What to Know About Parental Responsibility in the State of Florida
For parents going through divorce, one of the most contentious aspects of the entire process frequently revolves around custody – which in Florida we discuss in terms of parental responsibility and timesharing.
It’s easy to understand why tensions can quickly escalate on this matter, especially with emotions running as high as they do during divorce. But, at the end of the day, the determination on shared parental responsibility is all about what’s in the best interest of the child(ren). And that is for the courts to decide. Here is a high-level overview of what to expect.
What to know about shared parental responsibility in Florida
The petition – When you fill out the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Children, you will also find a section on parenting plans. With your lawyer, you will work through the form together on items such as determining parental responsibility, determining the time sharing schedule, and requesting child support.
Florida family courts begin with the presumption that shared parental responsibility (a.k.a. joint custody) is in the best interest of the child. Gaining sole parental responsibility can be very difficult, though certainly not impossible.
Shared parenting time plans – Shared parental responsibility means that both parents must approve of all major decisions related to the child. Those decisions include educational, religious, medical, and all other decisions related to the health and well-being of the child. A parenting time plan becomes the basis for the court order that establishes the parenting schedule and child support, if applicable.
The process of determining parental responsibility and time sharing rights and responsibilities in Florida is ridden with paperwork, petitions, and requires plenty of patience, but your legal team will be at your side the entire time. If you find yourself facing divorce or a child custody issue, get in touch today. Our team of family lawyers has the experience and know-how to ensure your family’s rights and best interests are protected.
About the Author
Vanessa Vasquez de Lara is a Miami divorce lawyer, author, and legal commentator with more than 20 years of experience helping families navigate divorce, child custody disputes, and complex family law matters throughout Florida. She is the founder and managing partner of Vasquez de Lara Law Group, one of the largest family-law-only firms serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with a team of attorneys dedicated exclusively to divorce and family law.
A graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Vanessa has been recognized for her professional excellence by being named to the Super Lawyers list every year since 2016. She is also the author of the bestselling book “The Florida Man’s Guide to Getting Divorced” which provides practical insight into the legal, financial, and personal realities of divorce in Florida.
Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Vanessa is frequently invited to provide legal commentary on family law issues in national media, including appearances on NBC and Univision’s Despierta América.
Beyond her legal work, Vanessa is the founder of the Ricky Supreme Scholars Foundation, created in honor of her brother who lost his life to gun violence. Through the foundation, she provides scholarships to high school students to help them pursue higher education and build brighter futures.
Connect with Vanessa:
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