Checklists for Florida Child Time-Sharing
For parents, the physical and emotional well being of their children is top priority. When going through child time-sharing proceedings, it is only natural to feel stressed about the potential outcome and concerned over the impact any agreements made could have on your child. Creating a checklist in advance of these proceedings can help to clarify the situation and help you stay focused while ensuring important issues regarding their care are addressed.
Important Information In Your Child Time Sharing Case
Under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes, child time sharing arrangements which allow both parents to play an active and engaged role in the child’s life are encouraged. However, this does not mean that the court will simply divide the child’s time evenly between both you and the other parent. There are numerous factors a judge will consider in your case, making the child’s overall health, well being, and safety their primary concern. Issues you will want to discuss with your attorney before these proceedings take place include:
- Whether you want the child to remain in your home on a full time basis or feel comfortable about working with the other party to create a co-parenting arrangement;
- The current status of your relationship with the other parent in terms of any animosity or control issues that exists between the two of you;
- Whether there have been any past issues regarding domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, criminal conduct, or other behavior which could put the child at risk;
- Any special needs the child may have which might make you more suited to providing for their daily care.
Checklist Creating a Parenting Plan
As part of your child time sharing proceedings, you will be required to submit a Florida parenting plan. The following provides a checklist of important information you can provide to your attorney, which will help ensure both you and your child’s needs are addressed:
- The distance between you and the other parent’s home;
- Your work schedule and any child care arrangements you would want to put in place;
- Your child’s school, sports, and recreational activities and whether visits with the other parent are likely to create conflicts in their schedule;
- Certain days or times of the year when you are likely going to want to spend extended time with your child, such as school breaks, family vacations, and holidays;
- Whether you would want to meet at your own or the other parent’s home or whether other pick up/drop off locations need to be identified;
- If you are comfortable having others play a role in these arrangements, such as the other parents family members, romantic partners, and friends.
Reach Out to Us Today for Help
Attorney Vanessa L. Prieto acts as a strong legal advocate to ensure the rights of you and your child are protected when creating parenting plans. Contact our Fort Lauderdale child time sharing attorney and request a consultation to discuss the options in your case today.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
