The Importance of a Parenting Plan in Your Florida Divorce
If you or someone you know is going through a divorce, it is essential to understand the role of a parenting plan during this process. Under Florida law, parenting plans give divorcing spouses who are parents the opportunity to come to an agreement as to how the children will be raised during and after a divorce. If the soon-to-be ex-spouses cannot come to an amicable solution regarding this issue, a Florida court will order a parenting plan for them.
For this reason, it is important to hire a compassionate and aggressive Orlando child custody attorney for assistance throughout each step of the process.
The Parenting Plan Explained
Undoubtedly, it is in both parents’ best interest to try to reach a consensual parenting plan. This agreement should be one not only that both parents find reasonable but is also in the child or children’s best interests. That being said, whether the parties are able to agree to a parenting plan or the court drafts the plan, this document must address the minimum requirements called for by Florida law. This includes time-sharing, healthcare and methods of communication.
The purpose of a parenting plan is to encourage “frequent and continuing contact” between both parents and their child or children during and after a divorce proceeding. To reach this goal, Florida courts must approve, modify or implement a parenting plan that addresses the fundamental issues involved in raising a child. If parents jointly prepare a parenting plan the court may – in its discretion – approve, reject or modify this agreement.
Parenting plans address issues commonly known as “custody”, “parental responsibility” and “visitation”. The minimum requirements set out by state statute include:
- An adequately detailed description of how the parents intend to share the daily tasks associated with child rearing;
- A time-sharing schedule that specifically addresses the particular time the child or children will spend with each parent;
- An express designation of which parent will be responsible for health care, school-related issues and other activities;
- The methods of, and technologies proposed, the parents will use to communicate with one another and the child or children; and
- The filing of a Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction & Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) form.
The time-sharing schedule must jointly designate the time the minor child or children will spend with each parent, including overnight stays and holidays. If the parents cannot agree on this issue, the court will establish this schedule.
Child Time Sharing Help in Orlando
A calm and informed decision is the best decision when it comes to matters relating to your children. For this reason, reach out to a knowledgeable and skilled Orlando child time sharing attorney to learn about your rights, obligations, and time limits under the law. Attorney Steve W. Marsee assists spouses in reaching a child custody and child support agreements that benefit not only best interest of the children, but are also reasonable for all parties involved. Do not try to navigate this often emotionally sensitive time in life through complicated state law.
