Stacy Weissman Davis, P.A.
Timesharing
Where will the children live after the divorce, and how much time will they spend with each parent? How will important decisions about the children’s upbringing be made, when the parents are no longer working together as one family unit? When couples who have children decide to divorce, questions such as these are often the most important – and most challenging – issues to resolve.
Divorce Child Time Sharing
At Stacy Weissman Davis, P.A., we bring together years of experience negotiating, mediating, and litigating on behalf of families to help ensure a time-sharing schedule and parenting plan in your divorce that works for you and your family.
The basics of time sharing in Florida divorce
What was once called child custody and visitation are now known in Florida as timesharing and parental responsibility. These changes reflect the rights and duties of both parents in raising their children, and the important roles both parents can play in their children’s upbringing. The public policy of the state favors each parent having frequent and continuing contact with the children post-divorce, and parental responsibility is only awarded solely to one parent where shared parental responsibility would be detrimental to the children, such as in the case of a history or pattern of domestic violence or child abuse by a parent.
If the parents can agree to a parenting plan and timesharing schedule, the court will likely adopt it if it seems fair. If the parties cannot agree, it is up to the judge to make these decisions following a hearing where both parties may argue why the time-sharing and parenting should be drawn up a certain way.
The judge will consider a long list of factors in determining or approving the parenting plan and timesharing schedule. While the best interests of the children are the most important consideration, the judge will likely look at the following factors, among others:
- The ability of a parent to foster a close relationship with the child and the other parent and honor the schedule
- The division of parental responsibilities
- The ability of a parent to act in the child’s best interests
- The need for continuity in the child’s home environment
- Any evidence of domestic violence or child abuse
- The child’s preference in certain circumstances
Fort Lauderdale FL Time Sharing
For sound advice and effective representation regarding Florida divorce time sharing and parenting aspects of your family case, call Stacy Weissman Davis, P.A. to speak with a compassionate and dedicated Florida family law attorney.