As part of a Dissolution of Marriage (also known as Divorce) proceeding, the Court will often make a determination as to both parents’ Child Custody (also known as Timesharing) rights and obligations regarding the minor children. There are several significant factors here:
- Shared Parental Responsibility vs. Sole Parental Responsibility
- Time Sharing
- Relocation
- Medical, Education & Religion
- Extra-Curricular Activities
- Right of First Refusal
- Pick-ups & Drop-offs of the Minor Children
- Out of State Travel
- Out of the Country Travel
- Parenting Course Certificate
- Parenting Plan
The Courts now refer to Custody as “Time Sharing” (FL Statute 61.13). Shared Parental Responsibility generally means that each parent will have an equal say in the major decisions affecting the welfare of the minor children. Sole Parental Responsibility is awarded to one parent in very limited situations. Visitation is also now more appropriately referred to as “Timesharing”, i.e., the time (primarily overnights) each parent spends with the minor child or children. The Court generally focuses on the number of overnights the children will spend with each parent. This will impact the amount of Child Support paid. There are many variations, Timesharing schedules, and arrangements here also, and the parties will complete a State required Parenting Plan.
The Court will determine the rights of each coparent in Child Custody and Parental Responsibility. Our Orlando Divorce Attorneys are here to help you understand joint Custody laws and answer any Custody related questions you may have. Call us today to schedule a consultation.