Florida courts now require the completion of a Parenting Plan
Pursuant to Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes, a Parenting Plan is required in all cases involving time sharing with minor children, even when time sharing is not in dispute
The Parenting Plan shall contain a time sharing schedule and should address the issues regarding the child’s education, health care, and physical, social and emotional well being. A timetable that must be included in the Parenting Plan that specifies the time, including overnights and holidays, that a minor child will spend with each parent. If developed and agreed to by the parties it must be approved by the court. If the parents cannot agree, the schedule shall be established by the court.
You may complete and submit a proposed Parenting Plan of your own even if the other party does not agree. The Court will review and consider your proposed Parenting Plan, as well as the other party’s proposed Plan, if any, and make decisions with regard to the specific areas of conflict.
At a minimum, the Parenting Plan must describe in adequate detail:
1. How the parties will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the children;
2. The time sharing schedule arrangements that specify the time that the minor children will spend with each parent;
3. A designation of who will be responsible for any and all forms of health care, school related matters, other activities; and
4. The methods and technologies that the parents will use to communicate with the children.
The Court’s use some common language and you should become familiar with it:
1. Time sharing schedule – A timetable that must be included in the Parenting Plan, specifying the time a child spends with each parent.
2. Shared parental responsibility – Both parents have full parental rights and responsibilities for the child, and both parents make joint major decisions a?ecting the welfare of the child.
3. Sole Parental Responsibility – One parent is given responsibility for the child, with or without rights of time sharing to the other parent.
Completing a Parenting Plan is NOT an easy task and both parents must work together. Each must give a little to the other for the benefit of the children. Having the Court set your time sharing is the last alternative – as you will be subject to what a judge, who does not know you or your children, thinks is right.
If you find yourself in such a position it is best to consult an attorney with substantial experience. There are so many different circumstances that a proper answer to your particular problem can only be obtained by a trained and experienced lawyer.
If you have any question regarding this or any other legal matter our firm may be able to help you. Please contact Jupiter Legal Advocates at (561) 748-8000 or email us at [email protected] for further information and assistance. We try our very best to respond immediately.
We have many of the standard forms required by the courts in Florida. You may wish to review some of them on our FORMS PAGE.
If you require the immediate services of a highly experienced and aggressive attorney, please call for a FREE consultation
JUPITER LEGAL ADVOCATES
561 748-8000
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