In Florida, summer timesharing is governed by Florida Statute 61.13, which emphasizes the importance of creating arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the child. This article will provide an overview of summer timesharing in Florida, including common approaches, factors the courts consider, and practical examples to help co-parents navigate these important months.
Ft. Lauderdale Lawyer for Summer Timesharing
If you’re facing challenges in creating a summer timesharing schedule or need guidance on navigating your options, consult Bacchus Law Firm today. They can help you develop a fair and workable plan that serves the best interests of your child.
Our offices are centrally located at 401 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, just minutes from the Broward County Central Courthouse. If you have been arrested or are subject to investigative procedures in Miami, West Palm Beach, East Naples, or LaBelle, Florida, then contact our firm immediately.
Call (954) 500-5555 for a face-to-face consultation.
- Legal Framework for Summer Timesharing in Florida
- Common Approaches to Summer Timesharing
- Factors Courts Consider in Summer Timesharing
- Examples of Summer Timesharing in Practice
- Hire a Lawyer for Summer Timesharing in Broward County, FL
Legal Framework for Summer Timesharing in Florida
Florida Statute 61.13 sets forth the rules for determining parental responsibility and timesharing arrangements, with the primary goal being the well-being of the child. Under this statute, parents are encouraged to work together to develop a parenting plan that specifies how summer timesharing will be divided. The statute emphasizes that all timesharing decisions should be made with the best interests of the child in mind, considering factors such as the child’s age, developmental needs, and relationship with each parent.
When it comes to summer timesharing, Florida courts favor arrangements that allow children to spend quality, extended time with each parent. This extended time can be especially important during the summer months when children are not in school and may be more available to engage in activities, vacations, and other bonding experiences with each parent. If parents cannot agree on a summer schedule, the court will decide based on the child’s best interests and considering relevant factors outlined in the statute.
Common Approaches to Summer Timesharing
Summer timesharing schedules can vary widely depending on the needs of the family and the age of the children involved. Here are some of the most common approaches to dividing time during the summer months:
- Alternating Weeks: A common approach is for parents to alternate weeks during the summer. This allows each parent to have extended, uninterrupted time with the child, providing opportunities for vacations and special activities. For example, one parent may have the child during the first week of June, and the other parent may have the child the following week, continuing this pattern throughout the summer.
- Block Schedules: Another approach is for each parent to have a larger block of time during the summer. For instance, one parent may have the child for the entire month of June, while the other parent has the child for the month of July. This arrangement can be particularly useful if parents live in different states or if one parent wants to take the child on an extended vacation.
- Split Summer Break: In some cases, parents may choose to split the summer break evenly. This means that each parent gets half of the summer, with an agreed-upon transition date in the middle. This arrangement ensures that both parents have substantial time with the child, while also providing consistency for the child.
- Custom Schedules Based on Activities: Sometimes, summer schedules are customized to accommodate the child’s activities, such as summer camps or sports. For example, if a child is attending a camp that runs for two weeks in July, the parents may agree that the parent living closer to the camp will have the child during that period, while adjusting the remaining schedule to ensure both parents have equal time.
Factors Courts Consider in Summer Timesharing
When parents cannot agree on a summer timesharing schedule, Florida courts will intervene to create a plan that is in the child’s best interests. Under Florida Statute 61.13, the court considers a number of factors, including:
- The child’s age and developmental needs: Younger children may require more frequent transitions to maintain strong relationships with both parents, while older children may benefit from extended time with each parent.
- The ability of each parent to meet the child’s needs: This includes the ability to provide a stable home environment, engage in summer activities, and facilitate positive experiences for the child.
- The child’s preference: If the child is mature enough, their preference may be taken into account, particularly regarding how they want to spend their summer.
- The relationship between the child and each parent: The court aims to ensure that the child maintains strong bonds with both parents.
- The parents’ ability to communicate and cooperate: Successful summer timesharing often requires flexibility and good communication between parents.
The court’s primary goal is to ensure that the child’s summer experience is positive and that the timesharing arrangement supports the child’s overall well-being.
Examples of Summer Timesharing in Practice
To illustrate how summer timesharing might work in practice, consider the following examples:
Example 1: Sarah and John have a ten-year-old daughter, Emma. During the school year, they follow an alternating weekend schedule. For the summer, they decide to switch to alternating weeks, allowing each parent to have extended, uninterrupted time with Emma. This arrangement also provides both parents the opportunity to take Emma on vacation without disruption.
Example 2: Michael and Lisa have two children and live in different states. Given the distance, they agree that Michael will have the children for the entire month of June, while Lisa will have them for the entire month of July. This block scheduling works well for their situation, as it reduces the need for frequent travel and allows each parent to plan extended activities.
Example 3: David and Maria share custody of their eight-year-old son, Alex. Alex is enrolled in a summer soccer camp that runs for three weeks in July. To accommodate this, David and Maria agree that Maria will have Alex during the camp since it is near her home. After the camp ends, David will have Alex for the next two weeks, ensuring that both parents have quality summer time with their son.
Hire a Lawyer for Summer Timesharing in Broward County, FL
Our offices are centrally located at 401 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, just minutes from the Broward County Central Courthouse. If you have been arrested or are subject to investigative procedures in Miami, West Palm Beach, East Naples, or LaBelle, Florida, then contact our firm immediately.
Call (954) 500-5555 for a face-to-face consultation.
