Creating a parenting plan is one of the most important—and often emotional—steps in any custody or paternity case. Whether you’re divorcing, separating, or establishing paternity for the first time, a well-crafted parenting plan provides structure and clarity for co-parents while prioritizing the best interests of the child.
At McNary Law, our Bradenton and Sarasota attorneys help families navigate these sensitive matters with compassion, professionalism, and strategic insight. We take pride in crafting custom parenting plans that reflect each family’s unique dynamics and reduce future conflict.
Understanding Parenting Plans in Florida
In Florida, courts require a detailed parenting plan in any case involving time-sharing with minor children. A parenting plan outlines how each parent will share the rights and responsibilities of raising their child after a separation or divorce. This document must be approved by the court and is legally binding.
Whether you’re in Bradenton, Sarasota, or the surrounding areas, having a knowledgeable attorney guide you through this process ensures your rights are protected and your child’s needs are front and center.
What Must Be Included in a Florida Parenting Plan?
Under Florida law, a parenting plan must address the following:
Time-Sharing Schedule: Clearly defines when the child will spend time with each parent, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
Parental Responsibility: Identifies whether decisions about education, health care, and other major areas will be made jointly or by one parent.
Communication Methods: Outlines how parents will communicate about the child and how the child will communicate with the noncustodial parent.
Transportation Arrangements: Details pickup/drop-off logistics and travel responsibilities.
School and Extra-Curricular Involvement: Specifies how the child’s educational and recreational activities will be handled.
Courts evaluate these elements through the lens of the child’s best interests—not the preferences of either parent.
Types of Parental Responsibility
Florida recognizes two main types of parental responsibility:
Shared Parental Responsibility: The default under Florida law, where both parents retain full rights and responsibilities and must jointly make major decisions.
Sole Parental Responsibility: Granted when shared decision-making would be detrimental to the child, such as in cases involving abuse, neglect, or chronic parental conflict.
An experienced Bradenton or Sarasota parenting plan attorney can help advocate for the arrangement best suited to your family’s needs.
How Time-Sharing Works
Time-sharing (formerly known as custody/visitation) is now treated as part of the parenting plan and includes a breakdown of when the child is with each parent. Common arrangements include:
Equal Time-Sharing: A 50/50 split, often alternating weeks or using a 2-2-3 rotation.
Majority Time-Sharing: One parent has the child most of the time while the other has regular visits.
Custom schedules can also be crafted for long-distance parents, shift workers, or special needs cases. We’ll work with you to create a realistic, enforceable schedule that works for everyone involved.
Modifying a Parenting Plan
Life changes—your parenting plan should be able to adapt when necessary. Florida law allows for modification if there is a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances, such as:
Relocation
Changes in employment
Health issues
Concerns about child safety
McNary Law represents clients both seeking and contesting modifications. We also handle relocation cases, where one parent wants to move more than 50 miles away with the child, which requires court approval.
When Parents Can’t Agree: Litigation or Mediation
If parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will step in. Florida family courts strongly encourage resolving disputes through mediation, where a neutral third party helps reach agreement.
At McNary Law, we offer skilled family law mediation services led by Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator Melinda Delpech. We believe mediation often results in more lasting and amicable outcomes—but if court becomes necessary, our attorneys are ready to fight for you.
Parenting Plans for Unmarried Parents
For parents who were never married, parenting plans are just as essential. Florida Statute §742.031 allows either parent to seek a court order establishing paternity, child support, and a parenting plan—even years after the child is bornChapter 742 – 2024 Flor….
We help unmarried parents secure their legal rights through paternity actions, ensuring both parents are properly recognized and involved in their child’s life.
Enforcing a Parenting Plan
If the other parent isn’t following the parenting plan, you don’t have to tolerate repeated violations. Florida courts can enforce parenting plans through:
Make-up time-sharing
Contempt proceedings
Modifications
Fines and sanctions
We assist clients in Bradenton and Sarasota with enforcement actions to ensure court orders are respected and your time with your child is protected.
Why Choose McNary Law?
Our firm is deeply rooted in the Bradenton and Sarasota communities, with a commitment to compassionate advocacy, strategic planning, and creative problem-solving. We understand how parenting plans affect every aspect of your life—and your child’s. That’s why we’re thorough, attentive, and results-driven in every case.
We also offer guidance across related legal areas, including:
Let us be your advocate in creating a future that works for your family.
Let’s Build a Plan That Works for You
The best parenting plans are proactive—not reactive. Whether you’re preparing for divorce, addressing custody as an unmarried parent, or modifying an existing order, our team is here to help.
Click here to send us a message or call us today at 941-345-1662 to schedule a consultation.
