Child support laws in Florida are governed by a set of child support guidelines that must be followed when determining the basic amount of money parents should utilize in raising a child. Generally, the court will determine the joint income of the parents and the number of children involved when determining the amount of child support to be ordered. In cases where the parents have substantial assets and income, courts will set aside a part of the parents assets and require the placement of these assets into a trust or fund for education or other forms of support.

Courts can adjust a child support obligation when circumstances change after child support has been established. For example, if one parent suddenly has an increase or decrease in income, the court can modify child support payments. A Florida court could also change the amount of child support provided if a child’s financial needs.

unexpectedly increases, which can occur if there are increased costs due to medical bills or educational needs.

Parents must pay child support until the child reaches the age of majority which is 18 years of age. However, if the child reaches the age of 18 and is still in high school, with the ability to graduate prior to his or her 19^th birthday, child support can continue until graduation.