Jacksonville Child Custody Lawyer

Understanding Time-Sharing and Parental Responsibility

There are two components to child custody. The first is Time-Sharing, which refers to the number of overnights annually that parents physically have with their child. The second element to custody is Parental Responsibility, which entails a parent’s right to make decisions for their child. Parental Responsibility can be shared, sole or ultimate only related to certain aspects of a child's life.

Time-Sharing: Determining where one’s children will live can also limit the time the other parent has with that child. For this reason, determining Time-Sharing can be the most contentious and traumatic parts of the divorce process.

Parental Responsibility: refers to a parent’s decision-making rights regarding their child’s schooling, physical health, and general welfare. There is a presumption under Florida law that shared Parental Responsibility is best for children, absent domestic violence between the parents.

It’s customary for the Florida family law courts to name one parent as the majority Time-Sharing parent, while the other parent is given a Time-Sharing schedule. There are also situations where the court grants both parents equal Time-Sharing and shared Parental Responsibility, giving equal and ample access to the children. Usually both parents are granted legal custody, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Even if a parent is not awarded majority Time-Sharing, many times they will be granted shared Parental Responsibility.

Sound confusing? It’s a complicated process with many different parts. The attorneys at The Law Office A. Sam Jubran, P.A. can explain each step to you and guide you through the process, keeping your needs as our first priority.