Time Sharing (Custody/Visitation)
If you are getting divorced in Lee County and time sharing is disputed, contact the Thompson Law Firm for experienced legal representation. Attorney William J. Thompson has been helping clients throughout southwest Florida for more than a decade and will dedicate himself to protecting your rights.
The Thompson Law Group, P.A., handles all time sharing matters, including:
- Contested divorce
- Uncontested divorce
- Paternity
- Parenting plan modifications
- Home relocation disputes (move-away disputes with minor children)
Florida Time Sharing Laws
In the state of Florida, the concept of child custody has been dramatically altered in recent years. To prevent unnecessary fights over child custody labels, Florida no longer uses custodial designations such as sole custody or joint custody. Instead, a mother and father may be awarded shared parental responsibility or sole parental responsibility for a child, with a time sharing designation that determines the amount of time each parent spends with the minor child.
The state of Florida favors the right of a child to spend ample time with each parent after a divorce, unless a court determines that it would not be in the best interests of the child. Florida Statute 61.13 states:
It is the public policy of this state that each minor child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the parents separate or the marriage of the parties is dissolved and to encourage parents to share the rights and responsibilities, and joys, of childrearing. There is no presumption for or against the father or mother of the child or for or against any specific time-sharing schedule when creating or modifying the parenting plan of the child.
Of course, this preference is not absolute. In cases where domestic abuse, chemical dependency or other issues are present that may affect the parental fitness of a spouse, the best interests of the child are always the determinative factor in a court's determination of time sharing. Parents may reach an agreement on a parenting plan that designates sole parental responsibility or shared responsibility, with a specific time sharing plan. A court will issue an order which incorporates the parties' agreement as long as it is not contrary to the best interests of the child.
We Can Help
At the Thompson Law Group, P.A., we can advise you of your rights and help you work toward a parenting plan that will be beneficial to your children, while protecting your rights as a parent. If your case cannot be resolved by mutual agreement of the parties, attorney William J. Thompson will be prepared to argue passionately for the protection of your custody and visitation rights at trial.
Working One-on-One With a Lee County Child Custody Attorney
At our firm, we are dedicated to providing each client with the personal service and support they require. William J. Thompson will take time to listen, understand the dynamics of your situation, and actively pursue your objectives.
Contact Us
To speak with a Bonita Springs custody lawyer, contact the Thompson Law Group, P.A., today. To schedule a consultation with attorney William J. Thompson, call 239-494-8036, or contact us by e-mail.
