Types of Child Time Sharing in Florida

When you’re working out a custody agreement with your soon-to-be ex, you’re likely to hear the phrase time sharing. This is the new phrase that replaces custody in Florida courts. Unless the court finds a reason that both parents shouldn’t have time with the child, then you can expect the court to rule in a manner that allows you both to have time with your kids.

If you have questions on time sharing options in Florida, you should speak with a knowledgeable Boca Raton child custody attorney who can assist. In the meantime, here’s a look at the general types of time sharing in a Florida custody matter.

Majority Time Sharing

A majority time sharing agreement is when one parent has been granted a majority of the nights with their children. In other words, it would be the parent with 50.1% or more of the time, and this individual is known as the primary residential parent. One example is where the child spends five nights a week with the father, but every weekend with the mother. In this case, the father would be the one with majority time sharing.

Equal Time Sharing

Equal time sharing is when both parents are granted an equal number of overnights throughout the year. One example is where parents will alternate weeks. The children stay with you one week and then your ex the next week. This type of arrangement is less common than majority time sharing.

Supervised Time Sharing

Supervised time sharing is reserved for the rare situation where there are allegations based on which a judge decides a third party should be present for visits. These situations typically involve allegations or prior documented incidents of child neglect, abuse, domestic violence, alcohol or drug dependency, or untreated mental health disorders. Supervised time sharing also usually includes added restrictions on communication between the parent and child as well as transportation restrictions.

Supervised time sharing can be organized by formal supervised visitation programs or by friends/family members, depending on the court’s order. If it is a formal situation, the third party attending the meetings will usually be some type of qualified professional or social worker who is also monitoring the child’s emotional and physical well-being during the visit. Usually, the third party will remain quiet throughout the visit, but may speak up if there is a reason to protect the safety of either the parent or the child.

When the court facilitates the supervised visits, someone has to pay for the cost of the supervisor. The court does not cover this. Usually the parent who wants visitation rights is the one who will cover the cost, unless there is some type of agreement reached between the parents.

Contact a Florida Family Law Attorney

If you are preparing for a custody battle or are currently in negotiations with your ex, don’t go at it alone. You need someone who can protect your rights and ensure the best interests of your children are met. Contact the experienced team of family law attorneys at the Law Offices of Schwartz | White today at 561-391-9943 to schedule an initial consultation.

https://www.schwartz-white.com/dont-make-these-three-mistakes-in-your-florida-child-custody-battle/