Three Factors that Could Jeopardize Your Parenting Time In Florida

It makes sense that certain behaviors, such as child abuse or a substance abuse problem, could place your parenting time at risk if you have split with your child’s other parent. However, there are other factors that are not so egregious, but that could also negatively affect how much time you are able to spend with your child. If you have children with someone who is no longer your romantic partner, you prioritize maintaining your relationship and spending as much time as possible with them. Below, our Tampa child custody attorney outlines three things to avoid to prevent a dispute in the future.

Showing Up Late for Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs 

If you already have a time-sharing plan in place and filed with the Court, the terms are legally binding and it is critical that you comply with them. This includes making sure you are on time when you pick your child up from the other parent’s and when you drop them off. Although no one can avoid being late all the time, you should not make it a regular occurrence. The courts may find that it is a violation of the court order, which has many harsh penalties associated with it. A judge may even reduce the amount of parenting time currently assigned to you and you could be found in contempt of court.

Blocking Communication with the Children 

You may not want to speak to your former spouse again, but if you are co-parenting together, there is no way to avoid it. Any time your former partner tries to contact you about child-related matters, it is important that you speak to them within reason and according to the Final Judgment. If you feel you cannot speak to them in a civil manner, your parenting plan should stipulate that text messages or emails are the only ways you should communicate with each other. You must be able to show that you are willing to work with your former spouse for the best interests of your child.

Refusing Parenting Time for Unpaid Child Support 

This is very popular. If your spouse or other parent was ordered to pay child support and they have refused to pay it, you should not take matters into your own hands. There are ways to enforce the child support order, but you must go through the courts to do it. If you refuse your former spouse or other parent their allotted parenting time because they have not paid child support and you do not have the court’s approval, you could be found in violation of a court order. You will face the same consequences, including a possible reduction of your parenting time.

Our Tampa Child Custody Attorneys Will Help Resolve Your Parenting Time Issues 

In any divorce case that involves children, parenting time issues are always some of the most contentious. At All Family Law Group, P.A., our Tampa child custody attorneys can provide sound legal advice to ensure you comply with the law while building a strong case that will help you obtain the most favorable outcome. Call us now at (813) 672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.  Se habla Español.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html