Parenting Plans

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a detailed document that establishes how parents will handle time-sharing, decision-making, and communication. Parenting plans are required in all cases involving minor children, whether the parents were married or not.

A parenting plan must address:

• Time-sharing schedule: When the child will spend time with each parent, including school breaks and holidays

• Decision-making authority: How parents will share responsibility for education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and activities

• Methods of communication: How parents and children will communicate, including phone calls, email, or video chat

• Transportation and exchanges: Where and how children will be transferred between parents

At McNary Law, we work with parents to create plans that reflect the child’s needs and family circumstances while meeting all legal requirements.

How Florida Courts View Parenting Plans

Florida law prioritizes the best interests of the child. Courts favor shared parental responsibility unless there is a history of abuse, neglect, or other factors that make shared responsibility unsafe. Judges evaluate:

• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and loving home

• Each parent’s willingness to foster a positive relationship with the other parent

• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community

• Each parent’s physical and mental health

• Any evidence of domestic violence or substance abuse

If parents cannot agree on a plan, the court will create one for them. Having skilled legal representation can ensure your voice — and your child’s needs — are heard.

Modifying Parenting Plans

Life changes. Parenting plans may need to be updated if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as:

• A parent’s relocation

• Changes in a child’s medical or educational needs

• Work schedule changes

• Concerns about safety or stability

Our attorneys help parents request or oppose modifications to ensure parenting plans remain fair and in the child’s best interests.

Enforcing Parenting Plans

If a parent fails to follow the parenting plan, the other parent can ask the court to enforce the order. Courts may:

• Compensate the other parent with additional time-sharing

• Require counseling or parenting classes

• Modify the plan if violations are repeated

• Impose financial penalties

We help parents enforce their rights and ensure parenting plans are respected.

Parenting Plan FAQs

Is a parenting plan required in every case?
Yes. Florida law requires a parenting plan in all cases involving minor children, even if parents agree on custody and support.

Can parents create their own parenting plan?
Yes. Parents can agree on a plan and submit it to the court. However, it must meet Florida’s legal requirements and be approved by a judge.

Can a parenting plan be changed?
Yes. Parenting plans may be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances and the modification serves the child’s best interests.

What happens if one parent doesn’t follow the plan?
The court can enforce the plan, impose penalties, or modify the agreement to protect the child’s best interests.

Why Choose McNary Law?

At McNary Law, we understand how important it is to protect your relationship with your child. Guided by our core values of honesty, integrity, and compassionate problem-solving, we provide parents in Bradenton and Sarasota with the legal guidance they need to create parenting plans that work.

Contact McNary Law Today

If you need to establish, modify, or enforce a parenting plan, our attorneys are here to help. We serve families in Bradenton, Sarasota, and throughout Manatee County, offering both in-person and remote consultations.