Child Time-Sharing In Fort Lauderdale: Your Rights and Responsibilities Under Florida Law

When going through a divorce or separation in Fort Lauderdale, few issues are more emotionally charged than the care of children. Child time-sharing is encouraged, with the goal of ensuring both parents continue to play an active role in their child’s life.

Understanding your rights and responsibilities under Florida law is crucial to creating a parenting plan that works. Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains what every parent needs to know about time-sharing in Florida.

What Florida Law Says About Time-Sharing and Parental Rights in Fort Lauderdale

Under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes, the law encourages both parents to share in the rights and responsibilities of raising their children. Courts are required to make decisions based on what is in the best interests of the child, and there is no preference for either the mother or father.

That said, child time-sharing arrangements can vary depending on each family’s circumstances. Here’s what you need regarding how Florida law applies:

• Equal access is preferred: Family courts generally encourage co-parenting, provided it’s practical and serves the child’s best interests.
• Parenting plans are mandatory: Any case involving minor children must include a parenting plan that outlines where the child lives, how decisions are made, and how time is shared.
• Relocation restrictions apply: A parent who wants to move more than 50 miles away for 60 days or more must obtain court approval or the consent of the other parent.
• Communication and cooperation are expected: Courts will look at how well each parent supports the child’s relationship with the other parent and whether they can work together in the child’s best interest.

Broward County Family Court judges also consider factors such as the child’s age, schooling needs, and the physical/mental health of each parent when approving a time-sharing plan.

Your Responsibilities as a Time-Sharing Parent in Fort Lauderdale

Time-sharing isn’t just about when you spend time with your child. It’s about showing up consistently and nurturing the child while respecting the other parent and court orders in place. Your responsibilities include:

• Follow the parenting plan: Deviating from the schedule can lead to enforcement actions, including loss of time-sharing rights.
• Support your child’s emotional well-being: Encourage your child’s relationship with the other parent and avoid badmouthing or fighting in front of them.
• Stay involved: Be active in your child’s education, medical care, extracurriculars, and daily life.
• Use proper channels for changes: If you need to change the parenting plan, seek court approval.
• Communicate respectfully: Keep communication civil, ideally in writing through text or parenting apps, to avoid misunderstandings.

Consult Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer to Protect Your Parental Rights

Whether you’re negotiating your first parenting plan or need to modify an existing one, it’s important to understand both your rights and your responsibilities. At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we help parents navigate time-sharing with care, compassion, and skill. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get trusted guidance from our Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer on your next steps.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C