Jacksonville Divorce Attorney Blog
Can I modify time-sharing for my children in Florida?
In Florida, it is the public policy of the 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. We live in a pretty mobile society and oftentimes when divorce or separation occurs one of the parents is in another state or even another country. When that occurs, it is important that Jacksonville parents keep the child’s best interest at the forefront of their minds, taking that into consideration in fostering the parent-child relationship with the non-custodial parent. The parents and your Jacksonville divorce attorney need to get creative in crafting a Parenting Plan that will both work for the parents and foster the relationship between the child and the non-custodial parent.
How to Communicate better with long-distance time-sharing in Florida.
Some ways to foster a long-distance timesharing schedule on a regular daily basis would be to utilize such methods of communication as email, Webcams, Facetime, Zoom, Video Conferencing etc. Some of these methods of communication actually allow the child and parent to see each other. This allows the non-custodial parent to participate in homework and other activities related to the child such as doctor visits, and parent/teacher conferences. Obviously, when the parents live long-distances from each other the non-custodial parent should be allowed to have blocks of time with the minor child during long breaks from school. This would include the major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years and Spring and Summer Break.
Other Considerations for Long-distance Timesharing in Florida:
Airplane and Other Public Transportation and Exchange
Airlines have dramatically varying policies and fees when it comes to children flying alone under the designation of an unaccompanied minor. There are all sorts of reasons why a Florida Child Custody Attorney can help a parent may in a situation where the child needs to fly as an unaccompanied minor. Those reasons may include traveling to the other parent’s house, visiting their grandparents, attending summer camp or a host of other very reasonable situations where a parent or guardian flying with them simply isn’t feasible. Some parents balk at the notion that their child would fly without them because of safety or logistical concerns. On the other hand, many children ride a school bus by themselves, and the statistical risks of that ground transportation are greater than when they are in the sky. That being said, what might be okay for one child may not be for another. The average age of children who fly unaccompanied for the first time is 6 or 7 years old. Airlines have various rules and policies regarding minor children flying alone and they can vary widely, but the area of family travel that varies the most, are the rules for unaccompanied minors. The rules and fees for unaccompanied minors are truly all over the place so parents who live long-distances from each other really need to cooperate with each other and plan well in advance. Airline reservations should be made well in advance, and preferably non-stop. All flight information should be sent to the other party at least 7 days in advance of the flight by the party purchasing the tickets. Other things to consider when your child is flying unaccompanied by an adult. Unless otherwise agreed in advance, if the child is flying unaccompanied, the parent taking the child to the airport should call the other parent immediately upon departure to notify the other parent that the child is arriving on time or the plane is running late, and the parent who meets the child should immediately notify the other parent upon the child arrival. Costs of Airline and Other Public Transportation The parties should work together to purchase the most convenient and least expensive tickets. Consideration should be given to whom the responsibility shall be to purchase the tickets. Proof of the purchase and a copy of the itinerary should be provided to the other parent. Most of the problems in effectuating a long-distance timesharing situation can be avoided if the parents and their Jacksonville divorce attorney address it in the Parenting Plan.