Florida laws recognize that both parents should have involvement in their children’s lives. As a result, all divorce decrees must include a parenting plan that lays out important aspects of child rearing. One of the most vital, and most contested, areas is how much time each parent will have with the children.
A visitation schedule should address issues including:
Sometimes there is an issue with one parent being unreliable about visitation. If one party misses a scheduled visit, that does not mean he or she forfeits future visits. It also does not mean that he or she can take the children for an extra visit to make up for missed time.
It is best if you negotiate with your co-parent to make short-term adjustments and changes to visitation. If you need a long-term change, you will need to go to court with support from a New Port Richey visitation lawyer and revise the parenting plan.
Visitation should be fair and allow both parents to have a healthy relationship with their children. For a consultation regarding visitation, contact Dale L. Bernstein, Chartered Law Office today at (727) 862-4411.
Making changes to the parenting plan about how and when visitation occurs does not have to be an ugly fight. If both parents agree to the modification, you can present the court with a new plan and move forward quickly. However, if there is a disagreement, the court may order mediation or hearing.
Sometimes, you make visitation adjustments as part of a relocation negotiation, where one parent is planning to move out of state. Other times, there has been a large change in the lifestyle or financial situation of one or both parents. Regardless, you should always make a long-term update in writing and file it with the courts so that it is enforceable in the future.
Our New Port Richey family law attorney at Dale L. Bernstein, Chartered Law Office has an extensive experience with defining and revising visitation agreements. To discuss your situation and get skilled legal advice, contact us today at (727) 862-4411.