The Parenting Plan
The declared aim of child custody laws in Florida is to allow both parents to experience a healthy relationship with their children after a divorce.
“It is the public policy of this state that each minor child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the parents separate or the marriage of the parties is dissolved and to encourage parents to share the rights and responsibilities, and joys, of child-rearing.” – Florida Statute 61.13
Florida divorce law requires parents who are splitting up to enter into a Parenting Plan if they have minor children. It comes down to negotiation, and an experienced Family Law Attorney can be extremely helpful. Call (352) 432-8644 to talk with a Lake County Child Custody Lawyer at Crawford, Modica & Holt. Offices in Clermont and Tavares.
Child Custody in Florida
According to Florida Family Law Court, parents are to negotiate and work out an agreement about how to share custody of the children. They need to decide how much time each parent spends with the kids, which parent is responsible for areas of a child’s welfare such as school or doctor’s appointments, and how to communicate with everyone involved. The main focus of a Parenting Plan is a time-sharing schedule that must be in the best interests of the child.
Florida Statute 61.046 defines a time-sharing schedule as “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 parents of a minor child, it must be approved by the court.”
A Child Custody Lawyer Can Help
Sometimes parents cannot come to an agreement on a Parenting Plan, or they come up with a plan that the court believes is not in the best interests of the children. In that case, the Family Court Judge will impose a plan that may or may not take the wishes of either parent into account. The best option is often to engage a seasoned negotiator who is familiar with the courts and knows how the process works. A good Child Custody Attorney can help reach an agreement that protects your interests and the welfare of your children.
Talk to an Experienced Family Law Attorney
The Lake County Divorce Attorneys at Crawford, Modica & Holt are experienced, compassionate professionals who understand the importance of preserving and nourishing your relationship with your children. We’ll work hard to get the best child custody arrangement possible for all concerned. We can help with any Family Law issue, including Child Custody, Child Support & Paternity matters.
Call us at (352) 432-8644 or schedule your initial consultation online. Serving clients throughout Lake County, Orange County, Sumter County, and beyond.
