In Florida, the terms child custody, joint custody, and sole custody have been abolished and replaced with the terms “timesharing” and “parental responsibility.”
Timesharing (or timesharing schedule) is a timetable/calendar that specifies the time, including overnights and holidays that a minor child or children will spend with each parent.
In any action affecting a minor child (dissolution of marriage/paternity), each party must file their own proposed timesharing schedules must be filed in any action affecting a minor child by both parties and the court must issue a timesharing schedule in any Final Judgment.
Establishing custody and timesharing arrangements during a divorce or separation.
Resolving conflicts or disagreements between parents over custody and timesharing.
Navigating legal requirements and modifications to custody arrangements when one parent needs to move.
Changes in circumstances, such as relocation or changes in employment, requiring adjustments to existing custody or timesharing orders.
Addressing concerns that one parent is attempting to alienate the child from the other.
Enforcing existing custody or timesharing orders when a parent is not adhering to the terms.
Formalizing custody and timesharing arrangements for parents who were never married.
Protecting the child’s safety due to the other parent’s behavior (e.g., substance abuse, domestic violence).
Situations where extended family members seek temporary custody due to parents’ inability to care for the child.
Once you've identified the need for legal help, it's crucial to understand the steps involved in resolving child custody and timesharing issues. Here’s what you can typically expect:
Let’s discuss your situation, understand your rights, and outline potential strategies.
Your attorney will help you file the necessary legal documents to initiate custody or timesharing proceedings.
Many cases are resolved through mediation, where both parties work with a neutral third party to reach an agreement.
If mediation fails, the case may go to court, where a judge will make decisions based on the best interests of the child.
Once an agreement is reached or a court decision is made, the terms are formalized in a legal document.
Understanding this process can help you feel more prepared and confident as you navigate the complexities of child custody and timesharing. If you have any questions or need legal assistance, contact our office.
Whether you are on a Ramen Noodle budget or a Martha’s Vineyard budget, we can all agree lawyers are expensive. In fact, the only people who probably don’t feel that way are lawyers who own homes on Martha’s Vineyard.
That said, I strive to create value for my clients. Specifically, everything I try to do is with the thought of using the resources I am given to solve problems without my clients incurring any more expenses than are necessary. If you happen to retain me, don’t be surprised if in one of our conversations I say, “Let’s not turn a $50 issue into a $5,000 problem.”
As crazy as it sounds, sometimes it’s easier to speak with someone outside the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. I understand that and am available for consultations and appointments in the evenings and on weekends. I try to be available to my clients 24/7 and respond promptly to all phone calls and emails.
Frankly, I like talking shop. No matter who I talk to (other lawyers, judges, expert witnesses, or prospective clients) I always feel like I learn or discover something new. If you have a family law or other legal issue you wish to discuss, please contact my office and we can set up time to speak.
Partner with an experienced family law attorney to secure fair and workable arrangements for your family.
