Child Support & Alimony

Under Florida law, child support is governed primarily by statutory guidelines designed to ensure that children receive consistent financial support from both parents. Courts generally calculate child support using the Florida Child Support Guidelines set forth in Fla. Stat. § 61.30. The purpose of the guidelines is to create a standardized formula based upon the combined net incomes of the parents and the needs of the child. Child support obligations may arise in divorce, paternity, timesharing, and postjudgment modification proceedings.

Florida child support worksheets are mathematical calculations used by courts and attorneys to determine the presumptive amount of support owed. The worksheets begin by calculating each parent’s monthly gross income from all allowable sources, including wages, bonuses, self-employment income, commissions, rental income, retirement benefits, and certain other recurring income. Permitted deductions—such as taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, health insurance premiums, and court-ordered support for other children—are then subtracted to determine each parent’s net income.

The parents’ combined net income is applied to the statutory guideline schedule to determine the basic child support obligation. The worksheet then allocates each parent’s percentage share of that obligation according to their proportionate income. Additional expenses may also be included, such as health insurance for the child, uncovered medical expenses, daycare costs, and certain educational expenses. Timesharing arrangements can significantly affect the final calculation, particularly where each parent exercises substantial overnight parenting time.

Although guideline calculations create a presumptive support amount, courts may deviate from the guidelines in limited circumstances if justified by statutory factors and the child’s best interests.

If you are facing issues related to child support, consider Junnier Law & Research, P.A. located in Coral Springs.

Under Florida law, spousal support—also called alimony—is intended to assist a spouse who has a demonstrated financial need and where the other spouse has the ability to pay. Courts evaluate alimony under Fla. Stat. § 61.08 and consider numerous statutory factors, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, the age and health of the parties, earning capacities, educational backgrounds, career sacrifices, childcare responsibilities, and the financial resources of each spouse.

Florida substantially revised its alimony laws in 2023, and those reforms remain in effect in 2026. Permanent alimony was eliminated for new cases filed after July 1, 2023. Courts may now award only temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational alimony. 

Calculating alimony begins with determining whether one spouse has an actual financial need and whether the other spouse has the ability to pay. Courts then analyze each party’s net income, reasonable monthly expenses, assets, liabilities, and future earning potential. Unlike child support, Florida does not use a fixed worksheet formula for determining alimony. However, current law imposes important statutory limitations. Durational alimony generally may not exceed:

• 50% of the length of a short-term marriage (less than 10 years); 
• 60% of a moderate-term marriage (10–20 years); or 
• 75% of a long-term marriage (20 years or more).  

Florida law also limits the amount of durational alimony to the lesser of the recipient’s reasonable need or 35% of the difference between the parties’ net incomes. 

Rehabilitative alimony now generally may not exceed five years and must include a specific rehabilitative plan.  Courts may also consider retirement, cohabitation, substantial changes in circumstances, and other statutory factors affecting modification or termination of support. Because alimony determinations remain highly fact-specific, careful financial analysis and presentation of evidence are often critical to achieving a fair outcome.

If you are facing issues related to alimony, consider Junnier Law & Research, P.A. located in Coral Springs.