children Archives – Coffman Family Law

Section 61.046(23) of the Florida Statutes defines a “time-sharing schedule” as “a timetable that must be included in the parenting plan that specifies the time, including overnights and holidays, that a minor child will spend with each parent.” The three most common 50/50, regular time-sharing schedules are as follows:

(1) 2/2/3 Schedule — e.g., Monday and Tuesday with Dad; Wednesday and Thursday with Mom; Weekend #1 with Dad; Monday and Tuesday with Mom; Wednesday and Thursday with Dad; Weekend #2 with Mom

(2) 2/2/5/5 Schedule — e.g., every Monday and Tuesday with Dad; every Wednesday and Thursday with Mom; Weekend #1 with Dad; Weekend #2 with Mom

(3) 7/7 Weekly Rotations — e.g., Week #1 with Dad; Week #2 with Mom; exchange on Fridays at school dismissal or 6 p.m. if school is not in session

The above sample time-sharing schedules do not include holidays or extended time with each parent during the summer, which are also part of a parenting plan, but are outside the scope of this particular blog post.

In determining which 50/50 time-sharing schedule might be right for you and your family, it is critical to take into consideration the needs of the child/children. For example, typically, the younger children tend to function better with more frequent contact (e.g., 2/2/3 or 2/2/5/5). In contrast, older children of middle school or high school age might do better with less exchanges (e.g., week-on and week-off). These, of course, are generalities and it is important to consult with an experienced lawyer in crafting the time-sharing schedule that best suits your child’s needs. You may reach out to our team at Coffman Family Law using this form or call us at 407-399-7440 to discuss your families’ specific needs.

A “Parenting Plan” is a document created for the purpose of governing the relationship
between parents as it relates to decisions that must be made regarding their minor child. At a
minimum, a parenting plan must:

o Describe in adequate detail how the parents will share and be responsible for
the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child;
o Include the time-sharing schedule arrangements that specify the time the child
will spend with each parent;
o Designate who will be responsible for any and all forms of health care,
school-related matters, and other activities of the child; and
o Describe in adequate detail the methods and technologies the parents will
utilize to communicate with the child.

If you are facing divorce or child custody litigation, including dissolution of marriage and
paternity proceedings, it is vital that you hire an attorney who is knowledgeable about crafting a
variety of parenting plans because, ultimately, you will need a parenting plan that not only
contains the minimum requirements detailed in the Florida Statutes, but also one that is tailored
to the specific needs of your child and to the unique dynamics of your family.

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