In some Florida child custody cases, a judge may use the language "reasonable visitation" when awarding child visitation rights to a noncustodial spouse. What does this mean? Does reasonable visitation mean that your children should visit with your ex one day a week, two days a week or visitation should happen by some other kind of schedule?
What do psychologists say about parenting plans?
Parenting plans need to be arranged whenever parents divorce in Florida. These plans map out when children will spend time with and/or live with either parent. In the past, courts tended to encourage an easy-to-implement plan that involved the father seeing his or her kids every other weekend. The mothers would then take care of the kids throughout the week.
Is your child having a hard time adapting to divorce?
No two children, and no two families, are the same. Florida courts do their best to create uniform rules and guidelines that they can consistently apply to make decisions on child custody cases. However, the different temperaments, attitudes and needs of children and their families require courts to maintain a high degree flexibility when it comes to deciding a particular child custody matter.
Strategies for creating a temporary parenting plan
A temporary parenting plan can be useful in the months it takes for your divorce to be finalized. Once your divorce is complete, you will have a permanent parenting plan set up. However, until then you'll need something that allows you and your ex to share time with your children in a fair and efficient way that reflects the best interests of your children.
Make sure the best interests of your children come first
In all child custody negotiations -- and discussions about visitation schedules -- make sure that the best interests of your child come first. This is not only important for the welfare of your child, but it's also how a Florida family court judge will evaluate your case.
