How Florida Courts Decide Parenting Plans in Fort Lauderdale Cases

Whether going through a breakup or getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, few issues are more stressful than creating a parenting plan. Generally required by the court, parenting plans detail each parent’s individual rights and responsibilities when it comes to raising their children.

Naturally, you want what is best for them, but you may disagree with the other parent regarding scheduling, decision-making, and other matters.  Our experienced Fort Lauderdale family lawyer provides trusted, local legal guidance and can help you understand how the Broward County Family Court decides parenting plans and practical details that could impact your case.

In Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plans, The Child’s Best Interests Are Top Priority

Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes outlines legal guidelines and requirements regarding the care of children when parents are separated or going through a divorce. The top priority in these cases is protecting the child’s best interests.

When creating parenting plans in Fort Lauderdale, the goal is to protect the child’s safety and stability and encourage strong parent-child relationships. In determining each parent’s individual rights and responsibilities, judges weigh factors such as:

• Each parent’s current role in daily caregiving and school support.
• Their willingness to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent.
• Any evidence of domestic violence, neglect, substance abuse, or other dangerous situations.
• Each parent’s physical and mental health.

Since 2023, Florida law presumes that equal time-sharing is best unless proven otherwise, which protects your rights when creating a parenting plan in Fort Lauderdale. However, there are other practical matters the court considers.

Practical Realities Courts Consider Before Approving A Parenting Plan In Fort Lauderdale

State laws provide a framework for child time-sharing arrangements in Fort Lauderdale. When creating a Florida parenting plan, judges look at each parent’s overall behavior, role in the child’s life, and practical details surrounding the situation. These include:

• The distance between each of the parents’ homes and the child’s school.
• Each parent’s work schedule and availability.
• The child’s extracurricular activities and special needs.
• Each parent’s history of compliance with prior orders or agreements.
• Their willingness and ability to cooperate in terms of communication and scheduling.

Courts may assign shared parental responsibility in most cases, but in high-conflict situations, one parent may be granted final authority on certain decisions.

To Protect Your Rights In Court and Your Child’s Best Interests, Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan Lawyer

Parenting plans in Fort Lauderdale provide a framework for raising children after a divorce or separation. Once you make child time-sharing arrangements and a Broward County Family Court order is in place, it can be challenging to change. To protect your rights in these proceedings and your child’s best interests, get the experienced legal representation you need at Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices.

We can review the circumstances involved, build the best possible case, and act as a strong legal ally on your side. Call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Fort Lauderdale parenting plan lawyer.

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/History-of-Family-Courts-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C