Florida Child Visitation Guidelines & Parenting Plans

The Standard Parenting Time Plan is a Florida custody law that went into effect on January 1, 2018. The purpose of this law is to simplify the sharing of parental rights for parents who are no longer together. This law also shifts the focus to the best interests of the child.

This new law encourages parents to work together to develop a parenting plan that works for all parties involved (parents and children). If the parents have not decided on a parenting schedule by the time of the child support hearing, the Standard Parenting Time Plan will be suggested.

TERMS OF THE STANDARD PARENTING PLAN IN FLORIDA

The law suggests the following schedule for non-custodial parents:

  • Every other weekend: Custody will be on the second and fourth weekend of every month, from 6 PM on Friday to 6 PM on Sunday. Weekends may also begin upon the child’s release from school on Friday and conclude when the child returns to school the following Monday. The weekend may be extended to accommodate holidays that fall on Monday or Friday of that weekend.
  • One evening per week: There is an option to have the child one weekday evening per week, from 6 PM to 8 PM. The evening may also begin when the child is released from school and end at 8 PM.
  • Fall Break: In even-numbered years, custody will begin at 6 PM the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and end at 6 PM the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
  • Winter Break: In odd-numbered years, custody will be for the first half of winter break. It will begin upon the child’s release from school and end at noon on December 26th. In even-numbered years, custody will be for the second half of winter break. It will begin at noon on December 26th and end at 6 PM the day before the child’s return to school.
  • Spring Break: In even-numbered years, custody will begin at 6 PM on the day the child is released from school and end at 6 PM the night before the child returns to school.
  • Summer Break: Custody will be held for the first 2 weeks of summer break each year. It will begin at 6 PM on the first Sunday after the child has been released from school for the summer.

These terms are suggested guidelines for the parenting schedule. The state of Florida encourages all parents to develop an individualized schedule that will fit with their schedules.

DEFENDING PARENTAL RIGHTS IN FLORIDA

If you and your ex are having trouble constructing a visitation schedule, we can help. Our child custody attorney can help you establish a parenting schedule that is right for you.

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