The Parenting Plan Examples Florida form is a crucial document used in cases involving time-sharing with minor children. This form outlines how parents will share responsibilities and establish a schedule for their children's care. Completing this form is essential for ensuring that the best interests of the children are prioritized and clearly defined.
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Creating a Parenting Plan is a crucial step for parents navigating the complexities of co-parenting after separation or divorce. In Florida, the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form serves as a comprehensive guide to outline the responsibilities and time-sharing arrangements for minor children. This form is applicable in all cases involving time-sharing, regardless of whether there is a dispute. It requires detailed information about how parents will share daily responsibilities, the time-sharing schedule, and decision-making authority regarding health care and education. The form emphasizes the best interests of the children, urging parents to consider various factors, including their historical relationship and any instances of domestic violence. It also mandates that both parents sign the document, which must be witnessed by a notary public, ensuring that the agreement is legally binding. Parents must file the original form with the circuit court clerk and retain a copy for their records. If parents cannot agree on a plan, the court will establish one for them. Understanding the nuances of this form is essential for parents to effectively communicate their intentions and provide a stable environment for their children.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLORIDA SUPREME COURT APPROVED FAMILY LAW FORM 12.9--
PARENTING PLAN
When should this form be used?
This form should be used in all cases involving time-sharing with any minor child(ren), even when time- sharing is not in dispute. If the case involves supervised time-sharing, the Supervised/Safety Focused Parenting Plan, O“ Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.9– should be used.
This form should be typed or printed in black ink. If an Agreement has been reached, both parties must sign the Parenting Plan and have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk. After completing this form, you should file the original with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records. You should then refer to the instructions for your petition, answer, or answer and counterpetition concerning the procedures for setting a hearing or trial (final hearing). If an agreed Parenting Plan is not filed by the parties, the Court shall establish a Plan.
Where can I look for more information?
Before proceeding, you should read “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” found at the beginning of these forms. The words that are in “bold underline” in these instructions are defined there. For further information, see chapter 61, Florida Statutes, and the instructions for the petition and/or answer that were filed in this case.
Special notes...
At a minimum, the Parenting Plan must describe in adequate detail:
$How the parties will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child(ren),
$The time-sharing schedule arrangements that specify the time that the minor child(ren) will
spend with each parent,
$A designation of who will be responsible for any and all forms of health care, school-related matters, other activities, and
$The methods and technologies that the parents will use to communicate with the child(ren).
The best interests of the child(ren) is the primary consideration in the Parenting Plan. In creating the Parenting Plan, all circumstances between the parties, including the parties’ historic relationship, domestic violence, and other factors must be taken into consideration.
This standard form does not include every possible issue that may be relevant to the facts of your case. The Parenting Plan should be as detailed as possible to address the time-sharing schedule. Additional provisions should be added to address all of the relevant factors. The parties should give special consideration to the age and needs of each child.
In developing the Parenting Plan, you may wish to consult or review other materials which are available at your local library, law library or through national and state family organizations.
Remember, a person who is NOT an attorney is called a nonlawyer. If a nonlawyer helps you fill out these forms, that person must give you a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer, O‘ Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.900 (a), before he or she helps you. A nonlawyer helping you fill out these forms also must put his or her name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form he or she helps you complete.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE _____________________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR _________________ COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No: _____________________
Division: _____________________
_______________________________
Petitioner,
and
Respondent.
This parenting plan is: (T Choose only one)
[
]
A Parenting Plan submitted to the court with the agreement of the parties.
A proposed Parenting Plan submitted by or on behalf of:
(Parent’s Name)_______________________________________________.
A Parenting Plan ordered by the court.
A Final Parenting Plan signed by the court.
A temporary Parenting Plan signed by the court.
[ ] A Modification of a prior Final Parenting Plan or prior final order.
I.PARENTS Mother
Name:__________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number:_______________________________________________________
E-Mail:_________________________________________________________________
Father
II.CHILDREN: This parenting plan is for the following child(ren) born to, or adopted by the parties:
NameDate of Birth Sex
_______________________________________________________________________
III.JURISDICTION
The United States is the country of habitual residence of the child(ren).
The State of Florida maintains the most significant contacts with the child(ren) and is the most appropriate forum for addressing parenting contact and time-sharing.
The State of Florida is the child(ren)’s home state for the purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
This Parenting Plan is a child custody determination for the purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, the International Child Abduction Remedies Act, 42 U.S.C. ss 11601 et seq., the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act, and the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction enacted at the Hague on October 25, 1980.
IV.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND DECISION MAKING
1.
Parental Responsibility (T Choose only one)
G
Shared Parental Responsibility.
It is in the best interests of the child(ren) that the parties have full parental rights to make major
decisions affecting the welfare of the child(ren). Major decisions include, but are not limited to,
decisions about the child(ren)’s education, non-emergency healthcare, and religious training.
The major decisions regarding the child(ren) are shared between the Mother and Father as follows:
Education/Academic decisions
[ ] Mother
[ ] Father
[ ] Both
Non-emergency health care
Extra-curricular activities
Religion/Religious Training
___________________________
OR
GSole Parental Responsibility:
It is in the best interests of the child(ren) that the [ ] Mother [ ] Father shall have sole authority to make major decisions for the child(ren.)
2.Day-to-Day Decisions
Each parent shall make decisions regarding day-to-day care and control of each child while the child is residing with the parent. Regardless of the allocation of decision making in the parenting plan, either parent may make emergency decisions affecting the health or safety of the child(ren) when the child is residing with that parent. A parent who makes an emergency decision shall share the decision with the other parent as soon as reasonably possibly.
V.INFORMATION SHARING. Unless otherwise indicated or ordered by the Court:
Both parents shall have access to medical and school records pertaining to the child(ren) and shall be permitted to independently consult with any and all professionals involved with the child(ren). The parents shall cooperate with each other in sharing information related to the health, education, and welfare of the child(ren) and they shall sign any necessary documentation ensuring that both parents have access to said records.
Each parent shall be responsible for obtaining records and reports directly from the school and health care providers.
Both parents have equal rights to inspect and receive governmental agency and law enforcement records concerning the child(ren).
Both parents shall have equal and independent authority to confer with the child(ren)’s
school, day care, health care providers, and other programs with regard to the child(ren)’s educational, emotional, and social progress.
Both parents shall be listed as “emergency contacts” for the child(ren).
Each parent has a continuing responsibility to provide a residential, mailing, or contact address and contact telephone number to the other parent. Each parent shall notify the other parent in writing within 24 hours of any changes. Each parent shall notify the court in writing within seven (7) days of any changes.
VI.
TIME SHARING SCHEDULE
Weekday and Weekend Schedule
The following schedule shall apply beginning _________________________. The first weekend
shall be with the [ ] Mother [ ]Father.
A.The child(ren) shall spend time with the Mother on the following dates and times:
WEEKENDS: G Every G Every Other G Other (specify) _________
From________________________ to ____________________________.
WEEKDAYS: Specify days ___________________________________
From ________________________ to ____________________________.
OTHER: (Specify) ____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________.
B.The child(ren) shall spend time with the Father on the following dates and times:
WEEKDAYS: Specify days ____________________________________
C.Check box if there is a different time sharing schedule for any child. Complete a separate Attachment for each child for whom there is a different time sharing schedule.
G There is a different time-sharing schedule for the following child(ren) in Attachment
____.
______________________________, and _________________________.
(Name of Child)
2.Holiday Schedule (T Choose only one)
G No holiday time sharing shall apply. The regular time-sharing schedule set forth above shall apply.
G Holiday time-sharing shall be as the parties agree.
G Holiday time-sharing shall be in accordance with the following schedule. The Holiday schedule will take priority over the regular weekday, weekend, and summer schedules. Fill in the blanks with Mother or Father to indicate where the child(ren) will be for the holidays. Provide the beginning and ending times. If a holiday is not specified as even, odd, or every year with one parent, then the child(ren) will remain with the parent in accordance with the regular schedule
Holidays
Even Years
Odd Years
Every Year
Begin/End Time
Mother’s Day
__________
_________
_________________
Father’s day
President’s Day
Martin Luther King Day
________
Easter
Passover
Memorial Day Weekend
4th of July
Labor Day Weekend
Columbus Day Weekend
_______
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Hanukkah
Yom Kippur
Rosh Hashanah
Child(ren)’s Birthdays
_______________
This holiday schedule may affect the regular Time-Sharing Schedule. Parents may wish to specify one or more of the following options:
QWhen the parents are using an alternating weekend plan and the holiday schedule would result in one parent having the child(ren) for three weekends in a row, the alternating weekend pattern will restart so that neither parent will go without having the child(ren) for more than two weekends in a row.
QIf a parent has the child(ren) on a weekend with an unspecified holiday or non-school day, they shall have the child(ren) for the holiday or non-school day.
3.Winter Break (T Choose only one)
G The [ ] Mother [ ] Father shall have the child(ren) from the day and time school is dismissed until December _____ at ___ a.m./p. m in [ ]odd-numbered years [ ] even- numbered years [ ] every year. The other parent will have the children for the second one- half of the Winter Break. The parties shall alternative the arrangement each year.
G The [ ]Mother [ ]Father shall have the child(ren) for the entire Winter Break during [ ] odd-numbered years [ ] even-numbered years [ ] every year.
G Other: ______________________________________________________
4.Spring Break (T Choose only one)
G The parents shall follow the regular schedule.
G The parents shall alternative the entire Spring Break with the Mother having the child(ren) during the [ ]odd-numbered years [ ]even numbered years.
G The [ ]Father [ ]Mother shall have the child(ren) for the entire Spring Break every year.
G The Spring Break will be evenly divided. The first half of the spring Break will go to the parent whose regularly scheduled weekend falls on the first half and the second half going to the parent whose weekend falls during the second half.
GOther:______________________________________________________.
5.Summer Break (T Choose only one)
GThe parents shall follow the regular schedule through the summer.
GThe [ ] Mother [ ] Father shall have the entire Summer Break from __________ after school is out until _______________ before school starts.
GThe parents shall equally divide the Summer Break. During [ ] odd-numbered years [ ] even numbered years, the [ ] Mother [ ] Father shall have the children from ________
after school is out until ________. The other parent shall have the child(ren) for the
second one-half of the summer break. The parents shall alternative the first and second one-halves each year unless otherwise agreed. During the extended periods of time- sharing, the other parent shall have the child(ren) ______________________________.
GOther:______________________________________________________
6.Number of Overnights:
Based upon the time-sharing schedule, the Mother has a total of _____ overnights per year and the Father has a total of _____ overnights per year. Note: The two numbers must equal 365.
VII. TRANSPORTATION AND EXCHANGE OF CHILD(REN)
1.Transportation (T Choose only one)
The [ ] Mother [ ] Father shall provide all transportation.
GThe parent beginning their time-sharing shall provide transportation for the child(ren).
GOther: _____________________________________________________.
2.Exchange (T Choose only one)
Both parents shall have the child(ren) ready on time with sufficient clothing packed and ready at the agreed upon time of exchange. If a parent is more than ______ minutes late without contacting the other parent to make other arrangements, the parent with the child(ren) may proceed with other plans and activities.
GExchanges shall be at Mother’s and Father’s homes unless both parents agree to a different meeting place.
GExchanges shall occur at _______________________________________
____________________________________________________________ unless both parties agree in advance to a different meeting place.
3.Transportation Costs (T Choose only one)
GTransportation costs are included in the Child Support Worksheets and/or the Order for Child Support and should not be included here.
GThe Mother shall pay ______% and the Father shall pay ______ % of the transportation costs.
4.Foreign and Out-Of-State Travel (T Choose only one)
GEither parent may travel with the child(ren) during his/her time-sharing. The parent traveling with the child(ren) shall give the other parent at least ____ days written notice before traveling out of state unless there is an emergency, and shall provide the other parent with a detailed itinerary, including locations and telephone numbers where the child(ren) and parent can be reached at least ____ before traveling.
GEither may travel out of the country with the child(ren) during his/her time-sharing. At least ___ days prior to traveling, the parent shall provide detailed itinerary, including locations, and telephone numbers where the child(ren) and parent may be reached during the trip. Each parent agrees
to provide whatever documentation is necessary for the other parent to take the
child(ren) out of the county.
GIf a parents wishes travel out of the country with the children, he/she shall provide the following security for the return of the child ______________
GOther _____________________________________________________.
VIII.
SCHOOL DESIGNATION
For school and school district purposes, the [ ] Mother [ ]Father’s address shall be designated.
IX.
DESIGNATION OF CUSTODIAN FOR OTHER LEGAL PURPOSES
The child(ren) named in this Parenting Plan are scheduled to reside the majority of the time with the [ ]
Mother [ ] Father. This parent is designated as the custodian of the child(ren) SOLELY for purposes of all
other state and federal statutes which require a designation or determination of custody. This designation
does not affect either parent’s rights and responsibilities under this parenting plan.
X.COMMUNICATION
1.Between Parents
All communications regarding the child(ren) shall be between the parents. The parents shall not use the child(ren) as messengers to convey information, ask questions, or set up schedule changes.
The parents shall communicate with each other by:
G in person
G by telephone
Gby letter
Gby e-mail
GOther:_____________________________________________________.
2.Between Parent and Child(ren)
Both parents shall keep contact information current. Telephone or other electronic communication shall not be monitored by or interrupted by the other parent. “Electronic communication” includes telephones, electronic mail or e-mail, webcams, video-conferencing equipment and software or other wired or wireless technologies or other means of communication to supplement face-to face contact.
The child(ren) may have [ ] telephone [ ] e-mail [ ] other electronic communication in the form of
___________________________________ with the other parent:
GAnytime
GEveryday during the hours of _______________ to _________________.
GOn the following days_________________________________________
during the hours of _____________________ to ___________________.
3.Costs of Electronic Communication
The Mother shall pay _____% and the Father shall pay _____% of the additional costs incurred in order to
implement electronic communication with the child(ren).
XI.
CHILD CARE (T Choose only one)
Each parent may select appropriate child care providers
All child care providers must be agreed upon by both parents.
Each parent must offer the other parent the opportunity to care for the child(ren) before using a
child care provider for any period exceeding _______ hours.
GOther ____________________________________________________________.
XII. CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS OF THE PARENTING PLAN
This Parenting Plan may be modified or varied on a temporary basis when both parents agree in writing. When the parents do not agree, the Parenting Plan remains in effect.
Any substantial changes to the Parenting Plan must be sought through the filing of a supplemental petition for modification.
XIII. RELOCATION
Any relocation of the child(ren) is subject to and must be sought in compliance with s. 61.13001, Fla. Stat.
XIII. DISPUTES
Parents shall attempt to cooperatively resolve any disputes which may arise over the terms of the Parenting Plan. If such attempt fails (T Choose only one):
GThe parents shall use mediation or other dispute resolution methods before filing a court action.
GMediation or other dispute resolution methods will NOT be required prior to filing a court action.
XIV. OTHER PROVISIONS
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________.
SIGNATURE OF PARENTS
I certify that I have been open and honest in entering into this Parenting Plan. I am satisfied with this Plan and intend to be bound by it.
Dated: _____________________________ __________________________________
Signature of Father
Printed Name: _______________________
Address: ____________________________
City, State, Zip: ______________________
Telephone Number: ___________________
Fax Number: ________________________
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF ____________________.
Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me on ____________ by ________________________.
___________________________________
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK
[Print, type, or stamp commissioned name of notary or clerk]
__ Personally known
__ Produced identification. Type of identification produced _____________________________.
Dated: _____________________________
ORDER OF THE COURT
It is ordered and adjudged that the Parenting Plan set forth above is adopted and approved as an order of this court. ORDERED ON ___________________________.
__________________________________
CIRCUIT JUDGE
COPIES TO:
Father (or his Attorney)
Mother (or her Attorney)
Other
Completing the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form is an important step in establishing a clear agreement regarding the upbringing of your child(ren). After filling out the form, ensure that both parties sign it and have their signatures witnessed. The original form should be filed with the clerk of the circuit court, while you keep a copy for your records. Following this, refer to the specific instructions related to your case for any necessary hearings.
The Parenting Plan Examples Florida form is designed to outline how parents will share responsibilities and time with their minor children. It should be used in all cases involving time-sharing, even when there is no dispute. This form ensures that both parents agree on key aspects of their children's upbringing, including daily tasks, time-sharing schedules, and decision-making authority regarding health care and education.
To complete the Parenting Plan form, start by filling in the required details about both parents and the children involved. Be sure to specify how you will share responsibilities and the time-sharing schedule. Include details about holidays, vacations, and any special considerations based on the children's ages and needs. After drafting the plan, both parents must sign it in front of a notary public or deputy clerk. Finally, file the original with the clerk of the circuit court and keep a copy for your records.
If the parents cannot reach an agreement on a Parenting Plan, the court will step in to establish one. The court will consider the best interests of the children and may take into account various factors, including the parents' relationship history and any instances of domestic violence. It's crucial to provide as much detail as possible in the Parenting Plan to address all relevant issues, as this can help the court make a more informed decision.
For additional information on Parenting Plans, you can refer to the “General Information for Self-Represented Litigants” provided at the beginning of the Florida Supreme Court forms. It's also helpful to consult Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes, which covers child custody and parenting issues. Local libraries, law libraries, and family organizations can provide further resources and support as you navigate the process.
Filling out the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form can be a straightforward process, but many people make common mistakes that can lead to complications. One frequent error is not providing adequate detail in the time-sharing schedule. This schedule should clearly specify when each parent will have the children, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays. If the plan lacks clarity, it may lead to misunderstandings and disputes later on.
Another common mistake involves neglecting to include both parents' information. The form requires the names, addresses, and contact details of both parents. Omitting this information can create confusion about who is responsible for what, and it may affect communication regarding the children’s needs.
People often forget to consider the specific needs of each child. Each child is unique, and their age and individual requirements should be reflected in the Parenting Plan. Failing to address these factors can lead to a plan that does not serve the best interests of the children, which is the primary goal of the document.
Additionally, many individuals fail to have the Parenting Plan signed and notarized. After both parties agree on the plan, it is essential to have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk. Without this step, the plan may not be legally enforceable, leaving both parents without a clear framework for co-parenting.
Another mistake is not filing the original plan with the clerk of the circuit court. After completing the form, it should be filed in the county where the petition was submitted. Keeping a copy for personal records is also important, as it provides a reference point for both parents.
Some individuals overlook the importance of communication methods outlined in the plan. The Parenting Plan should specify how parents will communicate with each other and with the children. Without clear guidelines, misunderstandings can arise, making it difficult for parents to work together effectively.
Lastly, many people do not take the time to review the instructions thoroughly before filling out the form. Understanding the requirements and following them closely can prevent errors. Taking this extra step can save time and reduce the likelihood of issues arising in the future.
When navigating the complexities of child custody and parenting arrangements in Florida, several forms and documents often accompany the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form. Each document serves a specific purpose in ensuring that all aspects of parental responsibilities and rights are clearly defined and legally recognized. Below is a list of these important documents.
Understanding these documents is essential for parents involved in custody arrangements. Each form plays a significant role in protecting the rights and interests of both parents and, most importantly, the well-being of the children involved.
The Parenting Plan Examples Florida form shares similarities with the Child Custody Agreement. Both documents outline how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. They include details about daily tasks, decision-making authority, and a time-sharing schedule. The Child Custody Agreement also emphasizes the best interests of the child, requiring parents to consider their children's needs and circumstances. While the Parenting Plan is specific to Florida, the principles and structure of the Child Custody Agreement are applicable across many states.
Another related document is the Supervised Parenting Plan, which is used when time-sharing needs to be monitored for safety reasons. This form includes provisions for supervised visits and outlines the conditions under which these visits will occur. Like the Parenting Plan, it focuses on the child's best interests but adds layers of protection for children who may be at risk. Both documents require parents to agree on the terms, but the Supervised Parenting Plan is more restrictive in nature.
The Parenting Plan is also similar to the Visitation Agreement, which details the non-custodial parent's time with the child. This document focuses primarily on visitation rights and schedules, ensuring that the child maintains a relationship with both parents. It shares the same goal of promoting the child’s welfare and happiness, but it may not cover as many aspects of parental responsibilities as the Parenting Plan does.
Additionally, the Joint Custody Agreement parallels the Parenting Plan in that it describes how parents will share custody of their children. This document outlines the responsibilities and rights of both parents, including decision-making authority and time-sharing arrangements. Both agreements aim to create a cooperative parenting environment, although the Joint Custody Agreement may not always specify daily responsibilities as thoroughly as the Parenting Plan.
The Co-Parenting Agreement is another document that bears resemblance to the Parenting Plan. It focuses on how parents will work together to raise their children after separation. This agreement may include communication strategies, conflict resolution methods, and parenting philosophies. While it emphasizes collaboration, the Parenting Plan is more structured regarding specific time-sharing schedules and responsibilities.
The Modification of Parenting Plan form is closely related as it allows parents to request changes to an existing Parenting Plan. This document is essential when circumstances change, such as relocation or changes in the child's needs. Like the original Parenting Plan, it requires both parents to agree on the modifications, ensuring that the child’s best interests remain the priority.
Lastly, the Child Support Agreement is relevant as it often accompanies the Parenting Plan. This document specifies financial obligations for raising the child, including expenses for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. While it does not directly address time-sharing, it works hand-in-hand with the Parenting Plan to ensure that both the emotional and financial needs of the child are met.
When filling out the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form, it is important to be thorough and careful. Here are some key dos and don'ts to keep in mind:
Misconception 1: The Parenting Plan is only necessary if parents disagree.
This is incorrect. The Parenting Plan must be used in all cases involving time-sharing with minor children, regardless of whether the parents are in agreement or not.
Misconception 2: The Parenting Plan does not need to be detailed.
In reality, the Parenting Plan should include comprehensive details about daily tasks, time-sharing schedules, and responsibilities for health care and education. The more specific the plan, the better it serves the child's needs.
Misconception 3: A Parenting Plan can be informal and verbal.
A formal, written Parenting Plan is essential. Both parties must sign the document, and it needs to be filed with the court to be enforceable.
Misconception 4: Only one parent can make decisions about the child.
Many assume that one parent has sole authority over all decisions. However, the Parenting Plan can establish shared parental responsibility, allowing both parents to make significant decisions regarding the child's welfare.
Misconception 5: The court will always intervene to create a Parenting Plan.
If parents do not file an agreed Parenting Plan, the court will indeed establish one. However, it is generally in the best interest of the parents to create their own plan to ensure it meets their unique circumstances.
Misconception 6: Once the Parenting Plan is filed, it cannot be changed.
This is misleading. A Parenting Plan can be modified if circumstances change. Parents can file for a modification to better suit their evolving needs and the needs of their children.
Misconception 7: The Parenting Plan only addresses time-sharing.
While time-sharing is a significant component, the Parenting Plan also covers responsibilities related to health care, education, and communication methods between parents and children. It is a holistic document that addresses various aspects of parenting.
When filling out and using the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form, it is essential to keep the following key takeaways in mind:
Fill in Your Parenting Plan Examples Florida Form