Timesharing

When parents divorce or separate in Florida, timesharing becomes part of a required Parenting Plan. Timesharing sets out when a child spends time with each parent and how parenting responsibilities are shared. The goal is to create a plan that supports a child’s daily life while giving both parents meaningful involvement.

Florida law no longer uses the term “visitation.” Instead, parents are encouraged to share time with their children in a way that promotes frequent and continuing contact when it is safe and appropriate to do so. Every family is different, and timesharing schedules can be flexible or highly detailed depending on a child’s needs and the parents’ circumstances.

What a Timesharing Plan Covers

A timesharing plan addresses more than just days and hours. It typically includes practical details that help reduce confusion and future conflict, such as:

• The child’s age, routine, and individual needs
• School schedules and extracurricular activities
• Transportation responsibilities and exchange locations
• How parents communicate with each other and with the child, include agreed-upon method and expectations
• Notice requirements for schedule changes or cancellations
• Holiday, school break, and vacation schedules
• Whether a right of first refusal applies when a parent is unavailable

These details may feel small, but they often make a big difference in how smoothly a plan works in real life.

When Parents Agree vs. When a Court Decides

Whenever possible, it is usually better for parents to work together to create a timesharing schedule. Agreements that parents help shape are more likely to be followed and adjusted cooperatively over time.

If parents cannot agree, a judge will establish a timesharing schedule based on what is considered to be in the child’s best interests. Courts look at a wide range of factors, including:

• Each parent’s ability to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
• The child’s need for stability and consistency
• Each parent’s involvement in daily care, school, and activities
• Communication between the parents
• The child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs
• Any safety concerns, including domestic violence or substance abuse

No single factor decides the outcome. The court considers the full picture of the child’s life.

Experience That Helps Families Move Forward

Timesharing decisions can shape a family’s routine for years to come. At Goodblatt · Leo, we approach parenting and timesharing matters with experience, care, and attention to detail. Our focus is on practical solutions that respect both parents’ roles while keeping the child’s day-to-day needs a priority.