Every state has its own formula for calculating child support, and some of them are more generous than others. Florida family courts will consider the good fortune of parents when determining what amount of child support is appropriate.
In some cases, the courts may order higher levels of support based solely on a noncustodial parent’s good fortune. For professional athletes divorcing in Florida, this could mean facing a child support order of thousands of dollars per month due to your financial good fortune.
Your ex could ask for more support if you start earning more
If you were semi-professional or in the minor leagues previously and have recently secured a contract with higher wages or a more prestigious team, the chances are good that your former spouse will find out about your change in circumstances. They could potentially go to the courts and ask for a significant increase in the amount of support that you paid for your child.
Even if the amount that you pay right now is more than sufficient to meet your child’s needs, the courts may still decide to increase what you pay when your income goes up dramatically. The good news is that while there is legal precedent for the courts expecting a parent to share their good fortune with their children, are also legal cases establishing precedent for that sharing to be reasonable and reflect their actual cost of living expenses.
Working with an attorney who is familiar with both good fortune child support precedent and the unique concerns of professional athletes during and after a divorce can put you in a position to protect yourself while also fulfilling your obligations as a parent.