Am I Moving Too Quickly With My Child Time Sharing Plan?

There are two schools of thought when it comes to helping children deal with a dividing family. On one hand, people argue that it’s best to get it over with as quickly as possible. On the other hand, there are those who say it’s better to gradually get children accustomed to the prospect of having two households. So which is the correct route? How do you approach this situation in the most efficient manner possible and ensure the best mental health outcomes for your young ones?

The Benefits of a Faster Divorce

One argument states that children experience better outcomes with less uncertainty and delays. If you’re going to divide your family, your child might benefit more from a quick transition rather than a slow, drawn-out divorce where you’re constantly beating around the bush. It might help to take a very clear, straightforward approach with your children without being blunt or insensitive. Let them know how it’s going to be in the future while leaving no room for interpretation or doubts.

But before you can make a quick transition and tell your child what’s going to happen, you need to actually resolve your divorce first. And this isn’t always easy. The good news is that Florida requires only a 20-day waiting period before you move forward with your divorce – which is much shorter than waiting periods in many other states. This helps limit that feeling of uncertainty and doubt for children. If you want to resolve your divorce quickly, it’s best to speak with a qualified, experienced divorce attorney as soon as possible.

The Argument for a Gradual Transition 

The American Psychological Association states that “sudden changes can be hard on children,” recommending that you give your children a few weeks of notice before you move them to a new home or move forward with your time sharing plan. But the APA also suggests that the sooner your child gets started with their new time sharing plan, the better. This is because most children adjust well within two years of splitting their time between parents, and a divorce that takes months or even years to conclude will only add unnecessary time onto this process.

You should also consider your family’s unique characteristics before making any hasty decisions. Some children – especially those with mental health conditions – may benefit more from gradual transitions. Other children – especially older, more mature teens – may benefit more from quicker transitions.

Where Can I Find a Child Time Sharing Lawyer in Florida? 

If you’ve been searching for an Orlando divorce lawyer, choose Steve Marsee, P.A. We know that for many divorcing parents, protecting their children’s mental health is the number-one priority. During your consultation with us, we can discuss a number of effective strategies to streamline this process – making the separation easier on the entire family. Book your consultation today to get started with an action plan that serves your children’s best interests.

Sources: 

apa.org/topics/divorce-child-custody/healthy

extension.missouri.edu/publications/gh6616