Back-to-School and Parenting Plans: Handling Schedule Changes in Florida Time-Sharing Agreements

Modifying a time-sharing arrangement in Florida requires proof of a “substantial, material and unanticipated change in circumstances.” If a back-to-school scheduling change does not meet this requirement, parents must continue to comply with the plan they have in place.

Back-to-school season is a time when many parents start to take a closer look at their schedules. Schedule changes related to moving up a grade or starting at a new school can be disruptive; and, for many divorced and separated parents, this can lead to questions about modifying their parenting plans.

When Can You Modify a Parenting Plan in Florida?

Florida law restricts when divorced and separated parents can seek to modify their time-sharing arrangements. To warrant a modification, a schedule change must represent a “substantial, material and unanticipated change in circumstances.” This is true even when both parents wish to make a change, as it is intended to both preserve the courts’ resources and ensure as much stability as possible for children following their parents’ divorce or separation.

What qualifies as a “substantial, material and unanticipated change in circumstances”? The answer to this question depends on the circumstances of each individual case. With this in mind, some examples of changes that might qualify include:

• Restarting the back-to-school routine after an unexpected job change or relocation
• Enrolling your child in a different school due to his or her academic needs
• Enrolling your child in a different school after moving up a grade under your district’s lottery system or “school choice” program
• The need to accommodate scheduling changes related to your child’s extracurricular activities
• Changes in the school routine that are beyond your control (i.e., termination of an afterschool program)

Again, these are just examples. If you need to seek to modify your parenting plan, a family lawyer at our firm can assess your situation and determine if a petition for modification is warranted.

What if You Can’t Modify Your Parenting Plan?

If you can’t modify your parenting plan, you will need to figure out a way to make your current time-sharing arrangement work. In this scenario, you do not want to deviate from your plan without court approval. Even if you and your former spouse or partner are currently on the same page, this could potentially lead to problems in the future.

How the Florida Family Lawyers at Douglas Law Firm Can Help

At Douglas Law Firm, we have extensive experience guiding parents through all types of custody-related matters under Florida law. If you have questions about your options, we can provide the advice you need to make informed decisions with your children’s best interests in mind. If you have grounds to seek a modification, we can guide you through the process—whether you and your former spouse or partner are on the same page or you need to seek a modification over your former spouse’s or partner’s objection.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation with a Florida Family Lawyer at Douglas Law Firm

To schedule a confidential consultation with a Florida family lawyer at Douglas Law Firm, contact us today. Call 800-705-5457 or tell us how we can reach you online now.