What changes when children are involved
Florida treats divorces involving minor or dependent children differently from child-free cases. The court must approve arrangements affecting the child before the final judgment can be entered, even when both parents fully agree. This is not a procedural formality, Florida's 'best interest of the child' standard under Florida Statute 61.13 requires the judge to confirm the arrangement protects the child's welfare.
The parenting plan
A Florida parenting plan is a written document that governs how parents will share responsibility for raising the child after divorce.
- Detailed timesharing schedule (school year, weekends, holidays, summer)
- Allocation of parental responsibility for major decisions (education, healthcare, religion)
- How parents will communicate about the child
- Designation of which parent's address controls for school zoning
- Transportation and exchange logistics
Florida child support
Florida child support is set by statutory guidelines in Florida Statute 61.30. The calculation considers both parents' net incomes, the timesharing overnight count, health insurance premiums, and work-related childcare costs. A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet is filed with the court showing exactly how the number was calculated.
Parent education course
Florida requires both parents in a divorce involving minor children to complete a Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families. The course is typically four hours, often available online, and certificates of completion are filed with the court before the final judgment.