How Does a Florida Appellate Court Review a Judge’s Child Support Decision?

The standard of review for nearly all child support awards in Florida is the “abuse of discretion standard”.  Generally speaking, the “abuse of discretion standard” means there must be “competent, substantial evidence” on the record at trial that supports the judge’s decision.  Usually, there is not an “abuse of discretion” that requires the trial judge’s decision to be over-turned on appeal unless “no reasonable person would take the view adopted by the trial court”.

That said, the standard of review for determining a trial court’s imputation of income is whether the decision is supported by competent, substantial evidence. 

Also, the trial court’s mathematical calculation of child support is subject to the “de novo” standard of review.  

Did this answer your question?

Back to Appealing Florida Child Support Orders

Call (561) 810-0170 or click here for more information about scheduling a consultation and strategy session with the Florida Divorce & Appellate lawyers of Bruce Law Firm, P.A..  The firm’s practice is limited to divorce and family law and represents clients in all of Florida’s appellate courts under fixed-fee pricing arrangements with a money back guarantee.  The firm shares fees with referring attorneys pursuant to Florida Bar rules.  All information on this website is subject to this Legal Disclaimer.  Click West Palm Beach Divorce Lawyer for the firm’s other divorce and family law website.