Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing: What Happens When a Parent Abandons Their Child?

In cases of divorce or unmarried parents, Fort Lauderdale time-sharing arrangements ensure children continue to have an ongoing relationship with both parents. However, making these arrangements work requires effort. What happens if one parent walks away? A parent may stop visiting, fail to communicate with the child, or leave most of the parenting responsibilities to the other parent.

Florida law specifically requires the court to consider evidence of child abandonment, neglect, or abuse when creating a parenting plan. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer explains what constitutes abandonment and how to protect your rights in court.

What Constitutes Abandonment in Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Cases?

Under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes, parents are encouraged to set aside their own feelings and work together to create a parenting plan that protects their child’s best interests. It details each party’s rights and responsibilities and, once in place, both parties are expected to follow it.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. Abandonment can occur in multiple ways, including:

• Moving away and making little or no effort to stay in touch.
• Repeatedly missing scheduled time-sharing without a valid reason.
• Refusing to communicate with the child for long periods.
• Failing to participate in important aspects of the child’s life.
• Ignoring the child’s educational, medical, or emotional needs.
• Failing to exercise court-ordered time-sharing.
• Providing little or no financial or practical support.

Circumstances involving work, illness, military service, or other issues may explain a parent’s absence. The court will look at the specific facts when deciding what is in the child’s best interests.

When Abandonment Is An Issue in Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Cases

Abandonment is painful for both the remaining parent and the child, but the law is on your side. If the other parent refuses to be part of your child’s life or is inconsistent in complying with court orders, take these steps to protect your rights:

• Keep a record of missed visits and canceled exchanges.
• Save texts, emails, and other communications.
• Document attempts you make to encourage appropriate contact.
• Keep records of your child’s medical, educational, and other needs.
• Continue following the existing parenting plan unless there is a legitimate safety concern or until a court changes it.
• Avoid badmouthing the other parent.
• Document any negative impacts the other parent’s behavior has on the child.

This is a difficult situation for any child or parent, but you don’t need to go through it alone. Get professional legal help from someone with experience who can take the steps needed to ensure you’re both protected.

Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer to Request a Consultation

Dealing with a parent who has abandoned or largely withdrawn from your child’s life can be frustrating and emotionally difficult. At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, LLC, we provide caring support during this difficult time and trusted local legal representation to protect your rights. Contact us today to request a consultation with our experienced 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/Services/Family-Courts/domestic-relations-court-resources/family-law-forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C/Parenting-Plan