Guidance from a St. Petersburg Lawyer For Building A Parenting Plan When Going Through A Florida Divorce with Children
Going through a Florida divorce with children presents unique challenges that go far beyond dividing assets or negotiating alimony. When parents in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, and throughout the Tampa Bay area separate, one of the most important steps they must take is creating a parenting plan that prioritizes their children’s well‑being.
Under Florida law, all divorces involving minor children require a formal parenting plan. This document outlines how both parents will share time, responsibilities, and decisions after the divorce. Thus, it helps ensure stability and structure for everyone involved.
What Makes a Parenting Plan Effective
In a Florida divorce with children, a parenting plan must comply with Florida Statute §61.13, which helps enforce support for children. It must be tailored to the specific needs of each family. Therefore, a strong, well‑structured plan typically includes:
- Time‑sharing schedule: Clearly defines where the child will stay on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school breaks. Florida courts generally encourage both parents to maintain frequent and meaningful contact with their children.
- Parental responsibility: Specifies how major life decisions, such as education, medical care, religion, and extracurricular activities will be made and shared.
- Communication guidelines: Outlines how the parents and children will stay in touch when apart and sets expectations for respectful co‑parent communication.
- Transportation and exchanges: Defines pick‑up and drop‑off arrangements to reduce confusion and potential conflict.
- Educational and healthcare details: Describes how parents will share information about schooling, medical treatment, and insurance coverage.
- Conflict resolution terms: Establishes clear steps for resolving disagreements in the future without immediately going back to court.
The goal is to produce a detailed, practical plan that supports a positive co‑parenting relationship and minimizes disruption to your child’s life.
Benefits of Mediation During a Florida Divorce with Children
In most Florida divorces with children, the court will require parents to attend mediation before taking their case to trial. Mediation provides an opportunity for both parties to reach agreements outside the courtroom, guided by a neutral mediator.
Key advantages of mediation include:
- Encouraging calm, productive communication between co‑parents.
- Helping parents stay in control of their own parenting plan instead of leaving decisions to a judge.
- Reducing emotional strain and financial costs associated with divorce litigation.
- Teaching cooperative problem‑solving that benefits the children long after the divorce is final.
Mediation can be a powerful tool for crafting an arrangement that truly fits your child’s needs while protecting your rights as a parent.
Why You Need an Experienced Divorce Lawyer
Even in amicable situations, a Florida divorce with children can benefit from the guidance of an experienced family law attorney. A skilled divorce lawyer can help you:
- Draft a parenting plan that meets Florida’s legal requirements and anticipates future life changes.
- Represent you during mediation to ensure your voice and concerns are heard.
- Protect your parental rights regarding time‑sharing and decision‑making.
- Ensure that your final plan is enforceable and reflects your child’s best interests.
At The Law Office of William B. Bennett, we understand the emotional and practical complexities of divorcing with children. With decades of experience in Florida family law, our team strives to provide compassionate counsel and strong advocacy to help parents achieve stability, fairness, and peace of mind during this transition.
Call The Law Office of William B. Bennett for a Free Consultation
If you are facing a Florida divorce with children, you do not have to handle everything alone. The Law Office of William B. Bennett in St. Petersburg is here to help you protect your rights, craft a sound parenting plan, and secure the best possible outcome for your family. Call us at (727) 821‑8000 or visit williambennettlaw.com to schedule your free, confidential consultation today.
Tagged with: Child Custody, Divorce, Mediation, Parenting Plan, Parents, Shared Parenting
Posted in: Child Custody