At Dane Family Law, we know that few issues in family law are as emotionally charged as those involving children. Florida law no longer uses the terms “custody” or “visitation.” Instead, parents share timesharing and parental responsibility—reflecting the understanding that children thrive when both parents remain actively involved in their lives. Our goal is to help families create parenting arrangements that foster stability, cooperation, and meaningful parent-child relationships.

Timesharing refers to how much time a child spends with each parent, while parental responsibility governs how major decisions—such as those involving education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities—are made. Florida law presumes that shared parental responsibility is in a child’s best interests unless evidence shows otherwise. We work closely with parents to develop comprehensive parenting plans that outline schedules, communication methods, transportation, and other practical details, helping minimize future conflict.

When parents cannot agree, the court must determine a timesharing arrangement based on the best interests of the child as outlined in Florida Statute §61.13(3). These factors ensure the court’s focus remains on the child’s welfare rather than parental preferences.

Florida’s Timesharing Factors

When evaluating timesharing, the court considers numerous factors, including but not limited to:

• Each parent’s demonstrated ability to encourage and support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
• The anticipated division of parental responsibilities and the ability of each parent to honor the parenting plan.
• Each parent’s capacity to put the child’s needs ahead of their own desires.
• The child’s emotional ties and relationship with each parent.
• The length of time the child has lived in a stable environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
• The moral fitness, physical and mental health of each parent.
• The child’s home, school, and community record.
• The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child mature enough to express it.
• Each parent’s demonstrated knowledge, capacity, and willingness to be involved in the child’s life, including education, healthcare, and daily activities.
• The ability of each parent to provide a consistent routine, including discipline, meals, and bedtime.
• Evidence of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect.
• Any other factor the court finds relevant to determining the child’s best interests.