Florida Parenting Plan Checklist
In cases of divorce in Fort Lauderdale, or in the aftermath of paternity proceedings, child time-sharing is often a major dispute. The court generally encourages parenting plans, which allow both parties to remain active and involved in the child’s life. Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains more about what is covered and offers a checklist for making a Broward County parenting plan.
The Use of Parenting Plans In Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Cases
The care and support of children is a primary concern when legal disputes arise between parents. Child time-sharing is generally encouraged under the Florida Statutes. This allows both parents to remain active and involved in the child’s life. Parenting plans are used in creating these arrangements and generally address the following:
- The amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home during the week;
- Rights to weekend visits;
- Overnight and extended stays on holidays, school breaks, and other special occasions;
- Pick-up and drop[-off arrangements;
- The right to be involved in the child’s school and recreational activities;
- The right to make important legal decisions on their behalf, such as regarding their education, medical care, and religious upbringing.
Checklist for Creating Parenting Plans In Broward County
Child time-sharing matters are handled through the Broward County Family Court and generally involve using approved parenting plans in Florida. These clearly outline each party’s rights and responsibilities and form the basis for a final child time-sharing order.
Once this order is put in place, both parents are required to follow it. To protect yourself, your children, and your rights, follow this checklist in creating a parenting plan:
- Detail the situation: Each parent’s current and prior relationship with the child and any behavior that could put the child at risk needed to be addressed in creating a Fort Lauderdale parenting plan.
- Express your concerns: Discuss any concerns about the other parent’s ability to provide for the child or cooperate with you in implementing child time-sharing arrangements with your lawyer immediately.
- Make a list of important dates: Consider what holidays, family vacations, or other special occasions you want to share with your child so they can be included in your parenting plan.
- Address other important details: Your parenting plan should address other details, such as communication when the child is with the other parent and relatives or friends who may be present during visits.
- Specify how disputes and unexpected events are handled: Problems and unexpected circumstances often arise after a child time-sharing order is issued. Specify in advance how these should be addressed and when you might need to go back to court.
Request A Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer
Parenting plans dictate the rights and responsibilities of each party when parents are divorced or unmarried. For trusted legal guidance in creating one, reach out to the law office of Vanessa L. Prieto. Call or contact us online today to request a consultation with our Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/file_pdf/995a.pdf
