In all matters where there are minor children, there should be a Parenting Plan and a Time-Sharing Schedule in place.
A Parenting Plan is a document that is created to govern the relationship between parents. A Parenting Plan provides each parent with his or her obligations so that in the event there is a disagreement, parents can hopefully resolve their issues by consulting their Parenting Plan. If the parents cannot agree to the terms of a Parenting Plan, the Court will establish one for the parents, based on the best interest of the minor child. A Parenting Plan delineates a parent’s responsibilities and further provides for other important information concerning the minor child. Parenting Plans are usually extremely detailed documents, and provide information relating to the minor child’s school, the division of daily tasks, communication with the child, and the upbringing of the child. In the State of Florida, parental responsibility could mean the following:
- Shared Parental Responsibility – this provides both parties with full and equal rights to their child, in making joint decisions affecting the minor child, including the child’s health, welfare, and education. Both parties are expected to confer with one another so that major decisions affecting the child will be determined jointly.
- Sole Parental Responsibility – this provides that one parent shall make decisions regarding the minor child.
Sometimes, there are situations that may call for there to be Shared Parental Responsibility with Ultimate Decision-Making Authority, where both confer, however, one parent takes the lead.
Parenting Plans also contain detailed Time-Sharing Schedules, which provide for visits with each parent.
A Time-Sharing Schedule provides the parents with a detailed schedule as to access to the child. Time-Sharing Schedules usually outline the days and times for which a child spends with a particular parent, including holidays, vacations, and special days, such as birthdays.
In the State of Florida, it is the public policy that each minor child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the parents separate or there is a divorce, and that parents share in the rights and responsibilities, and joys of childrearing.
At Koltun Lazar Laleh, we have drafted Parenting Plans and Time-Sharing Schedules that are tailored to each individual family. We understand how important it is to have access to your child, and we will do our level best to find a solution in your matter that promotes the best interest of your child.