Our Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediators at Mediation of Coral Springs, Inc. recognize that Florida has long been considered to be one of the most transient states in the U.S. Therefore, it is quite common for parents to move into our state to relocate back to their home states only to try and relocate back to the north once a husband and wife decide that a divorce is imminent. Usually this is because that is where he or she has family member(s) who are willing to offer emotional support as well as assist with the day to day child rearing tasks.
One of the major issues that arise in this scenario is how can a husband and wife each retain the ability to spend meaningful time with their children if one parent remains in Florida and the other relocates out of state. In Florida divorce cases involving time-sharing with minor children, a “Parenting Plan” is always required to be entered by the court. The Florida Supreme Court has established Family Law Form 12.995 (c) for attorneys and parties to use to set forth all of the necessary terms for a Long Distance Parenting Plan when one of the parents will be living out of the state of Florida.
Our Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediators at Mediation of Coral Springs, Inc. are experienced in assisting clients with establishing the terms and conditions of a Florida Long Distance Parenting Plan that are necessary in order to be in the best interests of the parties’ minor children. Florida Statute § 61.13 sets forth about twenty factors that a Florida Family Law Judge is required to consider in order to determine what time sharing schedule is in the best interest of the children in each case. In addition, § 61.13 makes it clear that the best interest of the children is the main consideration that the Court uses to establish the terms of a Long Distance Parenting Plan in order that every Florida Parenting Plan is specifically drafted so that the needs of each individual child who is the subject of the plan are fully taken into consideration.
In drafting a Florida Long Distance Parenting Plan our Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediators at Mediation of Coral Springs, Inc. helps our clients recognize that the most significant issues involve travel arrangements and the expenses associated with transferring the children from one parent to the other and how to make certain that the “away” parent is able to maintain contact with his or her children.
Our Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediators at Mediation of Coral Springs, Inc. have found that the issues surrounding travel in a Florida Long Distance Parenting Plan can be extremely difficult when the children are very young and the parents live such a distance apart that airline flights are necessary. This is due to who will accompany the children on flights, who pays for the travel expenses, and who makes the travel arrangements.
Our Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediators at Mediation of Coral Springs, Inc. are experienced in helping those who mediate to establish a Long Distance Parenting Plan that meets your family’s needs and is affordable for both parties.