In Florida, the terms “custody” and “visitation” have been replaced by “parental responsibility” and “time sharing”. Parental responsibility refers to a parent’s responsibility to raise a child and make decisions about the health, education, and well being of the child, among other things. Time Sharing refers to the schedule of each parent’s time with the child. The court will always consider what is in the best interest of the child when determining parental responsibility and time sharing.

When determining parental responsibility and time sharing for each family, a parenting plan will be established. The parenting plan can be agreed to by both parents and approved by the court, or if the parents cannot agree, established by the court. Parenting plans may be modified where there is a substantial change in circumstance and it is in the child’s best interest to implement the modification.