Parenting Plans

Child Custody / Parenting Plan Lawyers

Florida courts will no longer be awarding child custody and visitation to parents after October 1, 2008. Instead a parenting plan which the parents agree to (or which is imposed by the court) will govern parenting time after the divorce. Reflecting a nationwide trend toward co-parenting, Florida family courts will now presume that both parents will share parental responsibilities.

Several factors have changed, many of which will have an impact on families. At Makofka & Makofka, we are familiar with Florida's new parenting plan laws, and can help families who are making important decisions regarding the custody of their children.

To meet with a family law attorney in a free consultation, please contact us online or call our Jacksonville, Florida law office at 904.355.2700.

The New Florida Law Requiring Parenting Plans in Divorces with Children

In the past, it was common in divorce for one parent to be awarded primary physical custody of the children. The other parent was typically awarded visitation time. The terms custody and visitation no longer apply to parenting time in Florida. Rather the time each parent will spend with the child and the duties each parent will assume will be detailed in a parenting plan.

The parenting plan can be brought to the court in the following ways:

• With the agreement of the parties
• By or on behalf of one of the parents
• Established by the court

There can also be Final Parenting Plans, Temporary Parenting Plans, and Modification of Parenting Plans established by the court. The Parenting Plan is essentially a child custody determination. The Parenting Plan will include a Time-Sharing Schedule, and will designate with whom the child or children will spend the majority of time. The Parenting Plan is a 17 page document.

We Understand the New Parenting Plan Laws

A parenting plan is an entirely new way of dealing with child custody issues and it is very important that you speak with an experienced family law attorney before attempting to tackle them alone. The family law attorneys at Makofka & Makofka in Jacksonville, FL have been planning for the new law and are familiar with the proper documentation which is now required for submitting a parenting plan to the courts.

Contact Us

If you have questions about a Florida parenting plan, or determining a time sharing arrangement, contact us for a free consultation. Call us at 904.355.2700.