If you want to simplify your divorce and child custody process in Florida, the easiest way to do that is to establish a parenting plan between the two of you before you go to court. If you can present an acceptable parenting plan, it saves the court time in litigation.
There are a few core components that every Florida parenting plan should have.
Daily task distribution
The first thing to consider is how you and your spouse will handle the daily task distribution for your child. Who will have primary custody? Detail the time that the child will spend with each parent, including routine custody changes as well as holiday schedules.
Conflict resolution
If the two of you disagree on a parenting decision, detail the conflict resolution procedures and the method for coming to a determination. You might appoint a neutral third party to help with negotiations or detail specific guidelines that determine the choice.
Communication methods
Both parents should have access to communication channels with the child, but the parenting plan should define the channels and their acceptable use. This ensures that neither parent interferes with the other parent’s custodial time.
Best interest consideration
Every aspect of the parenting plan must consider the best interests of your child. Those best interests should be clearly illustrated.
A solid parenting plan that ensures equal time, reasonable communication and clear conflict resolution make the entire divorce and custody process more efficient. Work with an attorney or a mediator if you and your spouse are unable to come to an agreement alone.