New Law Affecting Timesharing and Parenting Plans Took Effect in 2018
Florida lawmakers have taken another meaningful step toward furthering contact between non-custodial parents and their children in a family law case. On January 1, 2018, a new law took effect that is meant to make it easier for unmarried or divorcing parents to reach a parenting timesharing agreement.
The new law aims to achieve this by enabling Florida’s Department of Revenue to now propose a Standard Parenting Time Plan for Florida parents. Here is a closer look at this standardized plan and what this plan might mean for a Florida parent.
Parent Timesharing Plans in 2018
According to the new law based on Senate Bill 590, a new standard parent timesharing plan will be available to Florida parents, letting the Department of Revenue set forth a parenting plan if the parents are in agreement.
The new Standard Parenting Time Plan includes the following visitation times for children and the parent paying child support as standard:
- Every other weekend
- One evening weeknight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thanksgiving break every other year on even-numbered years
- Half of every winter break
- Spring break every other year (on even-numbered years, as well)
- Two weeks each summer
However, it is essential to note that this standard plan is not favored by the state of Florida, as this is simply a standardized option designed to encourage parents to reach a mutually beneficial timesharing agreement that is in the best interests of the children. However, this new Department of Revenue standardized plan is not available for any family law case involving allegations of child abuse or domestic violence.
If parents cannot come to their own agreement and do not agree with a standard timesharing plan, then a judge will establish a timesharing and parenting plan as is customary when Florida parents do not reach a timesharing agreement. The Florida law requiring parents to create a parenting plan when minor children are involved also remains unchanged.
It remains to be seen whether Florida parents will make use of this standardized approach in the months and years ahead, but this legal change is another meaningful step toward promoting relationships between Florida children and a non-custodial parent.
If you have any questions about how these legal changes may affect your Florida divorce in 2018, contact The McKinney Law Group for a legal consultation today.
Tampa Divorce Lawyer
If you have questions regarding a divorce attorney (Tampa, Florida), or are unaware as to the terms and conditions in, talk to, and retain, a family law attorney who can help. Contact Damien McKinney of The McKinney Law Group to discuss your case further. He can be reached by phone at 813-428-3400 or by e-mail at [email protected]