Remarriage can also cause a parent’s employment status to change, and this may qualify as a substantial change in circumstances, which can lead to a modification or termination of child support. The new spouse’s income is not considered a just cause to file for a modification of child support. If the non-custodial parent marries someone of significant financial means, the new spouse’s finances should have nothing to do with the existing child support award. The remarriage of a non-custodial parent should have no impact on a previous child support award. The courts may consider the new spouse’s income indirectly when determining how the living expenses of the parent.
Seeking to reduce child support because a parent remarries rarely works on its own, even if the new spouse has substantially more income than the child’s parents. It is that increase in income that can play a role in changes in child support. Disposable income usually increases for a parent who remarries someone of significant financial means. However, if a step-parent is paying more of the household expenses, the parent then has more funds to devote to the care of the child. The court does not specifically factor a step-parent’s income into the equation when awarding 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. But, a remarriage can bring about other factors that do affect child support. Remarriage, by itself, does not affect a parent’s obligation to support their child financially. How Does Remarriage Affect Child Support? Other factors, such as the amount paid for health insurance for the child, daycare, and the total number of overnights the child spends with each parent, will factor into calculating the final amount of child support.
The amount is then divided between both parents, based on the income of each. Under the guidelines, each parent is responsible for the child’s financial support based on the Income Shares Model.Īccording to the model, a child should receive the same portion of each parent’s income that they would have received if the parents had remained in a shared household. Florida legislature enacted the Florida Child Support Guidelines, which courts follow when determining child support.