The court shall determine all matters relating to parenting and time-sharing of each minor child of the parties in accordance with the best interests of the child and in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, except that modification of a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule requires a showing of a substantial and material change of circumstances.
The primary focus is always on the child’s well-being and needs. Factors considered include the child’s:
– age;
– health;
– emotional ties with each parent;
– the child’s home
– the child’s school;
– and their community record.
In order to modify a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule the party requesting the modification must show a substantial and material change of circumstances, such as a job relocation, a change in health, or a change in the child’s educational needs.
In determining time-sharing, a judge must consider 20 factors regarding the best interests of the child. Some of these factors include:
(a) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship, to honor the time-sharing schedule, and to be reasonable when changes are required.
(b) The anticipated division of parental responsibilities after the litigation, including the extent to which parental responsibilities will be delegated to third parties.
(c) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to determine, consider, and act upon the needs of the child as opposed to the needs or desires of the parent.
(d) The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
Here at The Law Offices of Gary S. Dolgin, we have been helping mothers and fathers with child custody issues such as parenting plans for over 33 years in the Tampa area.
We have also been committed to protecting children’s best interests while helping to advocate for their parent’s rights.
If you have any questions about parenting plans or any other child custody issues, give us a call at (813) 999-2772, and it will be our pleasure to help you.
Learn more about child custody by visiting:
Best Tampa Child Custody Lawyers, Gary Dolgin