Boca Raton Child Time-sharing and Visitation Attorney

Helping Parents Reach Arrangements that Work for Their Families

Whether you are facing a divorce or were never married to your child’s other parent, facing the prospect of shared parenting can be difficult. You likely want to spend as much time with your child a possible, and you want to have valuable input into important decisions for your child’s life. However, Florida has specific rules that govern how parents will share time with their children, as well as parenting responsibilities. It is important to discuss your rights as a parent with an experienced Palm Beach County time-sharing and visitation lawyer as soon as possible. Call the Law Office of Luz D. Nieto today.

Time-Sharing Rights in Florida

What is known as “physical child custody” in many states is called “time-sharing” under Florida law. Time-sharing refers to the amount of time that each parent gets to spend with the child. If one parent is awarded majority time-sharing rights, the other parent will likely get visitation rights. Time-sharing arrangements can vary widely and should depend on many factors.

Florida courts must decide time-sharing and visitation rights based on what is in the best interests of the child. The courts generally presume that having continuing and frequent contact with both parents is in the child’s best interests, unless the circumstances indicate otherwise. In determining how to divide parenting time, the court will review many factors, including but not limited to:

• Whether both parents are willing and capable to cooperate and adhere to a joint arrangement

• Each parent’s ability to act in the best interests of the child

• The child’s connection to a stable household, community, and other important aspects of their life

• The mental health, physical health, and moral fitness of each parent

• The special needs of the child

• Whether parents can provide a stable environment and routine for the child

• Whether one parent has typically provided more care for the child

• Whether either parent is trying to alienate the child from the other parent

• Whether one parent may pose an emotional or physical threat to the child

Most situations result in shared parenting time between the parents. However, if you believe your child’s other parent poses a threat to their health and well-being, it is important to bring this to the attention of the court. The court will consider this factor when awarding time-sharing and visitation rights.

Agreeing to a Custody Arrangement

It is often preferable for parents to reach their own time-sharing agreement. As long as the court finds the agreement is in the best interest of the child, parents can maintain control over their schedules and what type of division will work best for the family. The right attorney can help negotiate to reach an agreement whenever possible.

Contact a Parenting and Time-Sharing Lawyer in Palm Beach County Today

The Law Office of Luz D. Nieto handles time-sharing and visitation cases as part of a divorce and on their own. Contact us online or call (561) 807-7663 today to set up a time for your initial consultation.