Florida Parenting Plans & Visitation Schedules
Building the Right Custody Agreement for Your Family
Florida requires a parenting plan in all custody cases—whether you’re divorcing or were never married. A strong plan supports your child’s stability and protects your rights as a parent.
What Is a Parenting Plan?
Legal Requirement in Florida Custody Cases
In Florida, a parenting plan is a legally binding agreement that outlines how parents will share time and make decisions for their child. It is required in all divorce or paternity-related custody cases and must be approved by the court.
This document sets the foundation for co-parenting and helps avoid confusion or disputes by providing clear rules both parents must follow.
What Parenting Plans Must Include
Required Terms for Time-Sharing & Parental Responsibility
A valid parenting plan must address more than just the weekly schedule. Florida courts expect these key elements to be clearly defined:
- A detailed time-sharing (visitation) schedule
- Holiday and vacation plans
- Transportation arrangements (pick-up/drop-off)
- Communication rules between the child and each parent
- Decision-making authority for health, education, and extracurriculars
- A process for resolving future disagreements (e.g., mediation before court)
Each of these components plays a role in maintaining consistency and reducing parental conflict.
Common Time-Sharing Arrangements
What Shared Custody Looks Like in Practice
Florida encourages both parents to maintain strong relationships with their children. While there is no automatic 50/50 rule, courts generally favor time-sharing plans that promote frequent, meaningful contact with both parents.
Some popular schedules include alternating weeks, 2-2-3 (two days with one parent, two with the other, weekends alternate), or one parent having weekdays and the other having weekends and a weeknight. The final schedule should reflect the child’s best interest and each family’s unique situation.
Tailoring a Plan That Works
Creative Solutions for Your Family’s Needs
Parenting plans should be practical, personalized, and enforceable. Our firm helps parents create thoughtful agreements that work in real life—accommodating school schedules, work demands, extracurriculars, and even high-conflict dynamics.
In especially tense co-parenting situations, we can help structure a parallel parenting plan to reduce direct interaction while still supporting the child’s well-being.
Enforcing or Changing the Plan
What Happens When Circumstances Change or Plans Are Violated
Once approved by a judge, the parenting plan becomes a court order. If one parent violates it—by refusing visitation or changing terms unilaterally—the other can seek enforcement through legal action.
If life circumstances change significantly (such as relocation, job changes, or child development), either parent can request a formal
modification. We help clients document the need and file the necessary motions to keep the plan fair and current.
Grandparent and Third-Party Visitation
Limited Legal Options for Non-Parents
Florida law heavily favors parental rights, which means grandparents or other relatives typically don’t have standing to demand visitation unless very specific conditions are met. If you’re a third party concerned about a child’s welfare, we can help assess your situation and advise on any legal options that may exist.
Get Support Creating or Revising a Parenting Plan
Legal Guidance That Puts Your Child First
Whether you’re drafting a parenting plan for the first time or need help enforcing or changing an existing one, we’re here to help. The Davies Law Firm provides experienced, compassionate guidance for all aspects of time-sharing and custody planning.
Contact us today to protect your parental rights and support your child’s future.
