Many parents think sharing equal custody means no one pays child support. But in Florida, that’s not always true. The court’s primary goal is ensuring children have what they need in both homes, even when parents split time equally.
What the law says about 50/50 custody and support
Florida uses “Income Shares” to set child support amounts. This looks at both parents’ money situations, not just how much time they spend with their kids. Even if you split time equally with your ex, you might still need to pay support if you make more money than they do.
Key items that affect support payments
Before making any decisions, courts look at several things that affect your children’s needs:
- How much each parent makes
- Health insurance costs
- School fees and supplies
- Daycare costs
- Extra activities like sports or music
- Special medical needs
These items help courts decide fair support amounts for both homes. They want kids to have similar living standards no matter which parent they’re with.
How courts figure out payment amounts
Courts use unique worksheets to add up all costs for the kids. They split these based on how much each parent makes. For example, if you earn $75,000 and your ex makes $35,000, you might pay support even with 50/50 custody. This helps keep things steady for your kids in both homes.
The good news is that you can ask to change support amounts if your job situation changes or your ex starts making more money. But remember: These changes must be significant enough to matter in court.
Getting child support right in 50/50 custody takes careful planning. Each case is different, and small details can make a big difference in payment amounts. If you’re facing this situation, talking to a family law attorney can help you understand what to expect and protect your rights under Florida law.