Divorcing With Kids in Florida: Parenting Plans, Child Support, and the Parenting Course

Having children does not mean your divorce has to be contested. Many Florida parents agree on time-sharing and support and just need the agreement written correctly. But the court has firm requirements when minor children are involved, and cases get bounced when those requirements aren't met.

The parenting plan

Every Florida divorce with minor children needs a parenting plan approved by the court. Florida uses the terms "parental responsibility" and "time-sharing" rather than custody and visitation. A complete plan addresses:

• How the parents will share daily decisions and major decisions about education, health care, and religion.
• A time-sharing schedule covering the school year, summers, and holidays.
• How exchanges, transportation, and travel will be handled.
• How the parents will communicate with each other and with the children.
• Which parent's address is used for school designation.

Child support

Child support in Florida is calculated under statutory guidelines based on both parents' net incomes, the number of overnights each parent has, and costs like health insurance and child care. Parents can't simply waive it; the court has to see a guidelines worksheet and confirm the amount is appropriate. When the agreed amount departs from the guidelines, the court needs to know why.

The required parenting course

Both parents must complete a court-approved Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course before the final judgment is entered. It's a four-hour course available online from approved providers. Finishing it early keeps it from becoming the last thing holding up your case.

Financial affidavits

Because child support depends on income, both parents must file financial affidavits in cases with minor children. Accurate affidavits protect both of you: they make the support calculation defensible and reduce the chance of a later dispute.

When a cooperative case stops being cooperative

If the parents disagree about time-sharing, relocation, or a significant support issue, the case is contested and belongs with a litigation team. That's not a failure; it's a different tool for a different job. SplytUp's parent firm, Yaffa Family Law Group, handles contested family law matters across South Florida.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with Yaffa Family Law Group, P.A. Florida law and court procedures change; confirm current requirements with a Florida family law attorney.