Making Your Children A Central Focus Of Your Divorce, In A Positive Way

At Sheldon E. Finman, P.A., our family law practice centers around alternative dispute resolution and using problem-solving methods to allow you and your spouse more control over the outcome of your divorce than the traditional adversarial method of litigation. We will work to find an acceptable solution for you and your spouse to reduce the friction common between divorced people, making life easier for your children.

We will take all the time necessary so that our client understands why child support should not be an adversarial issue. Both parties, under the law, share in the responsibility to pay child support pursuant to the Florida statutory guidelines. There should not be a reason for contesting child support unless all of the facts and feelings of the parents are fully explored.

What Are Florida’s Guidelines For Child Support?

In Florida, there are standard child support guidelines that dictate the amount of financial support each parent will put toward the welfare of his or her children. The amount will be based upon the relative income of both parties and the amount of overnights the child spends with each parent. There may be other additional factors in child related expenses.

Understanding How Florida Child Support Calculations Actually Work

Florida child support amounts depend on two primary factors: combined parental income and the percentage of overnight timesharing each parent has with the children. The state uses a formula that accounts for both parents’ gross incomes and then adjusts based on the number of overnights in each household. When parents share more equal overnight timesharing, support obligations shift accordingly. This means your parenting time directly impacts financial responsibilities. 

Below is what matters in the calculation: 

• Both parents’ gross monthly income from all sources 
• Number of children requiring support
• Health insurance costs for the children
• Daycare expenses necessary for work or education
• The percentage of overnights with each parent

We help you interpret the Florida child support guidelines in practical terms, enabling you to make informed decisions with confidence. 

Examples Of Child-Related Expenses

The child support guidelines establish baseline amounts, but Florida law recognizes that children have needs beyond the basics. Additional child-related expenses often include:

• Extracurricular costs for sports, music lessons, arts programs and academic enrichment 
• Health care expenses not covered by insurance, including dental work, orthodontics, vision care and therapy
• Educational expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, college preparation courses and school supplies
• Travel costs for maintaining relationships with extended family

These expenses require discussion and agreement between parents. When left to a judge’s ruling, you may lose the ability to decide what matters most for your children’s development and well-being. Therefore, working with an experienced lawyer is important. 

Having Productive Conversations About Support With Your Co-Parent

The child support calculation provides a starting point, but productive co-parenting communication determines whether financial discussions lead to legal battles or effective solutions. Successful child support agreements happen when parents:

• Approach discussions as shared responsibility, not adversarial negotiation
• Consider the full picture of each parent’s financial capacity and contributions
• Focus on what serves the children’s interests, not what punishes the other parent
• Recognize that children benefit when both parents feel respected in the process

When parents take ownership of these decisions through cooperative methods, children avoid the lasting damage that comes from watching their parents locked in ongoing conflict.

Our role is to guide parents through conversations that focus on their children’s needs rather than their own parental grievances. 

We Help Resolve Conflicts For The Sake Of Your Kids

Along with determination of overnights, we will focus, using alternative dispute resolution methods such as collaborative law and cooperative divorce, thoroughly explaining and informing our client reasons why these are matters which should be resolved by the parents and not left with a stranger judge who has absolutely no interest and very little knowledge in exploring options which will be anything other than a less detrimental outcome. The parents must take the responsibility and opportunity to make this decision.

Over many years and hundreds of custody and parenting issues, we have found that a final ruling on custody/parenting issues will not resolve anything. On the contrary, THIS IS WHEN THE ODYSSEY OF CONFLICT FOR YOUR FAMILY WILL BEGIN. LET’S NOT MIX WORDS. CHILDREN SUFFER IRREPRABLE HARM FROM PARENTAL CONFLICT!

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support

How exactly does overnight timesharing impact child support in Florida?

Overnight timesharing can directly affect child support calculations because Florida uses a formula that considers each parent’s number of overnights. When a parent has at least 20% of annual overnights, the guidelines apply a different calculation that adjusts support to reflect shared responsibilities. This approach helps ensure the financial contribution aligns with the time each parent spends meeting the child’s daily needs.

Are expenses like sports, braces or private school included in the basic child support calculation?

No. The basic child support amount covers routine needs such as food, clothing and housing. Expenses such as orthodontic treatment, extracurricular activities or private school tuition are considered separate. However, these costs may be included if the parents agree or the court finds them necessary. Florida courts often review the child’s history, educational needs and family circumstances when deciding whether to add additional costs.

Why do you recommend avoiding court for child support and custody decisions?

Court proceedings can increase conflict, prolong the process and limit the parents’ ability to craft solutions that fit their family. When parents can resolve issues outside of court, they maintain more control over the outcome. This can lead to agreements that reflect the child’s unique needs. Many families also find that avoiding litigation preserves communication and reduces long‑term strain on co‑parenting relationships.

What is the difference between alternative dispute resolution and traditional divorce?

Alternative dispute resolution focuses on cooperative methods such as mediation or collaborative divorce, in which parents work together with trained professionals to reach agreements. Traditional divorce relies on court hearings, formal motions and judicial decisions when parents cannot agree. ADR methods often lead to faster, more flexible and less adversarial outcomes, which can be particularly helpful when parents must continue working together after the case ends.

How can we keep child support discussions from turning into a fight?

Parents can reduce conflict by approaching discussions with clear goals, focusing on the child’s needs and using structured communication methods. Many families benefit from mediation or guided negotiation, which provides a neutral setting and helps keep conversations productive. Some parents also use parenting coordinators or written communication plans to maintain clarity and prevent emotional escalation. Your lawyer can also act as a buffer to help keep discussions focused on facts rather than emotions.

Get A Consultation About Resolving Child Support During Divorce

To learn more about our problem-solving divorce methods, schedule a consultation at our law firm. Contact Sheldon E. Finman, P.A. at 239-215-4952, or send us an email. Our law office is in Fort Myers, and we represent clients throughout southwest Florida, including Cape Coral.