Time Sharing Among Divorced Parents

Time Sharing Plans in Jacksonville, FL

The Florida legislature has revised some family law statutes, which became effective October 1, 2008. The new law no longer uses the term “child custody” and instead requires all divorcing couples who have minor children to adopt a parenting plan which is intended to ensure the child continues to have frequent and continued contact with both parents after the divorce.

Any such parenting plan must give a detailed description of how the parents will share and be involved in the day-to-day duties related to the raising of their minor child. This would include issues of parental responsibility and time sharing, or shared parenting time, responsibility for health care, education for the child, and other activities. A knowledgeable Jacksonville family law attorney may be able to guide you through the ins and outs of the new statutes to help ensure your custodial rights are protected.

Establishing a Visitation Schedule

Under the new law, the term “visitation” will be replaced with “time sharing.” A time sharing schedule needs to be worked out that specifies the time that each parent will spend with their minor child. It is Florida’s public policy to ensure that each minor child maintains contact with both parents after the parents separate, or are divorced. The purpose of this policy is to promote a healthier family relationship in spite of the divorce by having the parents continue to share the responsibilities, privileges and pleasures that are part of raising a child. In any event, the court will also view the proposed time sharing schedule with the best interests of the child in mind.

Parental Responsibility Law in Florida

Again with the minor child’s welfare in mind, the court requires that parental responsibility for the child be shared by both parents, unless this would be harmful in some way to the child. Parental responsibility includes issues related to child support, health care, education and any other responsibilities for that child’s welfare that the court finds unique to that particular family. If you are facing the possibility of separation or divorce, you should consult a skilled and experienced Jacksonville family law attorney who will understand your specific case and help protect your future and your rights, as well as the rights of your child.