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Divorce mediation in Florida

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2,221 listedSorted: paid placements (labeled) first, then most complete profile, then A–Z

Mediators who work online with Florida clients

These mediators say they work with Florida clients online. They are on other states’ official rosters (shown on each listing), not Florida’s. Where they serve is their own statement. Sorted: placements first (paid ones are labeled), then most complete profile.

Court-ordered case? Courts may require a mediator from their own approved list for court-ordered cases. Check your court’s rules, or see how mediation works in Florida.

Court-connected mediation in Florida: Florida statute has each circuit keep a list of Florida Supreme Court-certified mediators registered there for court appointments in civil, family and dependency cases. Whether parties may agree on a non-certified mediator was not confirmed.

Private mediation in Florida: No state license for private mediators was found in the Florida statutes reviewed; Supreme Court certification is tied to court-ordered mediation. No rule specific to out-of-state or online mediators was found.

Sources: Fla. Stat. § 44.102, Court-ordered mediation (Online Sunshine) · Fla. Stat. § 44.1011, Definitions (Online Sunshine) · Unlicensed Practice - Formal Advisory Opinions, The Florida Bar · partly verified

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In-depth explainers

Dividing property and debt in mediation

How Florida divorce mediation handles the house, retirement accounts, and debts: what counts as marital, what to bring, and how agreements become final. · Fact-checked 2026-10-06

Dividing what you own and what you owe is often the hardest money part of a divorce. Mediation gives you a private place to work it out with a neutral person, instead of asking a judge to do it for you. This guide covers how Florida law treats property and debt, what to prepare, and how a mediated deal becomes official.

This is general information about Florida, not legal advice. Rules differ in other states, and your circumstances matter.

Florida calls the process "equitable distribution." The statute tells judges to start from the premise that marital assets and liabilities should be divided equally, unless there is a justification for an unequal split based on listed factors.1 Those factors include each spouse's contributions to the marriage (including homemaking and child care), each person's economic circumstances, how long the marriage lasted, career or education sacrifices, the desirability of keeping the marital home for a dependent child, and intentional waste or dissipation of marital assets, among others.1

In mediation, you are not bound to reach the exact result a judge would. The parties make the decisions, and the mediator must not make substantive decisions for either of you.2 Knowing the legal starting point still helps, because it shapes what each side might get if the case goes to trial.

Marital vs. nonmarital

The first job is sorting each item into the right bucket.

Usually marital under Florida law:1

  • Assets acquired and debts incurred during the marriage, by either spouse, individually or jointly
  • Growth in value of a nonmarital asset that came from marital effort or marital money
  • Mortgage principal on nonmarital property paid down with marital funds (the statute has a specific formula for this)
  • Gifts between spouses during the marriage
  • Retirement, pension, and similar benefits earned during the marriage

Usually nonmarital:1

  • Assets and debts from before the marriage, and assets acquired in exchange for them
  • Gifts from third parties and inheritances
  • Income from nonmarital assets, unless it was treated or relied on as marital
  • Assets and debts excluded by a valid written agreement (for example, a prenuptial agreement)

Florida also presumes that assets acquired and debts incurred during the marriage are marital. The spouse who says something is nonmarital has the burden to prove it.1 Bring the paperwork that traces where the money came from.

The cut-off date

For classifying assets and debts, the cut-off is the earliest of: the date you sign a valid separation agreement, another date your agreement sets, or the date the divorce petition was filed. The date used to value an asset is up to the judge, and different assets can be valued as of different dates.1 In mediation you can agree on valuation dates, which often removes a lot of argument.

Get the numbers before you negotiate

Florida's family law rules require each spouse to exchange financial information in most divorces, including a sworn financial affidavit on a Florida Supreme Court approved form, tax returns, pay stubs, and supporting documents for listed income, assets, and debts.3 Mediation does not stop this process. Unless the parties agree or the court orders otherwise, mediation does not suspend discovery.4

A practical checklist to bring:

  • Your financial affidavit and your spouse's, if exchanged
  • Recent statements for bank, brokerage, and retirement accounts
  • Mortgage statements, deeds, and any appraisal or market estimate you have
  • Vehicle titles and loan payoff amounts
  • Credit card and loan statements in either name
  • Business records, if either of you owns a business
  • Records showing the source of anything you claim is nonmarital

If one side has not finished disclosure, you can ask the mediator to adjourn until it is done. Florida mediators may adjourn at any time and set times to reconvene.4

Common items and the questions to ask

The house

Options usually include selling and splitting proceeds, one spouse buying out the other, or one spouse staying for a set time (often tied to children) before a sale. Ask: Who can qualify to refinance? Who pays the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and repairs until the transfer? What happens if a payment is missed? Florida's factors expressly include the desirability of keeping the marital home for a dependent child when it is equitable and financially feasible.1

Retirement accounts and pensions

Benefits earned during the marriage are marital.1 Dividing many employer plans requires a separate court order that the plan accepts. Under federal law, these are called qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs).5 Your agreement should say who prepares that order and who pays for it, so the deal does not stall after you sign.

Businesses

A closely held business interest can be marital, and the statute addresses how its value is treated.1 Valuation is technical. Many couples agree in mediation on a neutral valuation expert, or agree to adjourn until one reports.

Debts

Debt is divided under the same framework as assets.1 Keep in mind that your creditor is not a party to your mediation. Florida mediators are required to make the parties aware of the interests of people affected by an agreement who are not at the table, and the mediator rules name lienholders as an example.2 Ask a lawyer how a divorce agreement affects joint accounts and what protections (such as refinancing deadlines or indemnity terms) make sense for you.

What the mediator can and cannot do

A Florida certified mediator may provide information they are qualified to give, point out possible outcomes, and discuss the merits of a claim. They may not offer an opinion meant to coerce you or decide an issue, and may not predict how your court will rule.2 If the mediator believes you do not understand how an agreement may affect your legal rights, they must tell you that you have the right to independent legal counsel.2

The mediator also must not coerce or unduly influence anyone, and must stop or postpone the session if a party cannot freely make decisions.2

Turning the deal into a final agreement

In a Florida family case, any agreement reached in mediation must be put in writing, signed by the parties, and submitted to the court unless the parties agree otherwise.6 When court approval is not needed, the agreement becomes binding when filed; when approval is needed, it becomes binding on approval. Either way, it must be made part of the final judgment.6 The mediator must make sure the terms are memorialized and discuss with you how the agreement will be formalized, but does not have to draft it personally.2

Before you sign, read every line. Check that each asset and debt is listed, that deadlines are realistic, and that someone is responsible for each follow-up step (deeds, account transfers, retirement orders).

If you cannot agree on everything

You can settle some items and leave others for the judge. If no agreement is reached on a matter, the mediator reports that to the court without comment or recommendation.6 In a contested case without a filed agreement, the judge's division of marital assets and debts must be supported by factual findings.1

What you say in mediation is generally confidential and privileged in Florida, with specific exceptions.7 That gives both sides room to explore options without it being used against them later.

Frequently asked questions

Do we have to split everything 50/50? No. Florida law starts from equal division unless there is a justification for unequal, but you can agree to a different split.1 The agreement still goes to the court.6

Is property I owned before marriage protected? Generally yes, but growth from marital effort or funds can be marital.1 Bring tracing records.

Can the mediator tell me if the deal is fair? They can discuss possible outcomes, but cannot decide for you or predict your judge's ruling.2

What if my spouse hides assets? Disclosure rules still apply during mediation,34 and confidentiality does not block evidence offered to void or reform an agreement on legally recognized grounds.7 Talk to a lawyer. Find a Florida certified mediator in our Florida directory, or get matched with one who fits your case.

Sources

  1. Fla. Stat. § 61.075 (equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities), subsections (1), (3), (6), (7), (8). http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.075.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13

  2. Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators, Rules 10.310 (self-determination), 10.320 (nonparticipating persons, with committee notes), 10.370 (advice, opinions, or information), 10.420(c) (closure, with committee notes). https://flcourts-media.flcourts.gov/content/download/1998036/file/FRC&CAM_01.2025%20ADA.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7

  3. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.285 (mandatory disclosure). https://www-media.floridabar.org/uploads/2026/09/2027_04-OCT-Family-Law-Rules-of-Procedure-10-1-2026.pdf ↩ ↩2

  4. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.741(a) (discovery not suspended) and (b)(3) (adjournments). https://www-media.floridabar.org/uploads/2026/09/2027_04-OCT-Family-Law-Rules-of-Procedure-10-1-2026.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  5. 29 U.S.C. § 1056(d)(3) (qualified domestic relations orders). https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/29/1056 ↩

  6. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.740(f) (report on mediation; written, signed agreement; binding on filing or approval; report of no agreement). https://www-media.floridabar.org/uploads/2026/09/2027_04-OCT-Family-Law-Rules-of-Procedure-10-1-2026.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  7. Fla. Stat. § 44.405 (confidentiality; privilege; exceptions). http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0044/Sections/0044.405.html ↩ ↩2

Child support in mediation

How child support is handled in Florida mediation: the guidelines, income and expenses, the overnight rule, required paperwork, and what the court reviews. · Fact-checked 2026-10-06

Child support is one of the most common topics in Florida family mediation. It is also one of the most rule-bound. Unlike a parenting schedule, where parents have a lot of room to design what works, child support in Florida starts from a formula set by state law. Mediation is where you check the numbers, sort out the extras, and agree on the details the formula does not answer.

This guide explains how child support works in Florida mediation. It is general information, not legal advice. Local court procedures differ by circuit, and other states use their own guidelines.

Florida starts with a formula

Florida's child support guidelines are in section 61.30 of the Florida Statutes. The amount the guidelines produce is presumed to be the amount the court must order.1

That has a direct effect on mediation:

  • A court may order support up to 5 percent above or below the guideline amount after considering factors like the child's needs and each parent's finances.1
  • To go further than 5 percent from the guideline amount, the court must make a written finding explaining why the guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate.1

So if you and the other parent agree on a number far from the guidelines, expect the judge to ask why. Your agreement should explain the reasons.

How the calculation works

You do not need to do the math yourself, but knowing the steps helps you follow the discussion.

  1. Find each parent's gross income. This includes wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, disability and Social Security benefits, unemployment, pensions, spousal support received, interest, dividends, and rental income, among other sources.2
  2. Subtract allowed deductions to get net income. These include income taxes, mandatory union dues and retirement payments, health insurance (not counting the child's coverage), and court-ordered support for other children that is actually paid.3
  3. Add the parents' net incomes together.4
  4. Look up the basic support need on the state's schedule, based on combined net income and the number of children.5
  5. Split it by percentage. Each parent's share is their net income divided by the combined net income.6
  6. Add certain costs. Child care costs for work, a job search, or job-related education are added. So are the child's health insurance and uncovered medical, dental, and prescription costs, unless those are ordered to be split separately by percentage.7

The schedule in the statute lists combined monthly net incomes from $800 to $10,000, in $50 steps.5 For example, at a combined monthly net income of $5,000, the schedule amount is $1,000 for one child, $1,551 for two, and $1,939 for three.5 That is the total need for both parents together, before it is split by income share in step 5. Above $10,000 a month, the amount is the $10,000 figure plus a percentage of the income over $10,000: 5% for one child, 7.5% for two, 9.5% for three, 11% for four, 12% for five, and 12.5% for six.5 The law can also change the result for a paying parent whose income is below the schedule.5

Income questions often drive the debate

Many mediations turn on what counts as income. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income, meaning it treats that parent as earning what they could earn, based on things like recent work history and job skills, unless the court finds a physical or mental incapacity or other circumstances outside the parent's control.8 Bonuses, side work, and self-employment income are other common topics.

Time-sharing and the 20 percent overnight rule

Child support and the parenting plan are linked. Under Florida's guidelines, if each parent has the child for a "substantial amount of time," the court must use a different calculation. A substantial amount of time means a parent has at least 20 percent of the overnights in a year.9

Florida law applies this adjustment whether the time-sharing comes from a court order or a mediation agreement.1 That means changes you make to the parenting schedule in mediation can change the support amount. Settle the schedule first, or at least run the numbers on each option you are considering.

When the court may deviate

Beyond the 5 percent range, Florida lists deviation factors the court may consider. Examples include:10

  • extraordinary medical, psychological, educational, or dental expenses
  • special needs, such as costs related to a child's disability
  • a guideline result that would require a parent to pay more than 55 percent of their gross income for a single support order
  • a schedule where the child spends a significant amount of time, but less than 20 percent of the overnights, with one parent

If one of these applies, say so in mediation and put the reason in the written agreement.

Paperwork to bring

Child support mediation depends on accurate numbers. Florida's mandatory disclosure rule requires, in most cases involving child support:

  • A financial affidavit. Form 12.902(b) if your gross income is under $50,000 a year, or Form 12.902(c) if it is $50,000 or more.11
  • Tax returns for the past 3 years, with W-2s, 1099s, and K-1s.11
  • Pay stubs or other proof of earned income for the past 6 months.11
  • Health and dental insurance information covering you or your children.11

A Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Form 12.902(e)) must be filed at or before a hearing to set or change child support. The parties cannot waive this requirement.12 Bring a draft if you have one. Also bring proof of child care costs and the child's medical expenses.

Local programs may add their own rules. For example, the Ninth Circuit (Orange and Osceola counties) tells each party to bring a current financial affidavit and recent pay stubs or an employer letter to the first family mediation session. If a child support agreement is reached there, the signed agreement and the guidelines worksheet are filed with the court.13 Check your own notice, and use our find your county pages for local programs.

Cases involving the state

Some child support cases involve Florida's child support program, known as Title IV-D. Under the family rules, Title IV-D cases may not be referred to mediation unless the court finds good cause or the parties consent.14 Local handling varies. In the Ninth Circuit, cases where the Department of Revenue is a party are not part of the circuit's mandatory family mediation referral and go to child support hearing officers instead.13

Keep support and time-sharing separate in practice

Even though the math links them, Florida law treats the duties separately when it comes to enforcement:

  • A parent owed support may not refuse to honor the time-sharing schedule because the other parent has not paid.15
  • A parent whose time-sharing is being denied must keep paying any ordered support.15

A good mediated agreement can include clear payment methods, due dates, and a plan for sharing extra costs, which can help prevent these disputes.

What happens after you agree

If you reach an agreement, it must be written, signed, and filed with the court unless the parties agree otherwise. When court approval is required, the agreement becomes binding once the court approves it, and it is made part of the final judgment or order.16 If you do not agree, the mediator reports that to the court without comment or recommendation, and the judge decides support.16

What you say during mediation is generally confidential, with limited exceptions.17

Frequently asked questions

Can we pick any amount? The guideline amount is presumed correct. More than a 5 percent difference needs a written finding.1

Does time-sharing change support? Yes, once each parent has at least 20 percent of overnights.9

What paperwork do I need? A financial affidavit, disclosure documents, and a guidelines worksheet by the hearing.1112

Can state (Title IV-D) cases be mediated? Only with good cause or the parties' consent.14

Can I withhold time-sharing for nonpayment? No.15

Find your local family court program on our Florida county pages, or get matched with a certified family mediator.

Sources

  1. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(1)(a) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/61.30 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  2. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(2)(a) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/61.30 ↩

  3. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(3) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/61.30 ↩

  4. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(5) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/61.30 ↩

  5. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(6), including (6)(a)–(b) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/61.30 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  6. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(9) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/61.30 ↩

  7. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(7)–(8) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/61.30 ↩

  8. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(2)(b) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/61.30 ↩

  9. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(11)(b) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/61.30 ↩ ↩2

  10. Fla. Stat. § 61.30(11)(a) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/61.30 ↩

  11. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.285(e) — https://www-media.floridabar.org/uploads/2026/09/2027_04-OCT-Family-Law-Rules-of-Procedure-10-1-2026.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  12. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.285(k) — https://www-media.floridabar.org/uploads/2026/09/2027_04-OCT-Family-Law-Rules-of-Procedure-10-1-2026.pdf ↩ ↩2

  13. Ninth Judicial Circuit, Administrative Order 2004-14-03, ¶¶ 2.A, 7.D, 17 — https://www.ninthcircuit.org/sites/default/files/AO2004-14-03.pdf ↩ ↩2

  14. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.740(c)(2) — https://www-media.floridabar.org/uploads/2026/09/2027_04-OCT-Family-Law-Rules-of-Procedure-10-1-2026.pdf ↩ ↩2

  15. Fla. Stat. § 61.13(4)(a)–(b) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/61.13 ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  16. Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.740(f) — https://www-media.floridabar.org/uploads/2026/09/2027_04-OCT-Family-Law-Rules-of-Procedure-10-1-2026.pdf ↩ ↩2

  17. Fla. Stat. § 44.405(1), (4)(a) — https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/44.405 ↩

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