Family Law
Timesharing
Timesharing (Child Custody)
When families go through divorce or separation, one of the most sensitive and important issues is creating a fair and workable timesharing plan—what many people think of as “child custody.”
At our firm, we understand that your child’s well-being is your top priority. It’s ours, too. We help parents navigate the legal process with compassion, clarity, and a strong focus on creating a stable, supportive future for their children.
What is Timesharing?
In Florida, “timesharing” refers to the schedule that determines when each parent will spend time with their child. The state no longer uses outdated terms like “custody” or “visitation.” Instead, both parents are encouraged to share in the rights and responsibilities of raising their child, unless doing so would be harmful to the child.
2023 Legal Update: A Shift Toward Equal Timesharing
In 2023, Florida law was updated to create a presumption that equal (50/50) timesharing is in the best interest of the child. This means that family courts now start with the assumption that children benefit most when both parents share time equally—unless there is evidence showing that a different arrangement would better serve the child’s needs.
This amendment has made it even more important for parents to present a clear, well-supported case—whether advocating for equal timesharing or proposing an alternative schedule due to specific circumstances such as:
- Domestic violence
- Parental unfitness
- Long-distance living arrangements
- Unique work schedules
- Special needs of the child
We’ll help you understand how this legal shift applies to your situation and guide you in building a strong Parenting Plan that reflects your child’s best interests.
Building a Parenting Plan
A timesharing schedule is part of a larger Parenting Plan, which outlines:
- Where the child will live and spend time
- How decisions will be made about education, healthcare, and extracurriculars
- How parents will communicate with each other and with the child
- Holiday and summer schedules
- Travel and relocation details
- Any other important matters specific to your family
We help you create or modify a Parenting Plan that fits your life and promotes stability for your child.
Your Advocate in Negotiation or Court
Whether you’re working through mediation or litigating in court, we advocate fiercely for your parental rights while keeping the focus on what truly matters: your child’s well-being.