What is a Child Time Sharing Schedule?

If you are getting a divorce and a minor child is involved, one of the most important aspects of your divorce agreement with your spouse will be the child time sharing schedule. While most states use the terms custody and visitation when referring to child issues in divorce, Florida uses the term child sharing. The child time sharing schedule determines when and where your child spends time with each parent after a divorce. However, many people are not aware of everything that goes into a child sharing agreement and how difficult it can be to change the terms of the agreement after it is signed.

What Goes Into a Child Time Sharing Agreement?

The child time sharing agreement is part of the overall parenting plan submitted by the parents to the court during a divorce. The time sharing schedule dictates which parent the child spends time with and when. Your time sharing schedule must include the following items: a daily or residential schedule that shows where the child will spend their time during the week and weekends, a holiday schedule that shows where the child will be on holidays, and a summer break schedule that shows which parent the child will stay with during the break and for how long.

There are a couple of additional considerations you might want to also consider when creating a child time sharing agreement with your spouse. The Florida courts encourage parents to work together to create a schedule they both like and agree to. In addition, your schedule should give your child continuous and frequent contact with each parent, or else the court might reject it. Your child’s age should come into consideration when determining how long and frequent visits are with parents, and typically all children stay together for time sharing with each parent.

If The Parents Cannot Agree on a Time Sharing Agreement

If the parents in a divorce cannot agree on a time sharing schedule, the court will step in and create one without the input of the parents. There is no set standard for child time sharing agreements in Florida, which means that the court has latitude to create one however it sees fit for your situation. This could mean that you spend less time with your child than you want, and it is incredibly difficult to change the terms of a child time sharing agreement once it is set by the court, barring a significant change in circumstances. This is why parents are encouraged to work together on a time sharing agreement, so that it can meet the needs of your unique family.

Talk to a Child Custody Attorney Today

Do you need help creating a child time sharing agreement for your divorce? If so, the experienced family law firm of Steve W. Marsee in Orlando is here to help. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal needs with a child time sharing agreement.

Resource:

https://www.flcourts.org/content/download/403367/3458536/995a.pdf

https://www.marseelaw.com/what-kind-of-parenting-plan-is-best-for-a-baby/