How Does The Visitation Schedule Work in Florida?
If you are divorcing with children in Florida, you will need to create a parenting plan. A parenting plan typically includes specifics about child custody, such as:
- A timesharing schedule
- Methods for communication between the parents and children
- Legal custody, such as who will be responsible for making decisions related to their child’s education, medical care, and religion
It is recommended that parents work together to create a parenting plan that fits the needs of their family. However, if parents do not want to develop a customized plan, there is the Standard Parenting Time Plan.
The Standard Parenting Time Plan is basically a one-size-fits-all plan that incorporates regular custody and holiday custody..
Holiday custody under the Standard Parenting Time Plan would cover certain holidays and school breaks. The plan has provisions for Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, summer break, and winter break.
Custom Plan
Ideally, parents will consider the best interests of the children and take the time to create a custom plan that meets the needs of all parties. Parents should create a written plan that clearly outlines the beginning and end of each parent’s timesharing schedule.
When it comes to scheduling, there are endless variations. Work with the other parent to decide on a schedule that works for both parents. For example, you could alternate weeks. You could have a 3-4-4-3 schedule in which one parent has the child for three days and the other for four days. Then that switches the next week. A 2-2-5-5 schedule is also common.
When it comes to breaks and holidays, it’s best to come up with a schedule that fits the parents’ work schedules. Parents can alternate holidays, or one can take on holidays that the other parent does not want or care about, such as the 4th of July, Easter, or Labor Day.
It’s important to be flexible. Scheduling issues will occur, so both parents should be able to communicate well with each other.
Contact Our West Palm Beach Divorce Attorney Today
Divorcing parents have the option to choose the Standard Parenting Time Plan or create a visitation schedule of their own. It is important that parents focus on the best interests of the child.
Family law matters are difficult to deal with. West Palm Beach divorce attorney Brian K. McMahon, P.A. can help. We can alleviate the stress of filing for divorce. Call (561) 658-1789 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation. We serve the West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Port St. Lucie, and South Florida areas.