Ocala Child Custody Lawyer

Parenting Plans and Child Custody Issues

As of October 1, 2008, Florida courts no longer award child custody and visitation to parents. Instead, a parenting plan which the parents agree to, or which is imposed by the court, will govern parenting time following the divorce. Reflecting a nationwide trend toward co-parenting, Florida family courts will now presume that both parents will share parental responsibilities.

Several factors have changed, many of which will have an impact on families. At Anne E. Raduns, PA, we are familiar with Florida's new parenting plan laws, and can help families who are making important decisions regarding the custody of their children.

New Florida Law Requiring Parenting Plans in Divorces with Children

In the past, it was common in divorce for one parent to be awarded primary physical custody of the children. The other parent was typically awarded visitation time. The terms "custody" and "visitation" no longer apply to parenting time in Florida. As of October 2008, the time each parent will spend with the child and the duties each parent will assume will be detailed in a parenting plan. The parenting plan can be established in any one of the following ways:

• With the agreement of the parties
• By or on behalf of one of the parents
• Established by the court

There can also be final parenting plans, temporary parenting plans and modification of parenting plans established by the court. The parenting plan is essentially a child custody determination and will include a time-sharing schedule, which will designate with whom the child or children will spend the majority of time.

We Understand the Parenting Plan Laws

A parenting plan is an entirely new way of dealing with child custody issues and it is very important that you speak with an experienced Ocala divorce lawyer before attempting to tackle them alone. At Anne E. Raduns, PA, we are familiar with the proper documentation that is now required for submitting a parenting plan to the courts. Whether you are in a contested or uncontested divorce or require a parenting plan modification, we can provide you with the knowledgeable and experienced child custody representation you need.