In Florida, Is Alimony A Factor in Child Support Calcuations?

Written By: Lenorae C. Atter, Attorney
Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A.

In Florida, if alimony is a factor in a divorce, with children, then alimony must first be determined in order to properly calculate the child support. Child support is based on the income of both parties and alimony is considered income to one spouse and a reduction of income to the other parent.
First, alimony is based on factors of the length of the marriage; the contribution to the marriage; the lifestyle of the parties during the marriage; and the supporting spouse’s ability to pay.

Once alimony is determined the other factor for child support would be the time-sharing plan of the parties. Once that is done, the income of the spouses are put into the child support guidelines along with the time-sharing plan and a number for child support can then be calculated.

If you are going through a divorce with alimony an child support as factors, you should speak with a divorce lawyer to fully understand the process along with your rights and options.