St. Augustine's Largest Law Firm
Parenting Plans & Timesharing Attorney in St. Augustine
Helping Parents Build Stable Futures for Their Children
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important decisions they will make involves the care and upbringing of their children. Florida law requires parents to establish a Parenting Plan that outlines parental responsibilities, decision-making authority, and a timesharing schedule designed to serve the child’s best interests.
At St. Johns Law Group, we help parents throughout St. Augustine and Northeast Florida develop practical, child-focused Parenting Plans that promote stability while protecting each parent’s rights. Whether your case is resolved through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our attorneys provide experienced guidance every step of the way.
What Is a Parenting Plan?
A Parenting Plan is a legally binding document that establishes how parents will share responsibilities and care for their children following a divorce, separation, or paternity action.
Florida courts require Parenting Plans to address important aspects of a child’s life, including:
- Weekly timesharing schedules
- Holiday and vacation schedules
- School breaks
- Transportation arrangements
- Communication between parents
- Communication with the child
- Healthcare decisions
- Educational decisions
- Extracurricular activities
- Methods for resolving future disagreements
A well-drafted Parenting Plan helps minimize conflict while providing consistency for both parents and children.
Understanding Timesharing in Florida
Florida no longer uses the term “custody.” Instead, the law focuses on timesharing and parental responsibility.
Timesharing determines when a child will spend time with each parent. Every family is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all schedule.
Depending on the family’s circumstances, parenting schedules may include:
- Equal (50/50) timesharing
- Alternating weekends
- Week-on/week-off schedules
- Extended summer visitation
- Holiday rotations
- Customized schedules based on work or school commitments
The court’s primary concern is creating a schedule that supports the child’s health, safety, and overall well-being.
The Best Interests of the Child
When parents cannot agree on a Parenting Plan, the court determines what arrangement is in the child’s best interests.
Florida courts consider many factors, including:
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s willingness to encourage the child’s relationship with the other parent
- School and community involvement
- Physical and mental health of the parents
- History of domestic violence or substance abuse
- The child’s developmental needs
- Any other factor affecting the child’s welfare
Our attorneys work to present evidence that supports an outcome focused on the child’s long-term success and stability.
Shared Parental Responsibility
Florida law generally favors shared parental responsibility whenever appropriate.
This means both parents continue participating in major decisions involving the child, including:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Religious upbringing
- Extracurricular activities
- General welfare
In certain situations involving abuse, neglect, or other serious concerns, the court may award sole decision-making authority to one parent when necessary to protect the child’s best interests.
Modifying Parenting Plans
As children grow and family circumstances change, an existing Parenting Plan may no longer meet everyone’s needs.
A Parenting Plan may be modified when there has been a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances.
Examples include:
- Relocation
- Changes in employment schedules
- Changes in the child’s educational needs
- Safety concerns
- Ongoing violations of the existing Parenting Plan
Our attorneys help parents pursue or defend modifications while keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront.
Resolving Parenting Disputes
Many Parenting Plan issues can be resolved through mediation, allowing parents to reach agreements without prolonged litigation.
When litigation becomes necessary, St. Johns Law Group provides experienced courtroom representation to protect our clients’ parental rights while advocating for practical, child-focused solutions.
We assist with:
- Parenting Plan negotiations
- Timesharing disputes
- Enforcement actions
- Modification requests
- Relocation issues
- Contempt proceedings
- Emergency parenting matters
Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?
Parenting matters require legal guidance that balances strong advocacy with sensitivity to the needs of children and families.
Clients choose St. Johns Law Group because we provide:
- Experienced Florida family law representation
- Practical, child-centered legal solutions
- Skilled negotiation and mediation support
- Strong courtroom advocacy when needed
- Personalized attention throughout every stage of the case
We understand that parenting disputes can be emotional, and we are committed to helping families reach solutions that promote stability and protect the well-being of their children.
Schedule a Consultation
If you need assistance creating, modifying, or enforcing a Parenting Plan or resolving a timesharing dispute, St. Johns Law Group is here to help.
Contact our St. Augustine office today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced family law attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
- Florida Parenting Plan Guidelines
- Florida Courts – Family Law Forms
- Parenting Coordination Information
- Attorney Profile – Family Law Team
Contact Us:
- 104 Sea Grove Main Street | St. Augustine, Florida 32080
- info@sjlawgroup.com
- +904.495.0400
- +888.588.2599