Michael. A Lebron | May 6, 2025 | Family Law Blog
In Florida, child support payments usually follow a clear formula. Courts use state guidelines to decide how much money one parent pays the other for their children’s needs. However, sometimes using the standard calculation might not be fair or practical for your family.
In these cases, a court can change, or “deviate” from, the usual guidelines. Knowing when deviations happen, why, and how you can request one helps make your child support case easier to understand.
How Florida Normally Calculates Child Support
Florida uses specific guidelines to calculate child support payments. Florida law considers factors including: each parent’s income, how many children they have, childcare expenses, and how much time each parent spends with the kids.
Usually, the amount from this calculation becomes the court’s child support order. However, the guidelines don’t always match every family’s needs perfectly. When this happens, judges have some room to make adjustments.
When Can Courts Deviate From the Guidelines?
Florida judges can change the standard child support amount if following it would lead to unfair results. To do this, the judge must clearly explain the reasons for the adjustment.
A judge might change child support payments if there are special circumstances, such as expensive medical care for the child or unusually high costs for education or travel. Judges might also adjust support if one parent’s income goes up or down significantly.
Courts always look closely at the facts of each case. Judges aim to make sure child support payments are fair and meet the child’s actual needs.
Increasing or Decreasing Child Support Payments
Judges can either increase or decrease child support payments from what the guidelines suggest, depending on your family’s circumstances.
A judge might decide to raise the child support payments if the child has expensive medical or educational needs. For example, if your child needs special tutoring or ongoing medical treatment, the court could increase payments to help cover these extra costs.
In other cases, a judge might decide to lower the amount. For instance, if the paying parent is already financially responsible for other children or faces large travel expenses to visit their child, the court may decide to reduce payments.
How to Request a Deviation
If you think your family’s situation means the standard child support calculation isn’t fair, you can ask the court to change the amount. You will need to clearly show why the guidelines should not apply strictly in your case.
Providing solid proof helps convince the judge to make a change,and evidence that can support your request includes:
- Medical bills for special treatments your child needs
- Tuition or expenses from private schools
- Travel expenses for visitation
- Documents showing significant financial hardship
Bringing clear evidence makes it easier for the judge to understand your situation and agree that a change is needed.
Can a Family Law Attorney Help?
Having an experienced family law attorney can make the process smoother. An attorney knows when deviations are appropriate and how to present your situation clearly to the court.
Your lawyer can help gather the right evidence and make sure you present your case in a strong manner. They also handle the paperwork and court appearances, making things less stressful for you.
Working with an attorney improves your chances of getting a fair result for your family. If you have questions about deviating from Florida’s child support guidelines, talking to a family law attorney can help. A skilled lawyer will explain your options clearly and guide you through every step.
Contact a Florida family law attorney today to protect your rights and get the support you need.
Contact the Kissimmee Divorce Lawyers at Lebron Law, PLLC for Help Today With Your Family Law Case
For more information, contact our experienced Kissimmee family law & divorce attorneys at Lebron Law, PLLC by calling (321) 800-5195 to schedule a free consultation.
We serve all through Osceola County and its surrounding areas in Florida. Visit our office at:
Lebron Law, PLLC
15 S Orlando Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34741
(321) 800-5195
