There are a few ways in which a time-sharing arrangement can come to be. The first is through an agreement between the parents.
While some parents rely on informal agreements, this is not recommended because it leaves parents with nothing to enforce if the other parent stops honoring the agreement. Thus, most couples who can work out the details of a time-sharing agreement put the agreement in writing.
Even if you and your soon-to-be-ex can agree on time-sharing, the court must approve the arrangement. This is because Florida child custody judges must always do what is in the best interests of the child.
Another option for parents who cannot immediately reach an agreement is to engage in mediation.
Mediation involves both parents and their respective attorneys sitting down with a neutral mediator. The mediator listens to each parent’s side of the story and helps the parties reach a resolution. If both parents agree, they can present the agreement to the court.
If reaching an agreement with your child’s other parents is out of the question, the court will make the ultimate decision regarding time-sharing and parental responsibility. Again, the court’s decision must be based on what is in the child’s best interests.