Creating a Parenting Plan in Florida: Tips for Parents

In Florida, a parenting plan is necessary when two parents plan to raise a child separately. Often, parenting plans are created during the divorce process. A parenting plan is a document that governs the relationship between the parents and the child. This document encompasses parental responsibility and timesharing. In Florida, parents can develop and agree on a parenting plan and then have the court approve the plan. If parents cannot agree, the court establishes the parenting plan on behalf of the parents. For parents navigating the process of developing a parenting plan, below are some valuable tips to help you create a thoughtful and effective plan.
- Understand Florida’s Parenting Plan Requirements
In Florida, a parenting plan must address specific key areas. The first thing you need to do is understand what these key areas are. In Florida, any parenting plan must address the following issues;
- An outline of how parents will divide daily responsibilities related to the child’s upbringing
- A time-sharing schedule specifying the time the child will spend with each parent
- Identification of which parent will handle decisions regarding education, healthcare, and other activities
- Communication methods and tools that parents will use to stay in touch with each other
In summary, a parenting plan should address parental responsibility and timesharing.
In addition to addressing the above issues in a parenting plan, Florida requires parents to file a Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) form.
- Prioritize Your Child’s Best Interests
In Florida, the best interest of the child is the guiding principle when establishing or modifying a parenting plan. This means you and your child’s other parent need to set aside your personal conflicts and preferences and focus on your child’s best interests. When making decisions, consider your child’s needs, such as physical, emotional, and social well-being, stability, and maintaining strong relationships with both parents.
- Be Specific and Detailed
Avoid ambiguity, as it can result in misunderstandings and conflicts down the road. When outlining schedules, responsibilities, and decision-making processes, be as specific and detailed as possible. Clearly define time-sharing arrangements, including exact pick-up and drop-off times, locations, and how holidays and special occasions will be handled. Be clear about who will be responsible for healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities to avoid disagreements in the future. The more specific and detailed the parenting plan, the easier it will be to follow and enforce, minimizing the likelihood of future disputes.
- Build in Some Flexibility
Life can be unpredictable. It is important to allow for flexibility when creating a parenting plan. Include some flexibility in the plan to accommodate unforeseen events, changes in work schedules, or your child’s evolving needs as they develop.
- Include Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
It is essential to anticipate potential disagreements between parents and establish a clear method for resolving conflicts. Instead of immediately resorting to court, you can agree on alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or collaboration. These ADR methods can allow you to resolve issues peacefully. They can help you save time and money.
Contact Our Orlando Family Lawyer
Need help with a parenting plan or another family law issue? Our Orlando family lawyers at The Arwani Law Firm are here to guide you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
jud6.org/ContactInformation/familyLaw/ParentingPlanFlyerSept08.pdf