How does getting married affect child support in Florida?

Asked by: Rosalyn Harris  |  Last update: May 26, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (21 votes)

But, a remarriage can bring about other factors that do affect child support. In Florida, a new spouse's income does not directly factor into a child support determination, but it can still have an impact. The court does not specifically factor a step-parent's income into the equation when awarding child support.

Can I go after ex-husband's new wife's income for child support in Florida?

You cannot use the income of a spouse or significant other in the calculation of child support (Family Code 4057.5) or spousal support (Family Code 4323). Your income can not be used. Your income will have an impact of your husband's take home pay that is used to calculate support as it effects his tax status.

Does my child support change if I get married?

In California, there is rarely any change in a child support arrangement when either parent remarries, since the guiding philosophy is that both biological parents carry an obligation to care for the needs of their child.

Does stepparent income affect child support in Florida?

While the court doesn't add the stepfather's income to the mother's for the child support calculation, the judge may decide that the mother can use more of her own funds to support the child, where the stepfather pays at least a portion of household expenses.

What is the new law in Florida about child support?

In 2025, Florida is rolling out updated child support calculations designed to better reflect the real-life costs of raising kids—think daycare, extracurricular activities, and that never-ending grocery bill.

Is your new spouse's income considered for child support? || Florida Family Law #floridafamilylaw

38 related questions found

What percent of a father's income goes to child support in Florida?

Each parent will be responsible for paying 50% of the child support that's indicated on the child support guidelines schedule. Going back to our initial example, if there was one child involved, and the net income between the parents was $2000 per month, the total child support would be $442.

Can you file for child support while married in Florida?

Either one or both parties may request that the court enter an order for child support in actions for paternity, dissolution of marriage, supplemental petitions for modification, temporary custody by extended family, or petitions for support for children both during and not during marriage.

Does a spouse's income count for child support?

Under California law, for the most part, a new spouse's income is not used in the calculation for child support. It may only be considered when not doing so would cause extreme and severe hardship to the child involved. Usually, the calculation is made strictly using the parents' gross income.

Will getting married affect custody battle?

Many who divorce find love again. But before tying the knot with a new partner, divorced parents may wonder how the new marriage might affect child custody arrangements. Generally, the court will not modify a child custody order unless it would significantly affect the child's best interests.

Can I go after my ex-husband's new wife for child support?

Your new spouse's income may not be garnished by your ex to satisfy your outstanding child support amount.

What is the most money child support can take?

A: The most money child support can take in California is up to 60% of a person's wages if they are only responsible for one child. If they are responsible for two or more children, then up to 50% of their wages can be garnished. Wage garnishment can sometimes be mandated by a court order.

Does getting married affect credit score?

The short answer is no. In and of itself, marriage will not directly affect credit history or credit score, as it does not get reported to the three main credit bureaus: Experian™, Equifax® and TransUnion®. Your credit history belongs to you, as an individual.

How do I protect myself from my husband's child support?

Child support cannot touch your income if you keep it separate from his. Put your income in a separate bank account, and it is yours. Do not use a joint bank account. This will protect you.

Will child support change if I get married?

By itself, either parent's remarriage won't justify a change in the amount of child support you're paying or receiving for those kids. But in some circumstances involving serious hardship, you might qualify for a modification based on your (or your ex's) new financial circumstances after remarriage.

Does child support go down if the father has another baby in Florida?

If the father has another baby, will child support go down? It's important to understand that simply having another child does not automatically reduce your child support obligation. However, if your circumstances have changed, it is possible to seek a modification of the child support agreement.

Does a husband have to support his wife during separation in Florida?

The state of Florida recognizes the importance of spousal support to ensure both parties maintain their standard of living after separation. While Florida does not officially acknowledge legal separation, courts can still order financial support during this period, factoring in the needs of both spouses.

What happens if you marry someone who owes child support?

The father is responsible for child support. If he married you, he is still responsible for child support. If he doesn't pay, they can take his license, arrest him, garnish his salary, intercept his tax return and enter a judgment against him.

What not to say during a custody battle?

Avoid cursing and putting down the other parent, your children, in-laws, and other family members, the mediator, the judge, and others involved in the process. That can be tricky when sensitive topics, such as substance abuse, are at play.

Who is more likely to win a custody battle?

Mothers historically have won more custody battles due to traditional roles and perceptions of mothers as the primary caregivers. However, this trend is changing as courts increasingly focus on the best interests of the child, considering many factors beyond traditional roles.

How can I pay child support with no income?

Child Support Modification on Imputed Income

You can request an adjustment to your child support order, but the court will base new child support amounts on your opportunity and ability to find similar-paying work using your previous employment as a benchmark for what you may be able to earn in the future.

Does remarriage affect child custody?

Remarriage doesn't automatically lead to a new or revised custody arrangement. For the court to reevaluate an existing custody agreement, they must see a material change. This means a radical and permanent alteration in circumstances that directly affects the wellbeing of the children.

What qualifies you for child support?

The child's primary custodial parent or legal guardian often qualifies for child support. The noncustodial parent, or the one without primary physical custody, is commonly the one responsible for making child support payments.

Does a spouse's income affect child support in Florida?

In Florida, a new spouse's income does not directly factor into a child support determination, but it can still have an impact. The court does not specifically factor a step-parent's income into the equation when awarding child support.

What is the deadbeat dad law in Florida?

Florida has specific laws that protect the rights of the parent who has to pay child support and the one who is receiving child support payments. The laws concerning child support orders and the methods that Florida courts can use to enforce the payment of child support are colloquially known as the “Deadbeat Dad Law”.

How much is child support for one kid in Florida?

For those seeing a Florida child support calculations for the number of children, based on the monthly net income of the obligator, here is a rough child support calculator: One child = 20% of Net Resources. Two children = 25% of Net Resources. Three children = 30% of Net Resources.