Fried and Fried, P.A. Fort Myers Family Law Attorney | Lee County Divorce Lawyer | Timesharing 2026-08-28T13:41:14Z https://www.friedandfried.com/feed/atom/ WordPress On Behalf of Fried and Fried, P.A. <![CDATA[Executive bonuses, stock options and Florida child support]]> https://www.friedandfried.com/?p=50676 2026-08-28T13:41:14Z 2026-08-28T13:41:14Z Treating bonuses as recurring income Florida law includes bonuses and similar compensation when determining a parent's gross income for child support purposes. Judges often look at the history of these payments to decide if they are a steady source of funds. Fluctuating amounts can create disputes about how income should be reflected in a child support order.

Valuing stock options and equity awards

Stock options and restricted stock units present a different set of hurdles because their value often changes over time. Equity awards can be treated differently depending on their terms, vesting status and the circumstances of the case. Calculating high-income support involves a careful review of the vesting schedule and potential tax considerations.

Factors that can affect child support calculations

Managing these complex financial tools includes a review of job contracts and company policies. Several factors influence how a judge views extra pay, including:
  • The history of bonus payouts
  • The specific dates for all equity grants
  • Tax costs of using various stock options The relationship between base salary and total pay
These variables set the final support figure and impact the lifestyle a child enjoys. Addressing these details early helps prevent future litigation.

Protecting your financial future

Handling the connection between executive compensation and child support requires a careful look at company benefits and equity awards. Reviewing these details can help ensure a support order reflects the financial circumstances of both parents.]]> On Behalf of Fried and Fried, P.A. <![CDATA[Can you add video calls to the time-sharing schedule in Florida?]]> https://www.friedandfried.com/?p=50662 2026-08-18T12:09:31Z 2026-08-18T12:08:08Z What does the law say? Florida courts have the authority to establish communication between a child and a parent. This authority covers both in-person and digital communication. Consequently, you may request that the judge include video calls in your specific arrangement.

How will the court decide?

While Florida courts often allow video calls in child custody cases, they only grant approval after careful consideration. Here is what a court might ask before adding video calls to your time-sharing schedule:
  • Does this form of communication actually benefit the child?
  • Do both sides have practical, easy and affordable access to the required technology?
  • Does either parent have a history of domestic violence or drug and alcohol abuse?
  • Does the court find any other detail or circumstance important to the decision?
If you meet these conditions, the court may add digital communications to the schedule. You may also ask the court to add digital communication to an existing time-sharing schedule, provided the schedule does not prohibit electronic communication.

Why does legal guidance matter for virtual time-sharing?

The process might sound straightforward, but missing subtle legal nuances can derail your goals. An attorney experienced in child custody cases can evaluate your unique circumstances and provide the tailored strategy you need to fight for a favorable outcome.]]> On Behalf of Fried and Fried, P.A. <![CDATA[What should fathers bring to a paternity consultation?]]> https://www.friedandfried.com/?p=50661 2026-08-04T16:13:22Z 2026-08-04T16:13:22Z Identity and relationship documents Bringing basic records helps your attorney understand your situation from the start. If you have them, gather: In Florida, an unmarried father generally must establish legal paternity before he can ask the court for parental rights and responsibilities. Having these records available can help your attorney determine what steps may apply to your case without spending valuable time tracking down basic information.

Communication and parenting records

Showing how you have been involved in your child's life can add important context to your discussion. Bring copies of any information that reflects your relationship with your child, such as:
  • Text messages or emails with the other parent
  • A calendar showing parenting time or visits
  • Photos from school events, birthdays or other activities
  • Notes about agreements or changes to your parenting schedule
These records can help explain your role as a parent and identify questions that need addressing during your case.

Court and financial paperwork

Any legal or support-related records can help your attorney understand whether another case may affect your options. If you have received paperwork from a court or state agency, bring copies to your consultation. This may include:
  • Child support records
  • Court notices
  • Previous orders or documents related to an ongoing family matter
If no case has been filed yet, having a simple timeline of important events, such as when your child was born or when questions about paternity first arose, still helps provide further context.

Start your consultation prepared

Organizing what you already have is often enough to make your first meeting more productive. Even if you do not have every record, your attorney can explain what additional information may be helpful and discuss your next legal steps.]]> On Behalf of Fried and Fried, P.A. <![CDATA[What happens to private equity investments in a Florida divorce?]]> https://www.friedandfried.com/?p=50660 2026-07-31T14:59:30Z 2026-07-31T14:59:30Z Private equity often represents years of planning, risk and patience. If divorce enters the picture, you may worry that a judge will assign the wrong value to an investment you cannot easily sell or that you will lose future gains before it matures. That concern makes sense because private equity rarely comes with a clear balance. To understand your options, examine when you obtained the interest, what it may be worth and what duties may follow.

Classification comes before valuation

Florida courts first sort the investment into marital or nonmarital property. Under the state’s equitable distribution law, Florida usually treats an interest either spouse gains during marriage as marital property, even when the records list only one spouse. A premarital investment may stay separate. Yet marital funds or either spouse’s work may create a claim to its growth. Capital calls can blur the line. If you bought the interest before marriage but used marital funds for later contributions, a court may treat part of it as marital. Detailed records can trace each dollar.

Private investments lack an easy price tag

Unlike publicly traded stock, private equity has no daily market price. Federal guidance on private placement risks warns that these investments may be hard to sell and often provide less information than registered securities. A recent statement may not capture the full value. A financial expert may review partnership agreements, account statements, tax records and past distributions. The expert may also study the fund’s holdings, exit date and transfer limits. These concerns often overlap with other complex divorce assets, including business interests and deferred compensation.

One spouse may keep the investment

Florida courts can leave ownership with one spouse rather than split it. The other spouse might receive cash, real estate or a larger share of other assets. This choice may honor transfer limits and allow the investment to grow until a later sale. Still, uncertain value can make settlement harder. The parties may need clear terms for future payouts or a sale after the divorce

Prepare before settlement discussions begin

Before negotiating, gather subscription agreements, capital account statements, tax records and notices about future capital calls. Also identify transfer limits, expected distributions and deadlines that may affect the investment. Taking these steps early gives you time to compare settlement options and plan for future costs. It can also help you avoid choices that strain your cash flow or force action at the wrong time.]]> On Behalf of Fried and Fried, P.A. <![CDATA[Can collaborative divorce protect your financial privacy?]]> https://www.friedandfried.com/?p=50659 2026-07-31T03:23:37Z 2026-07-31T03:23:37Z How collaborative divorce supports privacy Collaborative divorce gives both spouses a chance to settle issues outside the courtroom. Each person works with a lawyer and agrees to focus on reaching an agreement. Because most meetings happen in private, many financial discussions stay out of the public eye. Florida's Collaborative Law Process Act, found in Chapter 61, Part III, Florida Statutes, sets the rules for this process. Under § 61.58, it also protects many communications made during collaborative meetings from disclosure or use in court. Even so, privacy has limits. It helps to know what information you may still need to share.

What information may remain private?

Some financial records still become part of the court file before a judge can finalize the divorce. However, many personal discussions take place during private meetings instead of in open court. These discussions may include:
  • Business ownership
  • Investment accounts
  • Bonuses, stock awards and other work benefits
  • Retirement accounts
  • Real estate and other valuable assets
Both spouses must also share complete and accurate financial information. Full disclosure helps each person understand the family's finances and make informed choices. Honest communication also helps the process move forward with fewer disputes.

Choosing the right process

Privacy matters, but it is only one part of a divorce. You may also want to think about your finances, your family and how you hope to resolve disagreements. Weighing how collaborative divorce works against your specific goals and situation can help you decide if it's the right fit. Collaborative divorce works best when both spouses are committed to negotiating in good faith and reaching a mutually acceptable resolution. If you need guidance about your options, consider speaking with a legal professional.]]> On Behalf of Fried and Fried, P.A. <![CDATA[Hidden assets can disrupt property division]]> https://www.friedandfried.com/?p=50658 2026-07-17T12:55:21Z 2026-07-17T12:55:21Z Hidden assets may not seem like a huge deal; however, they can become a significant problem. When a party hides assets, it skews the outcome of the property division process and may affect the fairness of support orders. This could mean that the deceptive spouse walks away with a larger share of the marital estate than they should have.

How would someone hide marital assets?

Hidden assets can take many forms. An individual may move something into separate accounts, delay business income, undervalue property or transfer assets to friends or family members. This can become much more complex in high-asset divorce scenarios when cryptocurrency, business interests, bonuses, deferred compensation and similar financial situations are at issue.

What are the warning signs of hidden assets?

In some cases, there aren’t any noticeable signs that a person is hiding assets. When signs are present, they can include:
  • Account changes, such as a change in ownership
  • Unexplained withdrawals
  • Missing statements
  • Secretive behavior
  • Unexplained decreases in known asset values
Financial records can sometimes make it easier to spot hidden assets. This is often the case when bank statements, tax returns and property records don’t align. Because it can be difficult to spot hidden assets, some people who think this is a likely situation may opt to work with a forensic accountant during their divorce. Having a suitable property division settlement can to shape your financial future for the better. Working with a legal professional who is familiar these matters may help to clarify your options and develop a plan to move forward effectively.]]> On Behalf of Fried and Fried, P.A. <![CDATA[How hidden assets may impact high-asset Florida divorces]]> https://www.friedandfried.com/?p=50657 2026-06-25T17:37:05Z 2026-06-25T17:37:05Z What harm do hidden assets cause? The spouse who is unaware of the true extent of the marital estate may accept a lesser settlement than they actually deserve. Financial misrepresentation during divorce subverts the law and manipulates the outcome in favor of the spouse who lies. People can lose out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in marital income and property in the most egregious cases.

How the courts correct the issue

When information about hidden assets comes to light, possibly due to an investigation conducted by a forensic accountant, spouses can present what they discovered to the courts. If the divorce is still underway, the final property division settlement may ultimately reflect the attempt to manipulate the courts by lying about marital finances. Most of the time, property division decrees are not subject to modification after a divorce. However, concrete evidence of hidden assets during hidden discovery proceedings can be one of the few scenarios in which the courts agree to revisit and adjust an imbalanced property division settlement. Reviewing financial disclosures carefully and assessing finances for signs of hidden property with a skilled legal team are important during high-asset divorces. People who believe their spouses may attempt to hide assets to game the divorce process may want to discuss those concerns immediately with an attorney, and that can be a very wise instinct.]]> On Behalf of Fried and Fried, P.A. <![CDATA[4 things to know about protecting retirement assets during divorce]]> https://www.friedandfried.com/?p=50656 2026-06-17T07:51:24Z 2026-06-17T07:51:24Z Watching years of retirement savings become a bargaining chip in your divorce can feel overwhelming. Tax penalties and long-term financial loss can feel like they are hanging over every decision. Retirement accounts are often one of the most fought-over assets in a Florida divorce. 

Know the difference between marital and separate property

Under Florida Statute § 61.075, a court must separate your nonmarital assets from marital assets before dividing anything. Money you put into a 401(k), IRA or pension during the marriage generally counts as a marital asset. This is true even if only one spouse worked or the account is only in one spouse's name. The balance you had before the marriage may count as separate property. However, you generally have to prove that exact balance with financial statements. Without those records, a judge could treat the entire account as marital property.

Use a QDRO to avoid early withdrawal penalties

Pulling money from a 401(k) or IRA early can trigger taxes and penalties. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order lets a plan administrator divide retirement funds between spouses without those early withdrawal penalties. This court order is generally required before a retirement account can be split. 

Consider offsetting with other marital assets

You may not need to split your retirement account at all. Some couples negotiate to keep retirement savings intact by offering equal value in other marital property instead. This approach can work in different ways: 
  • Home equity: You could offer a share of the family home in exchange for keeping your full retirement balance.
  • Liquid savings: Cash or investment accounts might serve as an alternative trade.
  • Other property: Vehicles, collections or business interests could also factor into negotiations.
These trade-offs depend on the total value of marital assets and what both spouses are willing to accept.

Protecting what you have built

Florida law requires courts to draw a clear line between marital and nonmarital retirement funds before any division occurs. Proving that line through documentation and proper use of tools like a QDRO can directly affect how much of your savings you keep. These steps matter because retirement accounts often represent years of planning for your future. ]]> On Behalf of Fried and Fried, P.A. <![CDATA[Can a Florida child support order help to address college costs?]]> https://www.friedandfried.com/?p=50655 2026-06-16T21:53:34Z 2026-06-16T21:53:34Z Child support ends before college Some states have adopted child support rules that allow for continued support through the college years. Florida is not one of those states. Child support often ends when a child turns 18 or when they graduate high school. Regardless of a child's academic struggles or ambitions, child support generally does not persist past a young adult’s 19th birthday. The courts do not extend child support into the college years. Instead, parents may need to reach an agreement with one another for covering college expenses. They can negotiate an arrangement where they each absorb a certain percentage of overall college costs. One parent might also agree to pay a specific amount annually for as long as a college-bound teenager remains enrolled full-time and meets certain academic standards. Even when conflict levels are high in a divorce, parents actually still want what is best for their children, which may require planning to pay for college. Working out an arrangement to better ensure that a divorce does not prevent a young adult from going to college can help parents limit the negative impact of a divorce. Those who understand child support rules can approach the matter of funding their children’s college education more effectively.]]> On Behalf of Fried and Fried, P.A. <![CDATA[Summer changes to child custody schedules]]> https://www.friedandfried.com/?p=50654 2026-06-04T08:36:27Z 2026-06-04T08:36:27Z Over the summer months, it may be necessary to make changes to your child custody schedule. In some cases, you may just need to communicate with your coparent about temporary alterations. In other cases, you may need to request an official custody modification from the court. Why is the summer different than the school year? Much of it just has to do with the children’s schedule. They have far more free time over the summer, but that can change parental obligations and schedules substantially.

Temporary changes

For instance, perhaps your child wants to go to summer camp for two weeks, but you and your coparent typically exchange custody every three to four days. You should not just send your child to camp and violate your ex’s custody rights by failing to make the proper exchange. You need to communicate about these things in advance so everyone knows what to expect. Similarly, you may be interested in taking your children on vacation or using paid time off over the summer. Once again, communication is critical. Do not just take your children with you on the trip and violate the existing custody order.

Childcare changes

Another thing to consider is that childcare can be much different. Even though children get the summer off, parents often still have to work. To get through until the start of the next school year, some parents use babysitters, daycare or send the children to their grandparents. But you and your ex may need to have a conversation about who is legally allowed to watch the children or take responsibility for them. If you both have legal custody rights, for instance, you may have to make joint decisions when it comes to babysitters or daycare. This helps demonstrate how the summer can be complex for coparents and why it is so important for them to understand all of their custody rights.  ]]>