October 22, 2021
In Florida, one of the biggest points of confusion for citizens is the process of divorce. Fortunately, the state’s current family laws provide straightforward insight into it.
If you’ve been contemplating the possibility of separating from your spouse, divorce is undoubtedly one of the best options for you. Whether the separation is because of infidelity, abuse, monetary issues, attitude problems, or other forms of irreconcilable differences, splitting up may be exactly what your family needs.
Understandably, the prospect of seeking a divorce in the state of Florida can bring various concerns to mind because so much is at stake. And for spouses looking to separate, there’s one particular concern that must be settled: child custody.
Custodial Matters in the Context of Florida Law
Florida has a relatively amenable approach to facilitating custodial matters among spouses seeking divorces in the court of law.
As one of the most delicate matters in the process of separation, child custody is understandably a priority for many. Fortunately, knowing how things will pan out during your separation doesn’t have to be a matter of guesswork, thanks to the State’s clear-cute guidelines found in the Florida Family Law.
In any child custody or divorce proceeding in Florida, judges prioritize the children’s best interests as they do not give any preference to either parent. To decide how time-sharing will be allocated between parents, courts will go over each case’s specific facts and circumstances to determine the most appropriate custody arrangement.
Florida Parenting Plan
Based on what is discussed and analyzed during proceedings (and a judge’s personal insights, observations, and overall judgment), courts will issue something called a parenting plan. This document outlines the specific details, commitments, and child custody arrangements that divorced parents must commit to.
The best way to define a Florida parenting plan is that it’s a legal reference point that outlines how divorced parents must share the responsibilities and decision-making authority for their children. This document is required to describe the rights and obligations that separated parties have when caring for their kids, such as:
- A time-sharing schedule
- Designations for which parent is responsible for health care
- Designations for which parent is responsible for extra-curricular activities
- Designations for which parent is responsible for school-related matters
Understanding Custody Time-Sharing Schedules
When going over the parenting plan you’ll receive upon the settlement of your divorce, one key component that will shed light on the outcome of your child custody is the listed time-sharing schedule. Depending on what you get, the time you spend with your children can vary:
- Two-week allocations
- Weekly exchanges
- 3-4-4-3 schedules
- 2-2-5-5 schedules
- 2-3-2 schedules
Do You Need A Lawyer To Help You Figure All Of This Out?
Legally speaking, a family attorney isn’t required in Florida child custody cases, but their services can be beneficial in terms of arriving at desirable settlements. Through the help of an expert like Dorsey Law JAX, you’ll have someone that can help you navigate the court system and advocate on your behalf in case litigation is required.
Conclusion
Divorce can be a rather complicated matter because of the many details that must be stipulated, especially so when it comes to custodial matters. Through the help of this guide and the key points mentioned above, you now have the necessary insight to act accordingly to attain your ideal custodial circumstances.
When going through legal disputes, it’s essential to have a respected lawyer stand by your side and give you the best legal advice possible. Finding an experienced and knowledgeable trial attorney in Jacksonville will mean that all of your needs are met. Contact our experts at Dorsey Law JAX today!
