When parents separate or divorce in Florida, one of the most important decisions involves how they will share time with their children. Florida law refers to this arrangement as time sharing, which determines when the child spends time with each parent.
Rather than using the traditional concept of custody, Florida focuses on creating a parenting plan that supports the child’s well-being and maintains meaningful relationships with both parents.
Understanding how time sharing works in Florida can help parents prepare for the legal process and better navigate parenting decisions after separation.
What Is Time Sharing?
Time sharing is a schedule that determines when a child spends time with each parent after a separation or divorce.
Florida courts typically require parents to establish a parenting plan, which outlines:
- the weekly time-sharing schedule
- holiday and vacation arrangements
- decision-making responsibilities for the child
- how parents will communicate about important matters
The goal is to create a predictable routine that supports the child’s emotional stability and development.
How Do Florida Courts Decide Time Sharing?
If parents cannot reach an agreement, the judge determines the time-sharing schedule.
Judges base their decisions on the best interests of the child, a legal standard outlined in Florida Statute §61.13.
This means the court evaluates multiple factors to determine what arrangement will best support the child’s safety, stability, and development.
Some of the factors courts may consider include:
- each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs
- the emotional bond between the child and each parent
- each parent’s mental and physical health
- the child’s home, school, and community environment
- the parents’ ability to communicate and cooperate
- whether each parent encourages a positive relationship with the other parent
The court’s primary goal is always to create a parenting arrangement that promotes the child’s besi interest. Bear in mind that recently the Florida legislature modified the Florida Statutes to presume that equal time sharing (“50-50”) is in the child’s best interest. This can be overcome by evidence, but is going to be the Court’s starting point in any contested case.
Common Time Sharing Schedules
Every family situation is different, so there is no single time-sharing schedule that works for everyone.
However, some common arrangements can include:
Equal time-sharing schedules
- alternating weeks with each parent
- 2-2-3 schedule (two days with one parent, two with the other, alternating weekends)
Majority time-sharing with one parent
- the child primarily lives with one parent
- the other parent has weekends, holidays, or scheduled visits
Customized parenting schedules
Courts often approve schedules tailored to the child’s age, school routine, and the parents’ work schedules.
The focus remains on creating a routine that is stable and manageable for the child.
Can Parents Create Their Own Parenting Plan?
Yes. In many cases, parents are encouraged to create their own parenting plan through negotiation or mediation.
When parents reach an agreement, the court will usually approve it as long as it supports the child’s best interests. The Court will usually approve an agreed upon parenting plan, but does have the final say.
A parenting plan typically includes:
- the regular time-sharing schedule
- transportation arrangements
- holiday schedules
- communication guidelines between parents
- rules for making important decisions about the child
What Happens If Parents Cannot Agree?
When parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will be required to establish a time-sharing schedule.
During this process, the judge may review:
- testimony from both parents
- evidence about the child’s needs and environment
- recommendations from professionals or evaluators in some cases
The final decision will always focus on creating an arrangement that protects the child’s stability and supports healthy relationships with both parents.
Time sharing arrangements shape the child’s daily life after divorce. A well-structured schedule can help maintain consistency, encourage strong parental relationships, and support the child’s emotional development.
If you have questions about time sharing in Florida or need guidance creating or modifying a parenting plan, contact us to discuss your situation and explore the legal options available.