When you are a parent, one aspect of getting divorced in Florida may involve creating a parenting plan. If you and your ex-spouse plan to set up time-sharing with your children after the divorce, the court requires you to develop a parenting plan and submit it for approval. It may be easier to get approval for your parenting plan if you understand how to create a comprehensive document that prioritizes the best interests of your children.
According to the Florida Supreme Court, there are several basic things you must cover in your parenting plan: a time-sharing schedule, the designation of the primary decision-maker and details on how both parents will communicate with the children. You may also describe how you and your ex-spouse plan to share daily parenting responsibilities, such as transportation. If you are the decision-making parent, you may be responsible for your children’s school enrollment and health care.
Additional information on parenting plans from the Florida Supreme Court indicates that there are numerous factors that may affect whether the court deems a parenting plan to be in the best interests of your children. For example, the court may research your existing parenting skills to determine your ability to reliably follow a time-sharing schedule and maintain a close, healthy relationship with your children. Other factors that may affect the final terms of a parenting agreement could include your mental and physical health and your ability to maintain a consistent routine. The court may take into account how you and your ex-spouse divided parenting duties during your marriage and use that information when evaluating your parenting plan.
This overview of parenting plans provides general information intended for educational purposes; it should not be interpreted as legal advice.
