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.