Child Support Worksheet
The Child Support Guidelines Worksheet is a Florida Supreme Court approved family law form used to calculate child support under Florida law. The worksheet applies the state’s child support guidelines using financial information provided by the parents and other factors required by statute.
While the worksheet provides a guideline calculation, it is only one part of the overall child support determination.
Florida Supreme Court Form:
12.902(e)
Estimated Time:
20–30 minutes
Before You Begin:
Gather financial information and details about childcare, health insurance, and the parenting schedule.
What Is the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet?
The Child Support Guidelines Worksheet is used to calculate a guideline child support amount based on information such as:
- Each parent’s income
- Health insurance costs for the child(ren)
- Childcare expenses
- The number of overnight stays each parent exercises
- Other adjustments permitted under Florida law
The worksheet provides a standardized calculation to promote consistency in child support determinations.
When Is It Required?
The Child Support Guidelines Worksheet is generally required whenever child support is being established or modified in a Florida family law case involving minor or dependent children.
Even when parents agree on child support, the court may require a completed worksheet as part of the case.
Why Does Florida Require It?
Florida law establishes child support guidelines to help ensure support is calculated consistently and based on objective financial information.
The worksheet provides the court with a standardized method for determining the guideline amount while considering each family’s financial circumstances.
How Is It Used During Mediation?
The Marital Settlement Agreement addresses the issues the parties have agreed to resolve as part of their divorce. Depending on the circumstances of the case, it may include topics such as:
- Division of assets and debts
- Spousal support (if applicable)
- Responsibility for taxes
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Bank accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Personal property
- Any other financial agreements
Every agreement is unique. The purpose
What Information Should You Gather Before Completing It?
Before completing the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, it may be helpful to gather:
- Each parent’s gross monthly income
- Recent pay stubs or proof of income
- Health insurance costs for the child(ren)
- Childcare expenses related to employment or education
- Information about the parenting schedule, including overnight time-sharing
- Information regarding any court-ordered child support obligations for other children, if applicable
Having accurate financial information available can make completing the worksheet more efficient.
Common Mistakes
Some common mistakes include:
- Using inaccurate or outdated income information
- Omitting childcare or health insurance expenses
- Miscalculating the number of overnight stays
- Forgetting to include other qualifying child support obligations
- Relying on estimates instead of supporting documentation
Taking the time to verify the information before completing the worksheet can help avoid errors and reduce the need for later corrections.
Where can I find this form?
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Forms are available on the Florida Courts website. Scroll down, search by the corresponding form number, and download the most current version.
Note: Always confirm that you’re using the most current version before completing or filing a form, as the Florida Supreme Court periodically updates its approved forms.
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