We Believe in Fair and Equitable Timesharing and Parenting Plans for the Betterment of the Family
Timesharing is the legal terminology that has replaced the term “custody” in the Florida court system. The law encourages parents to spend equitable quality time with their children. A timesharing schedule is documented in a formally written and court-approved parenting plan, which is legally binding and enforceable by the law. A parenting plan can be drafted by both parents and approved by a judge, or it can be imposed by the court system if the parents disagree on the terms.
A highly detailed parenting plan prioritizes the children’s best interests and encourages an ongoing, supportive relationship with both parents. In co-parenting a child, the court expects the parents to place the needs of the children ahead of their desires. The items in a parenting plan include timesharing and other parental responsibilities.
A Parenting Plan includes Items such as:
- Living and housing arrangements
- Childcare arrangements
- Healthcare decision making
- Extracurricular activities and cultural events
- Decisions regarding education
- Treatment decision-making for children with special needs
- A weekly schedule of visitation, including holidays, birthdays, vacations, and special occasions
- Child support payments.
The court assesses many factors when reviewing a parenting plan. Although parental absence is known to affect the well-being of children negatively, the court looks at the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment. The physical and mental health of each parent, their criminal history, and any issues of domestic violence or abuse, neglect, or abandonment can significantly impact the timesharing arrangement for the children.
Parenting Plan Modifications
When a parent feels that the parenting plan is not reasonable or achievable, they can petition the court for a modification. Safety concerns and the child’s best interest are the most urgent. The petitioner must have convincing evidence proving the necessity for a change in the plan, or a judge will deny the request. Some reasons for a modification can be the relocation of a parent, the death of a parent, or that one parent violates the plan.
Let Us Help Resolve Your Co-Parenting Concerns
For parents not living together, a collaborative approach is the best solution for raising children. If the parents can work together and agree on a plan outside of formal court proceedings, they can present it to the family court judge for approval. The plan then becomes enforceable by law. However, when the parents cannot work out an amicable solution regarding the upbringing of the children, an experienced and dedicated family law attorney can help. At C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A., our legal team can gather evidence and make recommendations for the division of responsibilities and child support payments.
Your Trusted Central Florida Family Law Firm
C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A. is passionate about advocating for children’s rights. Each of our clients receives personalized attention as we work diligently for the betterment of the family members. We understand that every family is unique, and there is no one size fits all plan. Our office location is Winter Garden, Florida. However, we represent clients throughout Orlando and Central Florida. Contact C.J. Hilliard Law, P.A. at (407) 656-1576 to find solutions for every family law question and concern.
