Taking Responsibility For Your Children In A Fair And Respectful Way

The state of Florida expects that both parents will share responsibility for their children after a divorce. The judicial system no longer uses the term “permanent custody;” instead, it uses “shared parental responsibility,” making it clear that both parents should be involved in their children’s lives.

“Who gets the kids, and when?” may be one of the most contested issues in a divorce. Your feelings may be hurt by your spouse’s behavior or desire for a divorce, and you may inadvertently or deliberately be using your children as a way to hurt him or her. This only makes it more difficult for all of you to move on with your lives and solves nothing.

We use alternative dispute resolution methods such as collaborative divorce and cooperative divorce to help you and your spouse come to a reasonable, workable agreement on a parenting plan, without using your children as bargaining chips. Instead, your children and their welfare become the centerpiece of the discussion and the agreements the two of you make. This fosters a sense of goodwill and allows the family bonds you have already established to continue and thrive, even after your divorce.

We know that people can work together to have a successful life after divorce because we have helped them do so.

Contact us at 239-215-4952 to learn more about our problem-solving divorce methods.

What Are Time-Sharing And Decision-Making Responsibilities?

Shared parental responsibility involves two key aspects: time-sharing and decision-making. These elements work together to ensure your children’s needs are met post-divorce. You may be wondering what it means to share time-sharing and decision-making responsibilities with your former partner:

• Time-sharing: The schedule that determines when each parent will spend time with their children. It should give children consistent and meaningful interactions with both parents. A well-structured time-sharing plan maintains stability and routine in children’s lives.
• Decision-making: The authority to make important decisions about the children’s lives, such as education, health care and religion. Shared decision-making encourages parents to work together, promoting a unified approach even after separation.

A common misconception about shared parental responsibilities is that it means equal time with each parent. However, the focus is on what arrangement best supports the children’s needs. Another misunderstanding is that shared decision-making requires constant agreement. In reality, it is about collaboration and compromise, with the children’s best interests at heart.

Florida law provides a rebuttable presumption of equal parental timesharing. From our perspective, this has substantially reduced parental conflict over this issue. However, not all divorces with minor children may involve equal overnights by the parents. This will be thoroughly discussed with our client, if appropriate.

How Working Together Helps The Children

When we use our collaborative approach to find solutions to shared parenting responsibilities, we have one main goal in mind: the well-being of your children. We believe that centering your children and shielding them from acrimony is the key to their health and happiness. By fostering a cooperative environment, we reduce conflict and stress. This approach allows children to feel secure and loved by both parents, minimizing the emotional turmoil often associated with divorce. This approach not only protects their well-being but also strengthens family bonds, allowing everyone to move forward positively.

Helping Parents With Time-Sharing Matters

Couples who choose to contest custody of their children in court risk a very costly and emotionally painful battle for all involved. We have had cases last nearly three years and in the end, no one was happy with the court’s decision.

The monetary costs can be economical. However, parental feelings are irreparably broken, and conflict is on-going after the divorce, which can ultimately lead to estrangement of the children and grandchildren.

Problem-solving divorce methods give you and your spouse the power over your own destinies and the ability to focus on what your children truly need from each of you so all of you can continue to work together, even though your family has taken a different form.

Sheldon Finman has trained other attorneys, judges, and mental health professionals in Lee County, Florida, and in various locations across the United States, how to maximize out-of-court outcomes and court system procedures to lessen the harm to children and families dealing with custody and parenting issues.

Call us at 239-215-4952 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation. Our law office is in Fort Myers, and we represent clients throughout southwest Florida, including Cape Coral.