Calculating Child Support Under Florida Law in Mediation 

Attorney/Mediator Beth Reineke

Child support is a critical aspect of family law cases involving children, and its accurate calculation is crucial to ensure the well-being of the child and the financial stability of both parents. As a Supreme Court Certified Florida divorce mediator with over 30 years of experience in family law, Beth Reineke understands the complexities surrounding child support calculations. In this article, we will delve into the process of calculating child support under Florida law within the context of mediation.

Understanding Child Support in Florida

Child support is a legal obligation that ensures both parents contribute financially to their child's upbringing. In Florida, child support calculations are primarily governed by the Florida Child Support Guidelines, which provide a formula for determining the amount of child support that should be paid.

The formula takes into account several key factors, including:

  1. Income: Both parents' incomes are considered when calculating child support. This includes wages, bonuses, commissions, and even certain benefits. If one or both parents are self-employed or have irregular income, determining the appropriate income for calculation can become more complex.
  2. Overnight Visitation: The number of overnights the child spends with each parent is a significant factor. This is because the parent with fewer overnights typically pays more child support to the other parent. In cases of shared custody, the formula adjusts the calculation accordingly.
  3. Childcare and Healthcare Costs: Childcare expenses, such as daycare or before and after-school care, and healthcare costs, such as insurance premiums for the parents and the children, are factored into the calculation.
  4. Other Children: If either parent has children from a previous relationship or marriage and is paying court ordered child support for those children, this may affect the child support calculation for the current case.

Mediation and Child Support Calculation

Mediation provides an alternative approach to resolving family law conflicts without resorting to litigation. As a seasoned family law litigator and mediator, Attorney Beth Reineke has witnessed the benefits of mediation firsthand. In cases involving child support, mediation can be particularly advantageous for several reasons.

  1. Customized Solutions: Mediation allows parents to craft personalized solutions that suit their unique financial circumstances and the needs of their children. Unlike a court-imposed decision, mediated agreements are tailored to the family's situation.
  2. Less Adversarial: Mediation promotes cooperation and open communication between parents. This collaborative approach can lead to more amicable resolutions, which is especially important when co-parenting children.
  3. Cost-Effective: One of the primary reasons couples seek mediation is to avoid the high costs associated with litigation. Mediation can be significantly more cost-effective than going to court, making it an attractive option for parents seeking to save money while reaching a fair child support agreement.
  4. Faster Resolution: Court proceedings can be time-consuming, leading to extended periods of uncertainty. Mediation allows parents to reach a resolution more quickly, reducing the emotional strain on both the parents and the children.

The Role of the Mediator

As a mediator, Beth Reineke’s role is to facilitate productive discussions between parents and guide them through the child support calculation process. She will provide information about the Florida Child Support Guidelines, ensuring that both parties have a clear understanding of how the calculation works.

During mediation, Beth Reineke assists parents in gathering the necessary financial information, such as income statements and expense records. This information is crucial for accurate child support calculations. By remaining neutral and focused on the best interests of the child, she helps parents navigate potential disagreements and find common ground.

  • “She mixed her life experience, and legal training, with patience, logic, and persuasion, to move our case forward to a more thoughtful, and peaceful resolution, for everyone involved.”
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Finalizing the Agreement

Once an agreement on child support is reached in mediation, it is essential to formalize the agreement legally. This involves drafting a written agreement that outlines the terms of child support, custody, and any other relevant matters. While the agreement is tailored to the parents' preferences, it must also adhere to Florida laws and regulations. Retaining a mediator that is an attorney and has been trained to draft these types of agreements is critical.

It's important to note that the court has the authority to review and approve the mediated agreement to ensure it is in the child's best interest. This step provides an added layer of protection for the child's well-being.

Conclusion

Child support calculations under Florida law can be intricate, but mediation offers a constructive and efficient approach to resolving child support disputes. As a seasoned family law attorney and Supreme Court Certified Florida divorce mediator, Beth Reineke’s goal is to assist couples in the Tampa Bay Area, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties, in navigating the complexities of child support calculations through mediation.

Mediation not only empowers parents to collaborate and make decisions in the best interest of their child, but it also offers a cost-effective and less adversarial alternative to traditional litigation. If you are facing child support issues, we encourage you to consider mediation as a way to reach a fair and amicable resolution that supports the well-being of your children and the financial stability of both parents.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified family law attorney for advice tailored to your specific situation.

Our Approach Sets Us Apart

  • Supreme Court Certified Mediator

    Not all mediators are licensed attorneys - Beth Reineke brings legal experience and practical insights to the mediation process.

  • Over 3 Decades of Legal Experience

    Reineke Mediations has over 3 decades of legal experience in helping families find divorce resolutions. 

  • Litigation Free

    We believe any aspect of divorce and custody can be resolved without a courtroom fight. Beth Reineke has experience with mediating complex property division, entrenched custody disputes, and high-stakes alimony and child support issues. Reineke Mediations provides creative suggestions, gentle guidance, and reality check wisdom from years of hard work in courtroom wars.

Is Mediation the Right Choice?

We offer free phone consultations and reasonable rates for mediation, drafting of agreements, preparation of court documents and other mediation services. During your initial consultation, attorney Beth Reineke will discuss the benefits of mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and whether these methods are the right fit for your situation.

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Hillsborough County Child Support Mediation

To discuss your litigation alternatives for calculating or re-calculating your child support, contact us online or call (813) 205-6675 for a free phone consultation. Experienced lawyer Beth Reineke serves Tampa, Brandon, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and the surrounding Tampa Bay Area.

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