How To Avoid Conflicts In Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Exchanges
Child time-sharing in Fort Lauderdale helps protect single parents and those going through a divorce. The use of parenting plans helps ensure that both parties continue playing an active role in their child’s life. However, conflicts are common and can create problems, particularly regarding transportation arrangements and exchanges.
Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer has extensive experience helping families in our community create and navigate parenting plans. The following are common problems that can arise and tips to reduce conflicts.
Including Exchanges In Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plans And Common Problems That May Arise
If you are a parent going through a divorce or separation in Fort Lauderdale, it is important to know that child time sharing is generally encouraged. Unless there are issues that could put the child at risk or other extenuating circumstances, you will likely need to work with the other parent in creating a parenting plan.
Parenting plans detail where the child lives, the amount of time in each parent’s home, rights to extended visits on holidays or school breaks, and legal authority in making important decisions on their behalf. Alongside these arrangements, you will need to determine how the child travels between each home and when and where exchanges take place.
Outlining logistical details in your Fort Lauderdale parenting plan can help minimize confusion and conflict between the parents. However, common problems that can still arise include:
- Miscommunication about schedules;
- Disagreements over pick-up and drop-off times;
- Unsafe or inconvenient exchange locations;
- Last-minute cancellations;
- Being late or a no-show;
- Using exchanges to argue or ‘get back’ at the other parent, which can negatively impact the child.
How To Handle Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Exchange Conflicts
Under the Florida Statutes, child time-sharing is generally considered in the child’s best interests. However, before approving a parenting plan, one of the factors the judge will consider is each party’s willingness to cooperate with the other in implementing the arrangements.
Once a Fort Lauderdale parenting plan is in place, you must follow it. Ways to avoid conflicts with exchanges include:
- Consider public places like schools, daycares, or police stations to reduce tension during exchanges;
- Use co-parenting apps to track schedules, exchange information, and reduce miscommunication;
- Confirm arrangements via text or email in advance;
- Be ready and on time for exchanges;
- Keep interactions with the other parent civil and focus on the child’s needs.
Unfortunately, conflicts often happen despite your best efforts. If exchanges are consistently problematic, document the situation and speak with our Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer about requesting modifications to your parenting plan.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer Today
Child time-sharing exchanges can be challenging to navigate, and conflicts are common. To protect yourself and your child’s well-being, get Vanessa L. Prieto on your side.
As an experienced Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer, she provides trusted legal guidance and can take the actions needed to deal with exchange conflicts or other problems that arise. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
