Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing and Summer Vacation: What Parents Need To Know
Summer vacation should be a time of fun, relaxation, and family bonding. But for divorced or separated parents in Fort Lauderdale, it can also bring challenges when it comes to child time-sharing arrangements.
Disagreements over travel, schedule changes, and missed time can quickly turn summer into a legal headache. Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains what Broward County parents need to know to avoid disputes and protect their parental rights.
Common Summer Time-Sharing Disputes In Fort Lauderdale
When parents divorce or separate in Fort Lauderdale, parenting plans determine their rights and responsibilities. Under Florida Law, once a parenting plan gets approved by the court and a final order is issued, both parents are expected to comply with the terms. However, common issues that tend to arise during the summer months:
- Unclear vacation terms: Parenting plans may lack detail about how long each party can travel with the child or how far in advance plans must be shared.
- Last-minute schedule changes: Sudden changes to work schedules or travel plans can create tension and lead to allegations of noncompliance.
- Overlapping camps or activities: Enrolling a child in a program that interferes with the other parent’s scheduled time can spark conflict.
- Communication breakdowns: When parents don’t keep each other informed, misunderstandings escalate quickly.
Under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes, Broward County parenting plans must prioritize the best interests of the child. However, what that looks like can vary, especially during the summer. When disagreements arise, it’s important to address them quickly. This often requires getting legal help.
Tips to Protect Your Rights and Your Children This Summer
Avoiding summer time-sharing disputes takes foresight and flexibility. While every situation is unique, the following tips can help protect your rights and reduce stress for your family:
- Review your parenting plan early: Check for specific language about summer vacation, including deadlines for submitting travel plans or choosing vacation weeks.
- Communicate in writing: Use email or a parenting app to document any requests, agreements, or changes to the schedule.
- Plan ahead: The more notice you can give for trips, camps, or family visits, the less likely you are to face resistance or confusion.
- Prioritize your child’s needs: While both parents have rights, courts are most concerned with what benefits the child emotionally, socially, and developmentally.
- Request a modification if needed: If your current plan no longer works, especially as your child gets older, ask the court to approve a summer-specific modification.
- Know your enforcement options: If the other parent refuses to cooperate or consistently violates the agreement, you may need to file a motion for enforcement or contempt.
Rather Than Letting Disputes Escalate, Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer
Don’t let summer time-sharing disputes cast a shadow over your plans. At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we provide the trusted legal guidance you need, whether it is helping you interpret your parenting plan, negotiate travel, or take legal action, our Fort Lauderdale child custody lawyer is here to support you. Call or contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
