Florida Law Update: Time-Sharing and the New 50-50 Starting Point

In Florida, the courts do not use the word custody anymore. The words custody and visitation have now been replaced with the term “time-sharing.” The reason for this change is that the legislature is trying to cut down on parties fighting over the children. By calling it time-sharing, this designation would no longer cause significant issues between the parties. No parent wants the stigma of losing custody. 

50-50 Time-Sharing Is Now the Presumption

Another major change in the law is that now Florida has a presumption that 50-50 time-sharing is the starting point. Often, people get this confused and automatically think that Florida is a 50-50 state, but this is not correct. This just means that this is a starting point for the court to look at. 

From that point, the parties have to show the court or prove to the court why a 50-50 arrangement would not be in the best interests of the minor children. It’s important that you know that it’s not automatic. 

Even though in many cases, 50-50 or equal time-sharing seems like the norm, there are still many factors that the court is supposed to consider in reaching a decision when deciding a time-sharing arrangement.

Our firm handles divorce and family law cases throughout Florida. If you have more questions, please call our Florida time-sharing lawyer, and we will be happy to talk to you and provide you with more details.

Speak With a Florida Time-Sharing Lawyer Today

The Florida time-sharing lawyers at Winthrop Law Offices, P.A., are dedicated to providing every client with the answers they need to make informed decisions. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.