Time-Sharing

What is Parental Time-Sharing?

It’s just like it sounds, it is the amount of time each parent spends with the children. Florida law encourages both parents to have equal parenting time with their children, even after a divorce. However, it is not always possible for divorced parents to share an equal amount of time with their kids, which is why parents may need to work out a different time-sharing arrangement.

What Are the Different Time-Sharing Schedules?

Parents are free to work out a unique time-sharing schedule that fits their particular needs and circumstances, some of the most common 50/50 time-sharing schedules are as follows:

1. Alternating weeks. One of the parents spends the full week (seven days) with the kids, and then the other parent spends the next week with the children.
2. The 3-4-4-3 schedule. One parent spends three days with the children, and then the other parent spends four days with the kids. The next week, the first parent spends four days (instead of three), and the other parent spends the next three (instead of four).
3. The 2-2-5-5 schedule. One parent has children for two days, and then the other parent has kids for the next two days. Then, children spend five days with the first parent and then another five days with the second parent.

These are the common examples of equal (50/50) time-sharing schedules. For many divorced parents, a 60/40 or even 70/30 schedule may be more appropriate if one of the parents cannot spend a lot of time with the kids.

Time-sharing can be one of the most costly aspects of a divorce. If you can work out a time-sharing schedule between yourselves you will save thousands of dollars and considerable stress. If you’re having trouble nailing down a schedule mediation can be an extremely helpful and cost-effective solution. Click here to schedule mediation.

If you have questions regarding this issue or any other issue, please click here to schedule an appointment with our attorney.