Helping You Pursue Fair Child Support Solutions
Last updated on May 19, 2026
Child support can have a big impact on you and your child. These financial payments from one parent to another are aimed at ensuring a child’s well-being. When Florida parents divorce or separate, reaching child support solutions that are effective and fair is important for all parties involved. At Yablen Valiente, our experienced Coral Gables child support attorneys care deeply about guiding clients to such solutions. We help paying and recipient parents in the Miami area with the formation, enforcement and modification of child support arrangements. Let us provide you with compassionate and responsive services tailored to your needs.
How Is Child Support Calculated In Florida?
In Florida, child support amounts are typically determined based on state guidelines. The initial calculation considers factors such as the parents’ income, the number of children, healthcare costs/contributions and childcare costs/contributions. Courts may deviate from these calculations based on the unique needs of the child and other relevant factors. Our attorneys are deeply knowledgeable about the ins and outs of Florida child support calculation, and will advocate for you throughout the process of establishing a child support arrangement.
How Long Does Child Support Last?
Under Florida child support laws, child support arrangements typically continue until a child turns 18. However, there are exceptions, such as if the child is still in high school or has special needs.
Addressing Missed Child Support Payments
Florida offers various tools for enforcing child support orders in the event of past-due support. These include:
- Seizure of income
- Suspension of driver, professional or recreational licenses
- Liens on property
- Contempt of court actions
- Bank account seizures
What such options you could realistically request are available depends on your situation. Our child support enforcement lawyers can help you with requesting appropriate remedies when facing missed payments.
Can You Change A Child Support Arrangement?
Florida child support agreements/orders can be modified if there is a permanent and substantial change in circumstances. This could include changes in:
- Parental income: In Florida, the recalculated support amount typically needs to differ from the current order by at least 15% or $50, whichever is greater. Both an increase and a decrease in income can qualify for a modification request.
- Employment: Involuntary job loss can support a modification request. If a parent voluntarily earns less without a valid reason, courts will assign imputed income based on their earning capacity, preventing them from reducing their obligation by choice.
- Custody arrangements: Florida’s support formula adjusts when a parent has substantial overnight stays with the child (at least 73 nights yearly). A significant shift in parenting time can be grounds for a modification.
- The child’s needs: New medical expenses, the development of special needs or significant changes in education costs can all support a modification request.
A common question is whether a modification applies to past payments. In Florida, child support modifications are not retroactive; the court can only adjust support back to the date you filed your petition for modification. The sooner you take action, the sooner an approved change can take effect.
Our child support attorneys can help determine if child support modification is an option for your case and guide you through the process of seeking it.
How To Modify A Child Support Order In Florida
Understanding how to modify a child support order can help you feel prepared when your circumstances change. The modification process in Florida generally follows these key steps:
- Confirm a qualifying change in circumstances: The change you are experiencing must be substantial, permanent and significant enough to meet Florida’s legal threshold for modification.
- Gather supporting documentation: Collect financial records, pay stubs, employment documents or any other evidence that supports your request.
- File a petition for modification: You or your attorney will submit a formal petition to the Florida family court that issued the original support order.
- Serve the other parent: The other party must receive official notice of your petition through proper legal service.
- Attend mediation: Florida courts typically require parents to attempt mediation before a judge hears the case.
- Appear at your hearing: If mediation does not result in an agreement, a judge will review the evidence and issue a ruling.
Our team is here to guide you through each of these steps and work toward an outcome that protects your child.
Get Trusted Help With Your Child Support Matter
Our child support attorneys are ready to provide you with personalized guidance through every step of your case. Connect with our team today by filling out our contact form or calling 305-476-5444.