Drafting Highly Structured Parenting Plans – Why it Matters.

In Florida, a parenting plan is required in any divorce between spouses with minor children, as well as when legal paternity is established. Parents together with their attorneys can utilize a court approved form that covers the basics of what a typical parenting plan should and must include. When parents cannot agree, the courts will decide for them. Judges have a considerable amount of leeway, so it is high recommended that parents come to an agreement whenever possible.

Experience has shown that a highly structured parenting plan is highly beneficial to the parties involved.  This is true for both the parents and the children who all too often get caught up in post judgement custody disputes. Standard, court approved parenting plans are useful and address the required areas regarding the minor child. However, there are additional matters that are often overlooked and no less important. It is extremely beneficial to work with a Tampa child custody attorney to ensure that your parenting plan addresses current needs and desires, but also those that may present as problematic in the future.

Beyond the Standard Timesharing Schedules, What Should be Included in a Parenting Plan?

Because each situation is different, there are several different areas of concern that should be addressed.  These can include but aren’t limited to:

• Ear, body piercings or tattoos
• Use of child’s photos online or in publications
• Accommodations for a child’s special needs**
• Age of employment, babysitting, etc.
• Driving cars, motorbikes, ATVs
• Riding in cars with friends, third parties
• Contact with extended family members
• No Contact with Certain third parties
• Special events, family gatherings
• Post Judgement Dispute Resolution
• Costs/Fees

There are so many variables and options when it comes to what can or might be added to a parenting plan. The point of drafting a comprehensive timesharing and parenting plan is to mitigate or eliminate the need for future legal disputes. Your family law or divorce attorney may need to negotiate matters that are important to you or to your co-parent. Remember, even the most amicable co-parents can find themselves in situations that they never anticipated, after the order is entered. Parental relocation is one such example. It is wise to consider matters that may not even pertain to your child’s current needs, but also future anticipated needs. Florida law states that once a child custody order is in place, parenting plan modifications require a substantial, unexpected and permanent change of circumstances.

Reach out to Us

Nilo J Sanchez & Associates PA are Tampa divorce and family law attorneys providing legal counsel and representation in Hillsborough, Pasco & Pinellas County, FL. We have specialized in Florida Family Law for over three decades in Tampa Bay.

Consultations: (813) 879-4600