Orlando Time Sharing Attorney
In Florida, divorcing parents often focus on child custody. However, state law does not typically define time spent with a child after divorce as “child custody.” Instead, it is referred to as “time sharing.”
Florida courts believe that both biological parents should spend time with their children and be actively involved in their upbringing. In almost all cases, both parents have some degree of time sharing with the child, as both have a parental responsibility to care for their child. Even a parent who has been convicted of a crime may be allowed to have supervised time sharing with their child, as long as it would not be deemed detrimental.
Parenting time plans are used to determine child support. Keep in mind that any enforcement of a parenting time plan must be done by the court. The Child Support Program cannot modify or enforce a plan.
Want to know more about time sharing? Contact Orlando time sharing attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. Attorney at Law to learn more about a parent’s obligations.
Types of Time Sharing
There are several types of time sharing that can apply to a parent:
- Majority time sharing. Majority time sharing arrangement is when one parent has a majority of overnights with the child. This is called the primary residential parent. Majority time amounts to 50.1% or more nights. This is the most common arrangement.
- Equal time sharing. Not as common as a majority time sharing arrangement, equal time sharing is when both parents have the same number of overnights during the year. An example would be a child spending one week with the mother, then the next week with the father.
- Supervised time sharing. This is done in extreme cases, such as child abuse, neglect, family violence, substance abuse, or addiction. A judge will order that a third person be present for any visits between the child and parent. When it is a formal supervised situation, the third parties involved are typically social workers who monitor the child during visitation and ensure they are kept safe. The person supervising the visit may sit quietly and take notes, only interrupting to protect the child or parent. There are cases in which the parents can choose a friend, family member, or agency to facilitate the supervised visitation. The parents must pay for any costs involved. The time-sharing agreement should contain restrictions on communication and transportation during the visit.
Contact Us Today
Shared parental responsibility is common in Florida. Therefore, the parties need to determine how to best work out the time sharing schedule so that their children will get sufficient time with both parents.
Orlando time sharing attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. Attorney at Law can help you determine the best time sharing schedule for your situation. Fill out the online form or call 407-521-7171 to schedule a consultation.
