Time-Sharing Rules in Florida

Matters impacting children are among the most sensitive types of legal proceedings in the Florida Family Court. There are often serious disputes between the parents that make it hard to reach mutually beneficial agreements.

Child time-sharing arrangements aim to protect the child’s rights and well-being while allowing both parents to remain active and involved in their lives. Our Brandon child time-sharing lawyers explain some of the rules and guidelines the family court follows in making these arrangements.

Florida Laws Regarding Child Time-Sharing

Child time-sharing can become an issue when couples file for a divorce or as the outcome of paternity proceedings in Brandon. In the past, determining who got custody was the primary focus. Today, the court is more in favor of co-parenting.

Under the Florida Statutes, the primary concern in custody matters is ensuring the child’s best interests are protected. As children often benefit by having frequent and ongoing contact with both parents, child time-sharing arrangements are generally preferred. However, while there are few hard and fast rules, there are some serious factors the court considers before approving a parenting plan in Florida:

• Each parent’s current and prior relationship with the child;
• Their ability to provide the care, nurturing, and protection the child needs;{:target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”}
• Their willingness and proven ability to cooperate with the other parent in making child time-sharing arrangements;
• Any issues, such as accusations of domestic violence or drug and alcohol abuse that could put the child at risk.

Rules Once a Parenting Plan is in Place

Parenting plans in Florida detail each parent’s rights and responsibilities in regard to their child. Again, there are no hard and fast rules regarding what they contain, but most plans will generally include provisions for the following:

• The amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home during the week;
• Rights regarding weekend visits;
• Arrangements for holidays, school breaks, and other special occasions;
• Legal custody, which authorizes one or both parties to make important decisions on behalf of the child.

While you can be flexible when putting a Florida parenting plan in place, once a final order is issued throughout the Hillsborough County Family Court, there are some important rules you are legally required to follow. These include:

• You must follow the terms of your court order and any parenting plans approved by the court;
• If you want to make any permanent changes to the plan, you will likely need to go to court;
• If you require a one-time or temporary change, you must give the other parent notice;
• You must get permission from the court if you plan on taking your child or moving out of the area;
• Being habitually late, canceling suddenly, or being hostile toward the other parent could jeopardize your rights.

Discuss Your Options With Our Brandon Time-Sharing Lawyers

Once a Florida parenting plan is in place, you are required to follow it. To protect your rights and your child’s best interests in time-sharing arrangements, contact Carmen and Bevington: Brandon Legal. To discuss your options, request a confidential consultation today.