The non-residential parent is obligated to pay child support to the
residential parent. The amount of child support is mandated by guidelines
determined by the Florida Legislature. The guidelines are based upon
the combined incomes of the parties and the percentage that each party
contributes to the combined income. A formula calculates the percentage
of income provided by the non-residential parent, the costs for child
care and health insurance. The amount of child support is determined
as a result of these calculations and is not an amount that is agreed
to by the parties. Under certain circumstances the amount of child
support may be adjusted either up or down a total of no more than
5%. The non-residential parent's obligation to provide child support
does not hinge on the visitation with the children. Therefore, the
refusal of the residential parent to permit visitation, or the non-residential
parent's refusal to exercise visitation does no eliminate the obligation
to pay child support.
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