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Official Parenting Plan Examples Florida Template

The Parenting Plan Examples Florida form, officially recognized as Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.9, serves as a critical tool in all cases involving time-sharing of minor children. This document details how parents will share responsibilities and time with their child(ren), including daily tasks, healthcare, education, and communication methods. It underscores the importance of creating a comprehensive plan that addresses the specific needs and best interests of the child(ren), factoring in the unique circumstances and relationship dynamics of the parties involved.

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Official Parenting Plan Examples Florida Template

Overview

Embarking on the journey to develop a parenting plan is an essential step for parents navigating through divorce or separation in Florida. The Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.9, commonly referred to as the Parenting Plan, is a comprehensive document designed to address the various aspects of parenting from separate households. This form plays a critical role in outlining how divorced or separated parents will share and manage the responsibilities tied to raising their minor child(ren). From specifying daily tasks, time-sharing schedules, health care decisions, educational matters, to the means of communication between the parents and the child(ren), the parenting plan aims to cover every significant aspect that would influence the child's wellbeing. What sets the best interests of the child(ren) as its paramount concern, the Parenting Plan takes into account the unique circumstances of the family, the parents' historical relationship, instances of domestic violence, and other relevant factors. Encouraging detailed agreements to preemptively address potential disputes, this document emphasizes special consideration for the age and needs of each child involved. With optional consultations from legal libraries or family organizations, parents are guided through creating a tailored plan that courts will approve or establish in cases where an agreement cannot be reached mutually. Furthermore, this document asserts the importance of both parents actively participating in their child(ren)'s life, notwithstanding their personal differences, by detailing the jurisdiction, responsibility sharing, information exchange, and time-sharing schedules to ensure a balanced upbringing of the child(ren).

Example - Parenting Plan Examples Florida Form

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.
		PARENTING PLAN
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.
This parenting plan is: (T Choose only one)
[	]	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

Name:__________________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number:_______________________________________________________

E-Mail:_________________________________________________________________

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	[ ] Mother		[ ] Father		[ ] Both
		Extra-curricular activities	[ ] Mother	[ ] Father		[ ] Both
		Religion/Religious Training	[ ] Mother		[ ] Father		[ ] Both
		___________________________	[ ] Mother	[ ] Father		[ ] Both
		___________________________	[ ] Mother	[ ] Father		[ ] Both
		___________________________	[ ] Mother	[ ] Father		[ ] Both

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
	1.	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:

WEEKENDS: G Every G Every Other G Other (specify) _________

From________________________ to ____________________________.

WEEKDAYS: Specify days ____________________________________

From ________________________ to ____________________________.

OTHER: (Specify) ____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________.

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)

G	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.

GOther: _____________________________________________________.

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.

GOther: _____________________________________________________.

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 ___________________.

GOther:______________________________________________________.

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)
	G	Each parent may select appropriate child care providers
	G	All child care providers must be agreed upon by both parents.
	G	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 _____________________________.

__________________________________

Signature of Mother

Printed Name: _______________________

Address: ____________________________

City, State, Zip: ______________________

Telephone Number: ___________________

Fax Number: ________________________

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: _____________________________

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 _____________________________.

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

➤ Parenting Plan Examples Florida PDF

File Specifications

Fact	Detail
Usage Requirement	This form is required in all cases involving time-sharing with any minor child(ren), even when time-sharing is not in dispute.
Form Type	Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.925.
Special Form for Supervised Time-Sharing	If the case involves supervised time-sharing, a Supervised/Safety Focused Parenting Plan should be used instead.
Completion and Submission	The form should be typed or printed in black ink, signed by both parties and witnessed, then filed with the clerk of the circuit court.
Parenting Plan Content Requirements	It must detail how the parties will share daily tasks, the time-sharing schedule, responsibility for health care and school matters, and communication methods with the child(ren).
Best Interests of the Child	The primary consideration in creating the Parenting Plan is the best interests of the child(ren).
Additional Considerations	The plan must consider all circumstances between the parties, including historic relationship and any domestic violence.
Customization	This standard form may not cover all relevant issues, and additional provisions should be added as necessary.
Legal Support for Nonlawyers	Nonlawyers assisting with form completion must provide a Disclosure from Nonlawyer and their contact information.
Governing Law	The form and its instructions are governed by chapter 61, Florida Statutes.

Instructions on Filling in Parenting Plan Examples Florida

Filling out the Parenting Plan form in Florida is a critical step for parents who are undergoing a separation or divorce and involves decisions regarding the upbringing and sharing of children. This legal document outlines how parents will share responsibilities, schedule time with their children, and make major decisions affecting their welfare. The form's complexity necessitates careful attention to detail to ensure that it fully captures the agreement between both parties and adheres to Florida's legal standards for the benefit of the child or children involved.

Start by reading the instructions provided at the beginning of the form to familiarize yourself with the requirements and definitions.
Type or print the form in black ink as required for clarity and legibility.
In the section marked "This parenting plan is," check the appropriate box to indicate whether it's a mutual agreement, a proposal by one parent, or a court-ordered plan.
Fill out the "Parents" section with the full names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of both the mother and father.
Under the "Children" section, list the names, dates of birth, and genders of all children involved in the plan.
Document the jurisdiction confirming that the child or children reside in Florida and that the state holds jurisdiction over their custody in the "Jurisdiction" section.
Decide and indicate the type of parental responsibility (shared or sole) in the "Parental responsibility and Decision Making" section. Fill in how decisions regarding education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and religious training will be shared or managed by one parent.
Specify arrangements for day-to-day decisions and how emergencies will be handled.
In "Information Sharing," affirm that both parents will have access to records and information concerning the children and detail how changes in contact information will be communicated.
For the "Time Sharing Schedule," detail the regular schedule for weekdays, weekends, and any variations for different children if applicable. Include start times, end times, and specifics on where the children will stay.
Agree upon and document the holiday schedule, indicating with which parent the children will spend each major holiday, and specify the times.
Outline arrangements for winter break, spring break, and summer break, choosing who will have the children during these periods, and specify any division or alternation of these breaks between the parents.
Lastly, if there's any additional information or special considerations that need to be included in the parenting plan, add these in the designated spaces or attach additional documents as necessary.
Once completed, both parties must sign the Parenting Plan and have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk.
File the original document with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for your records.

Following these steps thoughtfully will help ensure that the Parenting Plan is comprehensive and meets the legal requirements of the State of Florida, aiming to serve the best interests of the child or children involved. Remember, the creation of a Parenting Plan is a significant step that affects the future welfare and upbringing of children in separated or divorced families. Thus, it might also be beneficial to consult with a legal professional to guide you through this process.

Understanding Parenting Plan Examples Florida

When is the Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.9-- Parenting Plan required to be used?

This form must be used in all cases involving time-sharing with any minor children, regardless of whether time-sharing is in dispute. If supervised time-sharing is involved, a specific Supervised/Safety Focused Parenting Plan form should be used instead.

How should the Parenting Plan form be prepared?

The 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. Once completed, the original form should be filed with the clerk of the circuit court where the petition was filed, and a copy should be kept for personal records.

What happens if the parties cannot agree on a Parenting Plan?

If the parties do not file an agreed Parenting Plan, the Court will establish one for them. It's crucial for both parties to try to reach an agreement to ensure the Parenting Plan reflects their wishes regarding the upbringing of their child(ren).

What minimum requirements must the Parenting Plan meet?

The Parenting Plan must at least detail how the parties will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with raising the child(ren), the time-sharing schedule, who will be responsible for health care and school-related matters, and the methods the parents will use to communicate with the child(ren).

What is the primary consideration in the Parenting Plan?

The best interests of the child(ren) are the primary consideration in developing the Parenting Plan. All circumstances, including the parties’ historic relationship, potential domestic violence, and other relevant factors, must be taken into account.

Can additional provisions be added to the standard Parenting Plan form?

Yes, the form allows for additional provisions to be added to address all relevant factors thoroughly. Special consideration should be given to the age and needs of each child to ensure their best interests are fully represented.

Where can I find more information or assistance in filling out the Parenting Plan?

Before proceeding, reading the "General Information for Self-Represented Litigants" is advisable. Additionally, chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes and the instructions for the petition and/or answer filed in the case can provide further guidance. For those requiring assistance, consulting other materials available at local libraries, law libraries, or through national and state family organizations may be beneficial. It's also noted that nonlawyers assisting with form completion must provide a Disclosure from Nonlawyer as per Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

What should be done if a nonlawyer helps fill out the form?

If a nonlawyer assists in filling out the form, they must provide a copy of a Disclosure from Nonlawyer before help is provided. They must also include their name, address, and telephone number on the bottom of the last page of every form they help complete.

What information must both parents regularly update?

Both parents are responsible for keeping each other informed of any residential, mailing, or contact address and contact telephone number changes within 24 hours of the change. They must also notify the court in writing within seven days of any changes.

Common mistakes

Not fully detailing how day-to-day responsibilities for the child(ren) are shared and divided. The plan should clearly outline who is responsible for daily tasks associated with the child(ren)'s upbringing.
Failing to provide a specific time-sharing schedule. This includes exact times and days the minor child(ren) will spend with each parent, which should be outlined to prevent future conflicts.
Omitting designation of responsibility for health care, education, and other significant activities. It must be clear which parent is responsible for making decisions in these areas or how these decisions will be shared.
Not specifying methods and technologies for communication between the parent(s) and the child(ren), which is critical, especially in co-parenting situations where direct contact is limited.
Overlooking the inclusion of provisions for special considerations related to the child(ren)'s age and needs, thus not tailoring the parenting plan to the child(ren)'s precise requirements.
Inadequately addressing how information will be shared between the parents regarding the child(ren)'s health, education, and welfare, including how educational and medical records will be accessed.
Incorrectly or not listing both parents as emergency contacts for the child(ren)’s schools, healthcare providers, and other relevant organizations, potentially limiting access in critical situations.
Not updating or failing to provide new contact information within the outlined time frame when a parent's address, telephone number, or email changes, which is essential for ongoing communication and legal purposes.

These mistakes can significantly affect the efficacy and enforceability of the Parenting Plan, leading to potential legal conflicts and misunderstanding between parties. It is crucial that each section of the form is completed thoroughly and accurately to reflect the shared intention of both parties regarding the upbringing of their child(ren), ensuring their best interests are met.

Documents used along the form

When parents are navigating through the process of setting up a parenting plan, especially in Florida, they often encounter various other forms and documents that are significant to the arrangement. These documents play a crucial role in ensuring that all aspects of the child's welfare are considered and agreed upon. Understanding each document's purpose can provide clarity and assist in creating a comprehensive approach to parenting post-separation or divorce.

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit - This form is required for all cases involving custody or time-sharing. It collects information about the child's residency and ensures that the case is processed in the correct jurisdiction.
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet - In cases where child support will be determined, this document is essential. It calculates the support amount based on the parents' income, health insurance, parenting time, and other relevant factors.
Financial Affidavit - Both parties are required to fill out this form, which details their financial status. It's used to calculate child support and understand each parent's financial capabilities for future planning.
Marital Settlement Agreement for Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren) - This comprehensive document outlines the terms agreed upon by both parents regarding assets, liabilities, alimony, and all matters concerning the children. It complements the parenting plan in divorce cases.
Notice of Social Security Number - This form is mandatory in all cases and provides the court with the social security numbers of the parties and the children involved. It's crucial for identification purposes and the processing of child support payments.
Parenting Course Completion Certificate - Florida law requires parents separated or divorcing to complete a parenting course. This certificate proves that both parties have met this requirement, focusing on co-parenting strategies.
Supervised/Safety Focused Parenting Plan - This special form is used instead of the standard Parenting Plan when there are safety concerns for the child with unsupervised time-sharing. It outlines the conditions under which supervised visitation occurs.

Together with the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form, these documents form a framework that protects the child's interests and ensures their well-being after the parents' relationship ends. By providing detailed information and agreements, parents, with the help of legal and family support professionals, can create a stable environment for their child to grow and thrive. Understanding these forms and their implications is crucial for a smooth transition into shared parenting.

Similar forms

Custody Agreement: Similar to the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form, a Custody Agreement is a document that outlines how parents will raise their child(ren) following a separation or divorce. It also covers the allocation of parenting time but may not always include specific provisions about decision-making responsibilities or methods of communication, which are detailed in the Parenting Plan.
Co-Parenting Agreement: This document is akin to the Parenting Plan as it establishes guidelines and schedules for parents to follow after divorce or separation. However, a Co-Parenting Agreement may focus more on the cooperative aspects of raising the child(ren), including more detailed communication plans and agreements on upbringing principles, paralleling the Parenting Plan’s emphasis on cooperation and communication.
Child Support Agreement: While primarily focused on financial arrangements, a Child Support Agreement shares similarities with the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form in that it is often part of broader negotiations that include parenting time and responsibilities. Both documents serve the child(ren)’s best interests and can be referenced in each other to ensure comprehensive coverage of the child(ren)'s needs.
Visitation Schedule: A Visitation Schedule, which is part of, or similar to, a segment in the Parenting Plan, specifically deals with when and how non-custodial parents will spend time with their child(ren). The Parenting Plan encompasses such schedules but also includes extensive detail on parental responsibilities and communication methods not always found in basic visitation documents.
Shared Parenting Agreement: These agreements bear resemblance to the Parenting Plan as they outline shared decision-making, living arrangements, and time spent with each parent. Both documents aim to detail the parenting arrangements after a separation or divorce, ensuring that both parents actively participate in the upbringing of their child(ren).
Decision-Making Protocol: A Decision-Making Protocol would outline how important decisions regarding the child(ren)’s welfare are made between the parents, which is a crucial component of the Parenting Plan. This includes education, healthcare, and religious upbringing, making it a comparable document in terms of defining parental roles and responsibilities.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form, it's essential to approach it with careful consideration and clarity. Below are guidelines to assist you:

Do:

Read the "General Information for Self-Represented Litigants" before starting the form to gain a clear understanding of the terminology and requirements.
Ensure that the form is typed or printed in black ink for legibility.
Include detailed descriptions of how daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child(ren) will be shared and be responsible between the parties.
Clearly outline the time-sharing schedule to specify when the minor child(ren) will spend time with each parent.
Provide specific information on who will be responsible for health care, school-related matters, and other activities concerning the child(ren).
Use methods and technologies for communication between the parents and the child(ren) that are reliable and accessible.
If an agreement is reached, both parties must sign the Parenting Plan and have their signatures witnessed by a notary public or deputy clerk.
File the original document with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the petition was filed and keep a copy for personal records.
Give special consideration to the age and needs of each child, ensuring their best interests are the primary consideration.

Don't:

Leave sections of the form blank; instead, fill out each section with the appropriate and accurate information.
Use vague language when detailing the parenting schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and communication methods.
Forget to include provisions for additional relevant factors not covered in the standard form, tailoring the Parenting Plan to the specific needs of your case.
Overlook consulting other materials or resources available at local libraries, law libraries, or through national and state family organizations for further guidance.
Assume the standard form covers all possible issues relevant to your case without adding necessary additional provisions.
Fail to consider the historic relationship between the parties, domestic violence, or any other factor that may affect the best interest of the child(ren).
Neglect the requirement for nonlawyers assisting in the filling of the form to provide a copy of the Disclosure from Nonlawyer and include their contact information on the document.
Ignore the need to update both the court and the other parent in writing within specified time frames if any changes occur.
Discount the importance of providing a detailed parenting plan that addresses the time-sharing schedule and other relevant factors comprehensively.

Misconceptions

Many people have misconceptions about the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form that can lead to confusion or incorrect filing. Here are eight common misconceptions and explanations to help clarify:

Only disputed cases need a Parenting Plan. This is incorrect. In Florida, a Parenting Plan is required in all cases involving time-sharing with minor children, even if time-sharing is not contested.
Supervised time-sharing doesn't require a different form. If the case involves supervised time-sharing, a specific form titled "Supervised/Safety Focused Parenting Plan" must be used, contrary to the belief that the standard Parenting Plan suffices.
The form is complicated and can't be completed without a lawyer. Although having legal counsel is beneficial, especially in complex situations, the form is designed to be completed by individuals, with instructions provided to help self-represented litigants.
Only basic information is needed to complete the form. The Parenting Plan form requires detailed information about how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children, including arrangements for health care, school-related matters, and communication methods.
The best interests of the child are not the primary consideration. The best interests of the child are actually the primary consideration in creating the Parenting Plan, contrary to what some might believe.
The form covers every possible situation. The standard Parenting Plan form does not include every potential issue. It should be as detailed as possible, and additional provisions may need to be added to fully address the needs of the child and circumstances of the parents.
Any changes to the schedule can be made informally without modifying the Plan. Any changes to the time-sharing schedule or major decisions involving the child should ideally be formalized through a court-approved modification to the Parenting Plan to avoid future disputes.
Nonlawyers are prohibited from assisting with the form. Nonlawyers can help fill out the form, but they must provide a Disclosure from Nonlawyer form and include their contact information on the document. This clarifies that while nonlawyer assistance is allowed, it must be properly documented.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure that the Parenting Plan is correctly completed and submitted, facilitating a smoother legal process for all parties involved.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the Parenting Plan Examples Florida form is a crucial step for any parent involved in time-sharing disputes or agreements in Florida. Understanding the following key takeaways can help ensure that the plan is correctly filled out and effectively serves the child's best interest.

Regardless of the nature of the time-sharing dispute, the Parenting Plan form should be utilized in all cases involving minor children to outline the shared responsibilities and time-sharing arrangements.
Both parents must agree to the plan, sign it, and have their signatures verified by a notary public or deputy clerk. This verifies that both parties are in consent about the terms laid out for the upbringing and welfare of their child(ren).
The plan must include detailed information on how daily tasks related to the child's upbringing are divided, the time-sharing schedule, healthcare and education responsibilities, and the methods parents will use to communicate with the child.
At the heart of the Parenting Plan is the child's best interests. The plan must consider all relevant circumstances, including the historical relationship between the parties, any instances of domestic violence, and other relevant factors.
Because the standard form may not cover every conceivable issue unique to a family's situation, parents are encouraged to be as detailed as possible when outlining the time-sharing schedule and to add any additional provisions necessary to address all relevant factors regarding their child's care.
Special consideration must be given to the age and needs of the child, ensuring that the plan reflects arrangements that best support the child's developmental and emotional requirements.
For parents needing assistance with filling out the form, it’s recommended to consult legal resources or family organizations but remember, a nonlawyer assisting with the form must follow the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, including providing a Disclosure from Nonlawyer form.

Completing the Parenting Plan form is a step towards creating a structured and supportive environment for children following the separation or divorce of their parents. It is a legal document that requires careful consideration and, often, the advice of legal counsel or family law experts to ensure that it fully accommodates the child's needs and adheres to Florida law.

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