When Do Children Get A Say In Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plans?
Parenting plans are used in Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing cases and determine the amount of time each parent gets to spend with their child. Dividing parental rights and responsibilities is never easy, and there are various factors a Broward County Family Court is likely to consider. Our Fort Lauderdale family lawyer explains how, depending on the details surrounding your situation, children may get a say when making these arrangements.
Factors The Family Court Considers Before Approving A Parenting Plan In Fort Lauderdale
Child time-sharing disputes may arise during a divorce or between single parents. The Florida Statutes provides guidelines to follow, but the primary concern is protecting the child’s best interests.
As part of these proceedings, parenting plans are generally encouraged. This requires both parents to work together with the help of their legal representatives to determine each party’s rights and responsibilities. This includes where the child lives during the week, rights to overnight stays on weekends, extended visits during holidays and school breaks, and legal authority in making important decisions on the child’s behalf.
Once the parties agree on a parenting plan, it can then go to the judge for approval. Factors the court considers before issuing a final child time-sharing order include:
- Each parent’s current and prior relationship with the child;
- Their proven ability to provide for the child and protect their best interests;
- Their willingness to cooperate with the other parent in implementing child time-sharing arrangements;
- Any behaviors on the part of either parent that could put the child at risk.
All of the above are primary concerns designed to protect the child. Depending on the child’s age and maturity level at the time of these proceedings, the judge in your case may also factor in the child’s wishes as well before approving a parenting plan.
Should Your Child Have A Say In Your Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan?
There are no laws prohibiting children from having a say when a parenting plan is created. However, factors a court is likely to consider before allowing their input include the child’s age, emotional maturity, prior relationship with each parent, and whether one of the parents may be coaching them on what to say.
Being able to have a say in any parenting plans created can help children facing the divorce or breakup of their parents feel more in control of the situation. Even if they are not directly involved in hearings or negotiations, there are other ways to include them:
- Discuss the matter with them and get their feedback;
- Factor in their school and homework schedules when creating plans;
- Work around sports and other extracurricular activities;
- Allow downtime and make sure they have ample opportunity to relax and hang out with their friends.
Contact Our Office To Schedule A Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer Today
The law office of Vanessa L. Prieto provides caring support and the trusted legal guidance needed when negotiating a parenting plan in Fort Lauderdale. Call or contact us online. Schedule a consultation with our Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer 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
