Seven Serious Issues A Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan Should Address
If you have a child and are living separately and apart from the other parent, you may be facing child time-sharing proceedings in the Broward County Family Court. As this is a highly sensitive and personal matter, parents are generally encouraged to make their own arrangements before requesting a final order be issued by the court.
This typically involves working closely with the other party in creating a parenting plan in Fort Lauderdale. This determines each party’s rights and responsibilities. The following are eight important issues to address.
- Basic child time-sharing arrangements
Under the Florida Statutes, the Broward County Family Court generally encourages child time-sharing arrangements that allow both parents to remain active and involved in their child’s life. Each parent’s prior and current relationship with the child and their willingness to cooperate with the other parent are important factors a judge will consider.
- Plans for holidays and other special occasions
Rights to extended visits, such as school breaks and on holidays, are often a source of conflict. Florida Court parenting plans allow for several options, such as designating vacation time in advance and alternating visits with the child on different holidays.
- Pick-up and drop-off arrangements
Ambiguity in making your parenting plan can lead to later problems. Pick-up and drop-off arrangements are a classic example. Determine upfront how your child will travel between each home and the types of travel plans you are most comfortable with.
- Provisions in the event of unexpected events
Unexpected events have a way of disrupting your life and activities. Include provisions in your parenting plan on how to address illnesses, work overtime, or other matters that could impact your schedule.
- Precautions to avoid conflicts
Implementing a parenting plan can be challenging. In cases where there is a high potential for conflict, provisions such as limiting contact between the parents or arranging to meet at third-party locations can help prevent problems.
- Legal authority in making important decisions on behalf of the child
In Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing cases, the court will also determine who has the legal authority to make important decisions on the child’s behalf. These pertain to their education, medical care, religious upbringing, and other important matters.
- Plans for resolving disputes
As you and your child’s other parent may have parted ways under less than amicable terms, it is common for problems to arise in implementing a parenting plan. Put it in writing how you intend to resolve these disputes and when you may need to return to court.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Child Time Sharing Lawyer Today
Child time-sharing arrangements in Fort Lauderdale are generally encouraged and require working with the other party in creating a parenting plan. To protect your rights throughout the process, get the caring support and trusted legal service you need from Fort Lauderdale family lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto. Give us a call or contact us online and request a confidential consultation today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/file_pdf/995a.pdf
