overnights per week can significantly impact your child support. Our attorneys can analyze your current or proposed time-sharing plan to determine how it affects your payments or rights.

Is There a Child Support Calculator?

Yes—but it’s only a starting point.

Florida offers a basic Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, but many real-life situations call for further analysis. Our attorneys use a Divorce Power Analyzer—a professional tool that provides a more complete financial picture, especially when deviations or adjustments are needed.

Judges are not bound by the calculator alone—they can deviate from the guideline based on unique circumstances, and we can help make that case for you.

Can Child Support Be Modified?

Yes. Child support is not set in stone. Florida law allows for modification if there’s been a substantial change in circumstances, such as:

• A significant change in income (job loss, promotion, etc.)

• A change in the number of overnights/time-sharing

• One parent failing to follow the court-ordered schedule

• A child becoming emancipated, turning 18, or joining the military

If your current obligation differs from the guidelines by 15% or $50+, you may qualify for a court-approved modification.

Our attorneys assist with:

• Filing a Petition for Modification

• Preparing a detailed Financial Affidavit

• Gathering income, expenses, and supporting documents

What If I’m Not Receiving Child Support?

If the other parent has stopped paying support or is not paying the full amount, legal action is required. We can file:

• Motion to Enforce

• Motion for Contempt

• Wage garnishment or DOR enforcement

Important: You cannot legally withhold parenting time just because the other parent stops paying child support.

Other Key Factors in Child Support

We’ll help you understand and advocate on issues such as:

• Tax dependency deductions

• Payment enforcement methods

• Childcare and healthcare adjustments

• When support ends or transitions (typically at age 18 unless special conditions apply)

Areas We Serve

We proudly represent families throughout Northeast Florida, including:

• St. Augustine, St. Johns, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Silverleaf

• Palm Coast, Flagler, Palatka, Putnam

• Green Cove Springs, Clay County

• Jacksonville, Duval County

• Fernandina Beach, Nassau County, and the Beaches

Let Us Help You Get It Right From the Start

Whether you’re facing divorce, revisiting a child support agreement, or enforcing your rights—timing and precision matter. Our attorneys combine decades of courtroom and mediation experience with modern financial tools to provide unmatched representation for parents across Northeast Florida.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

info@sjlawgroup.com