How To Negotiate A Tampa Parenting Plan
Child custody in Tampa is one of the most challenging issues parents have to address when going through a divorce or separation. Florida courts generally favor child time-sharing arrangements, with parenting plans outlining each party’s rights and responsibilities.
Putting a parenting plan in place requires the parties to set aside personal disputes for the sake of protecting their child’s best interests. Our Tampa child custody lawyer explains more about this process and offers tips for successfully negotiating a parenting plan in Hillsborough County.
What You Need To Know About Tampa Parenting Plans
When parents divorce or separate, they are encouraged to work together to provide for their child’s basic needs and to ensure their best interests are protected. The Florida Statutes generally encourage child time-sharing arrangements, provided there are no issues with either party that could put the child at risk.
Parenting plans in Tampa address the child’s schedule and each parent’s rights and responsibilities. Working with your legal representative, you and the other parent will need to negotiate the specific details of your plan, which gets submitted to the judge in your case and forms the basis of a final child custody order. Important issues to address when creating a parenting plan through the Hillsborough County Court include:
- Time-sharing schedules: This includes where the child lives, the amount of time they spend in each party’s home, and plans for holidays, school breaks, and other special occasions.
- Parental decision-making: This determines who has authority to make decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as their education, healthcare, and religion.
- Transportation arrangements: Pick a location for pick-ups and drop-offs and detail how the child gets transported between homes.
- Communication guidelines: Outline how you and the other parent will communicate with each other and how the child will communicate with the noncustodial parent when not in their care.
- Unexpected issues when implementing a parenting plan: Include provisions for handling schedule changes, unforeseen events, and any disputes that arise.
Tips for Negotiating a Parenting Plan In Tampa
Negotiating a parenting plan is rarely easy. Emotions tend to run high, particularly if you are not on good terms with the other parent. The following are tips from our Tampa child time-sharing lawyer for navigating the process:
- Rather than focus on disputes with the other parent, make your child’s best interests a top priority;
- Have an idea of your goals in terms of time-sharing, but remain flexible and willing to cooperate;
- Work towards plans that accommodate your own, the other parent’s, and the child’s schedule;
- Be clear about expressing any potential concerns;
- Avoid attempting to negotiate parenting time without getting legal help first.
For Trusted Legal Help, Contact Our Tampa Child Time-Sharing Lawyer Today
Negotiating a parenting plan in Tampa can be overwhelming. It helps to have a legal professional you can trust on your side. Bubley & Bubley, P.A. offers the caring support and experienced representation you need throughout the process. Contact our Tampa child time-sharing lawyer for trusted legal help in negotiating arrangements that benefit both you and your child. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
hillsclerk.com/court-services/family-law
