Child custody in Broward County  and child support are two of the most significant legal issues that arise during divorce or separation, and in Broward County, Florida, these matters are governed by a combination of state statutes and local court practices. The primary objective in determining custody, referred to in Florida law as “time-sharing,” is to serve the best interests of the child. This standard is enshrined in Florida Statutes §61.13, which requires courts to evaluate numerous factors such as the moral fitness of the parents, the child’s adjustment to home and school, the capacity of each parent to meet the child’s needs, and the willingness of each parent to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent. Broward County courts emphasize the importance of shared parental responsibility whenever possible, promoting a balanced involvement of both parents in the child’s life.

Time-sharing arrangements in Broward can range from equal schedules to one parent having the majority of overnights, depending on the evidence presented. Parenting plans are a mandatory part of any custody determination, detailing the specifics of the time-sharing schedule, decision-making authority, and methods of resolving disputes. Mediation is often encouraged before trial to help parents reach mutually agreeable arrangements without extensive litigation. The Broward County Family Court also recognizes that circumstances can change over time, allowing parents to petition for a modification of custody orders if there is a substantial, material, and unforeseen change in circumstances.

Child support in Broward County is calculated based on the Florida Child Support Guidelines, codified in Florida Statutes §61.30. These guidelines consider the combined monthly income of the parents, the number of overnights the child spends with each parent, healthcare expenses, daycare costs, and other child-related needs. The goal of child support is to ensure that children receive consistent financial support that reflects the standard of living they would have enjoyed had the family remained together. While the guidelines provide a formula, courts may deviate from the calculated amount if there is clear evidence that strict application would be unjust or inappropriate under the circumstances.

Enforcement of child support orders in Broward County is taken seriously, with mechanisms such as wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, and even contempt of court proceedings available for non-compliance. The Broward County Clerk of Courts works closely with the Florida Department of Revenue to track, collect, and enforce child support obligations. Modifications to child support, like custody, require proof of a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant shift in income or the needs of the child.

The interplay between child custody and child support is significant because the time-sharing arrangement directly influences the amount of financial support one parent may owe to the other. As such, both matters are often addressed together in family court proceedings. Parents in Broward County navigating these issues benefit from understanding the statutory framework, the emphasis on the child’s best interests, and the local court’s preference for cooperative co-parenting. Ultimately, the legal process aims to provide stability, fairness, and a supportive environment for the child’s growth and well-being.