How Fathers Can Protect Their Rights In Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Proceedings

In Fort Lauderdale, child time-sharing arrangements are considered to be in the best interests of children. In theory, dividing their time between each parent’s home helps to ensure that both continue to remain an active part of the child’s life. However, in practice, the individual rights of fathers can get overlooked.

Our Fort Lauderdale paternity lawyer represents clients in these sensitive and often contentious cases. Many fathers fear that outdated stereotypes may continue to put them at a disadvantage. We explain how to protect your rights and your relationship with your child.

Understanding Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Laws

In the past, family courts in Florida largely favored mothers when it came to taking care of their children. This often put fathers at a disadvantage, but fortunately, times have changed.

Today, the Florida Statutes generally encourage child time-sharing arrangements, which allow both parents to remain active, involved, and engaged in their child’s life. Parenting plans are used in making these arrangements and dictate all of the following:

• The amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home during the week;
• Rights to weekends and extended visits on school breaks;
• Rights to holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions;
• Pick up and drop off arrangements;
• How disputes between the parents can be resolved.

In determining these arrangements, Broward County Family Court judges are likely to consider both the current and prior relationship each parent has with the child, their proven ability to provide for the child’s needs, and any factors, such as allegations of drug abuse or domestic violence, that could put the child at risk.

How Fathers Can Protect Their Rights In Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plans

Whether you are a divorced dad or were never married to the mother, you have the right to form a relationship with your child. When creating a Florida parenting plan, it is important to take steps to protect your individual rights and your role in the child’s life. This includes:

• Pay any child support order and keep copies of all receipts;
• Be active in your child’s life and in attending school and recreational activities;
• Make sure your child has a safe, comfortable room in your home and fill it with some of their favorite things;
• Keep accurate records of each visit, including the date, time, attitude of the other parent, and the length of your visit;
• Do your best to cooperate with the other party and avoid bad-mouthing them to your child, which can be used against you in court;
• If the other parent makes any allegations against you, gather evidence in your favor and get legal help.

Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer

Experienced Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto acts as a strong legal ally on the side of fathers. We protect your rights and take the legal actions needed to make sure you are included in any parenting plans. To schedule a consultation, contact our office today.

Sources: 

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family

flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/file_pdf/995a.pdf