Timesharing

Florida timesharing schedules and parenting plans built around your family

Florida no longer uses the term “custody.” Instead, the law focuses on timesharing, which is the actual schedule of when a child is with each parent, and parental responsibility, which covers who makes decisions about the child’s upbringing.

At the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, P.A., we help parents throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties build timesharing schedules that work in practice, not just on paper, whether through agreement or litigation.

What a Parenting Plan Covers

Every timesharing arrangement in Florida is set out in a written parenting plan. This document lays out the day-to-day schedule along with how the family will handle logistics going forward.

• The regular weekly or biweekly schedule
• Holidays, school breaks, and vacation time
• Transportation and exchange arrangements
• How the parents will communicate about the child

Building a Schedule That Fits Your Family

There is no single schedule that works for every family. Some parents split time evenly on a rotating basis, while others use a schedule where a child lives primarily with one parent and spends set time with the other. We help clients think through school schedules, work demands, and the child’s age and needs when proposing a plan, and we adjust our approach based on whether the case is likely to settle or go before a judge.

Relocation and Long-Distance Timesharing

When a parent wants to move a significant distance away with the child, Florida law generally requires either the other parent’s written agreement or court approval. We help parents evaluate whether a proposed move is likely to be approved and, where needed, present or respond to a relocation request in court.

Modifying an Existing Schedule

A timesharing schedule can be modified when circumstances have changed enough to justify revisiting it, such as a change in a parent’s work schedule, a child getting older, or ongoing problems with how the current plan is working. Our Child Custody & Parental Responsibility page covers decision-making authority and contested disputes in more depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between timesharing and custody?

Florida replaced the term “custody” with two separate concepts: timesharing, which is the schedule of when a child is with each parent, and parental responsibility, which is the authority to make decisions about the child’s upbringing.

Do parents have to split time equally?

No. Florida law does not require an even split. Courts and parents can agree on any schedule that serves the child’s best interests, which may be equal, close to equal, or weighted more toward one parent.

Can I move out of state with my child?

A move of a significant distance generally requires either the other parent’s written consent or court approval. Moving without following this process can create serious legal problems, so it is worth discussing your specific situation before making arrangements.

How often can a timesharing schedule be changed?

There is no set limit, but a court will only modify a schedule when there has been a meaningful change in circumstances since the last order, not simply because one parent would prefer a different arrangement.

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique, and the application of the law depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter. If you need legal advice regarding your situation, contact the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, P.A. to discuss your case and receive personalized legal guidance.