How To Prepare For Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Proceedings
When relationships between parents end, making reasonable arrangements for their children often proves difficult. The other party may be making unreasonable demands, or you may be worried about court hearings, all the changes, and the impact on your child. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can alleviate stress and helps in building the strongest possible case. Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer guides you through the process.
Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing: Know What To Expect
Legal issues concerning the care of children can arise between single parents or when getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale. The prospect of addressing these through the court and having to attend child time-sharing proceedings can easily make you feel threatened and overwhelmed. Knowing what to expect is the first step in protecting yourself and your child.
Under the Florida Statutes, child time-sharing arrangements are generally encouraged when parents live apart. The goal is to ensure both parties remain active in the child’s life and share parental rights and responsibilities. Parenting plans are typically used when making these arrangements. Areas they address include:
- The amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home during the week;
- Rights to overnight stays on weekends and extended stays over school breaks;
- Rights to holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions;
- Pick-up and drop-off arrangements;
- The right to make important decisions regarding your child’s medical care, education, and religious upbringing.
Preparing For Child Time-Sharing Negotiations In Fort Lauderdale
Negotiating a parenting plan in Fort Lauderdale is typically the best strategy for addressing the needs of children in case of divorce or separation. This can be done either through your lawyer or in formal mediation sessions. Reaching mutual agreements allows for more personalized plans than what you might get through the Broward County Family Court. It also helps prevent having to share sensitive personal information in public court hearings.
In preparing for child time-sharing negotiations in Fort Lauderdale, keep an open mind. Manage your expectations, realize there will be times when compromise is needed, and keep the child’s best interests foremost in mind. Practical tips that can help throughout the process include:
- Jot down your primary concerns in child time-sharing negotiations;
- Make a list of things you might be willing to negotiate on;
- Make copies of your own and your child’s schedule;
- Discuss any concerns about the other parent with your lawyer prior to negotiations;
- Gather any evidence relevant to your case, including emails, texts, timelines, and statements from family or friends.
To Protect Your Rights, Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer And Request A Consultation
Child time-sharing is among the most contentious issues dealt with by Florida courts. Parenting plans are encouraged, but negotiations often prove challenging. Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto has extensive experience helping clients in these cases. We ensure you are adequately prepared and take the legal actions needed to protect your rights. Call or contact us online to request a consultation in our office today.
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
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
