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Logo: Miami SAO 2

Establishing Support

Home Child Support Program Child Support Program FAQs Establishing Support

"Parents have a responsibility to support their children financially."

Getting child support is important to your child’s well-being. The amount of awarded child support is based on Florida Guidelines outlined in Florida Statute 61.03. A child support order sets the amount and type of support parents are required to provide for their children.

The amount of child support a parent is responsible to pay depends on the income and assets of both parents. We will ask parents to give us information about their finances such as paychecks and income tax returns so we can apply the guidelines to determine the child support payment amount.

Benefits that may be included in a Child Support Order​:

  • Paternity, if the parents were not married when the child was born
  • Amount of child support that must be paid
  • Medical insurance, if reasonable and available
  • Medical costs not covered by insurance

Child Support in the State of Florida is established in two ways:

Our Child Support Program (CSP) will establish the support order administratively without going to court. CSP will determine support per Florida Guidelines and prepare a proposed order. The proposed order is then sent to both parties and both parties will have an opportunity to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. If no one requests a hearing, then a final order is issued. These orders have the same force and effect as a court order.

CSP will initiate a legal action by filing a petition in circuit court which will be served on the other parent. A court hearing will be held where a support order will be established by a General Magistrate or Judge.