Time-sharing: Quick Reference

One of the most difficult parts of a divorce that includes minor children is that both parents will not see their child every day. Custody agreements, known as time-sharing in Florida, can be many things, but there are a few facts you will want to keep in mind. Whether you are in the process of divorce or modifying a time-sharing schedule, these tips apply.

Create a Plan That Works for Your Family

Just because you know someone who does a week at mom’s and a week at dad’s does not mean that is the right schedule for you. Some other options we have seen work include:

• 2-3-2 Split – In this scenario parent A gets the children 2 nights, B gets 3 nights and then A gets 2 nights again. The next week it switches so parent B gets 2 nights, A gets 3 and then B gets 2. This is still a 50/50 time-sharing arrangement, just shorter blocks of time.
• 3-4 Split – Similar to the scenario above however one parent gets 4 nights week one and the other gets 4 nights week two.
• Monday + Weekend – One parent gets Monday and the following weekend. The other parent then sees the children Monday night and the following weekend the next week. This plan is popular when one parent works occasional evenings or weekends or travels for work.

Although not all families have a 50/50 time-sharing split, it is what most judges recommend. Keep in mind that some counties require you to specifically state when and how the switch will happen. If you have school age children, it is often easiest for the switch to happen during the school day.

Be Flexible

Although children thrive with consistency, things come up. Celebrations like birthdays and weddings do not always fall on the right day or weekend. If your co-parent has a request, unless you have a legitimate reason to say no, compromise and work out accommodations.

Plan Summers, Holidays, and Vacations in Advance

No matter the structure of your time-sharing agreement, you will want to include some uninterrupted time for vacations, often during summer months. In your written plan, include how many dedicated weeks each parent receives for vacation and if all must be in the summer or if they can be at any time during the year. Also include how holidays will be divided.

Need Help with a Time-sharing Agreement? Call Wagstaff & Pitelis

Whether you and the co-parent are looking to establish a time-sharing agreement as part of a divorce or need to modify your existing plan, Wagstaff & Pitelis can help. We are not only family law attorneys but also divorce attorneys in Clearwater. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced team members at (727) 584-8182 or fill out our contact form.