Long-Distance Parenting And Your Rights In Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing

Many parents are having problems making ends meet. While Fort Lauderdale may have been home for many years, you may consider moving to nearby cities or another state.

If you have a court-ordered parenting plan with a former partner, this creates challenges. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer explains more about long-distance parenting and your rights to maintain ongoing contact with your child.

Long-Distance Parenting And Child Time-Sharing

People are often skeptical of long-distance relationships, but they can work, though it may take extra effort. Just ask any parent who travels to see their child.

Long-distance parenting plans can be obtained through the Florida Family Court and can help in this situation. The same as with any parenting plan, they determine each parent’s rights and responsibilities but address special issues in these cases:

• The overall amount of time allotted to each parent, generally influenced by the distance between each parent’s home;
• Travel arrangements and who assumes the cost of traveling to pick up and return the child;
• How the child is likely to handle alternating time between two cities and whether they need supervision while traveling;
• Communication with the child when not with the long-distance parent, including calls, texts, emails, and virtual visits.

Common Factors That Influence A Long-Distance Parenting Plan In Fort Lauderdale

It is generally considered in the child’s best interests to have ongoing contact with each parent. When a divorce or other break-up occurs, parenting plans dictate each parent’s rights and obligations, forming the basis for a final child time-sharing order.

Once a court order is in place, both parties must follow it. Not doing so could cause you to face significant penalties, which include fines and the loss of your parental rights.

If you have a court order but want to make a move, you must request modifications. Judges are generally reluctant to change an existing order. However, under the Florida Statutes, a move of 50 miles or more is considered significant enough to warrant modifications.

Of course, moving is likely to disrupt your child’s school, recreational activities, and relationships with their friends. In determining whether it is still in their best interests, a judge is likely to consider the following factors:

• Whether there is a financial incentive for making the move.
• Proof that you can have another job or that the area offers more affordable housing.
• How a move will allow you to be closer to family and other support systems.
• Your proven ability to put the child’s best interests before your own and to cooperate with the other parent in implementing a long-distance parenting plan.

Request A Consultation Today With Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer

Making a move is never easy, but it is particularly hard when children are involved. If you are considering a long-distance move or otherwise making changes to an existing Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing order, get trusted legal guidance from the law office of Vanessa L. Prieto. Contact us today and request a consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer.

Sources:

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C/Relocation-Long-Distance-Parenting-Plan

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