Factors The Court Considers In Fort Lauderdale Child Time Sharing Arrangements

Fort Lauderdale child time sharing arrangements address important issues between divorced or unmarried parents. Florida courts typically rely on parenting plans in making these arrangements. The following details 20 factors the court will consider before approving a parenting plan.

20 Factors That Influence Parenting Plans In Florida

Parenting plans in Florida dictate the amount of time the child spends in each parent’s home. They detail arrangements regarding holidays, school breaks, other special occasions, and transportation arrangements.

Before approving a final order, there are 20 different factors listed under the Florida Statutes, which the court will consider:

1. Each parent’s ability and willingness to honor the child’s time sharing plan, and to be reasonable when changes are needed.
2. The division of parental responsibilities and any third parties involved.
3. The demonstrated ability of each parent to act in the child’s best interests.
4. The length of time the child has spent in any current, stable living arrangements.
5. The geographic location of each parent’s home and how it impacts the parenting plan.
6. The moral fitness of each parent.
7. The physical and emotional health of each parent.
8. The home, school, and community records for the child.
9. The reasonable preference of the child, provided they are mature enough to voice a preference.
10. The demonstrated knowledge and ability of each parent to be informed about the child’s life, health, and education.
11. The demonstrated ability to provide a reasonable routine, schedule, and discipline for the child.
12. The demonstrated ability of each parent to communicate with the other in regards to the child.
13. Any evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
14. Whether either of the parents has provided false information or made false accusations about the other to the court.
15. The parenting tasks typically performed by one or both parents and the overall division of parental responsibility up until this point.
16. The demonstrated ability of each parent to be involved in their child’s extracurricular activities.
17. The demonstrated ability of each parent to maintain an environment free of alcohol or drug abuse.
18. The ability and willingness of each parent to refrain from discussing the legal proceedings with the child or to make disparaging comments about the other parent.
19. The developmental needs of the child and each parent’s proven ability to meet those needs.
20. Any other factors relevant to the proceeding or in creating and implementing a Florida parenting plan.

Discuss Your Case With Our Fort Lauderdale Child Time Sharing Attorney 

The ultimate goal of the court in child time sharing proceedings is to ensure the child’s best interests are served. At the law office of Vanessa L. Prieto, we share that goal, helping to protect them as well as your rights as a parent.

To discuss more about the factors the court considers in determining parenting time and how they apply in your case, call or contact our Fort Lauderdale child custody & time sharing attorney online and request a consultation today.

Resource:

flcourts.org/content/download/403367/file/995a.pdf