Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Divorce in Florida looming; 3 children.

My wife and I were married in Florida 1990. I left to take another job in April 98.The family remains in Florida. There were problems with the relationship befroe I left that have now deteriorated further. We remain seperated, although not legally.. A divorce seems inevitable at this point.

My question is in regard to two things:

1) Child support in the event of a divorce; how much should I expect to pay? I make about $ 35,000 annually. We have 3 children, ages 8, 3, and 1. Is there a standard amount in the State of Florida, or does it vary based on income? Does her income come into play at all in such a situation?

2)Secondly, given the financial strain of the child support and alimony as part of a divorce, would it make any sense at all to become legally seperated first to ease that financial requirement? Would it make any difference at all? What is the difference between Divorce and Legal seperation?

Thank you for your help.


Asked on 7/08/99, 12:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Melody Stickel-Martinez Melody Stickel-Martinez, Esq.

Re: Divorce in Florida looming; 3 children.

Florida Law - Look at my web page www.attorney-4u.com. This will explain how florida calculates child support. Salaries of both parents are used in this calculation along with the number of children. A chart is used to complete this calculation. My web page does not have this chart, this can be found at www.firn.edu/supct/rules.html. Go to Family Law Rules and Family Law Rules again. Now scroll down until you see Child Support Worksheet. This should help you greatly. Whether parents are separated or divorced the issue of alimony and child support can be addressed. If you feel the marriage is over and can not be saved then maybe you should file. The sooner the better because once you begin this process it can be very stressful. I handle divorces in the Dade and Broward and if I can be of further assistance to you please call.

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Answered on 7/14/99, 7:11 pm


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