It is being reported that after the dust cleared from a divorce, Debra Baker requested to move to Florida with her two children. She was granted the request, however, only after it was clear that if she moved she was responsible for financially making it possible for the children and their father to be able to communicate through video conferencing online.

The father, James, was opposed to the move, pleading with the court to not take his children away from him. He was denied the request, as the court found after losing her job, and losing their home to foreclosure, it wasn't feasible to expect Debra to take care of their children. With their new time sharing schedule, James is entitled to three hours per week of video chatting with his children.

Debra is now moving herself and their 9-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son to her parent's place of residence in Venice Beach, Florida.

If you or a loved one find themselves in a situation such as this, it is imperative that you get the help of an experienced Jacksonville family lawyer as soon as possible. By working with their clients and ensuring that they are treated with compassion and dedication, the right attorney will be able to ensure that you and your family are cared for to best of their ability. We understand the delicate nature of all types of issues involving family law and are completely devoted to giving you the legal support you need. Contact Ellerin Hutchinson today to receive your initial case consultation.

As of October 1, 2008, pursuant to the revised statutes of Florida family law, the term “child custody” has been replaced with “parenting plans” and “visitation” has been replaced with “time sharing.”

All divorcing couples who have children under the age of 18 are required to adopt a parenting plan before the divorce can become finalized. The purpose of a parenting plan is to ensure children continue to have relationships with both of their parents by maintaining frequent contact.  A parenting plan must outline how the parents will share time with the children and be involved in their daily lives.  This includes details in regards to time sharing, each parent’s part in raising the children, and each parent’s responsibility for the children’s education, healthcare, religious practices, and extracurricular activities.

A time sharing schedule outlines where the children will live, when the children will visit each parent, and the length of each visit.  Since custody may not be split equally, it can also give details on how minor children are to spend holidays and summer vacations.  The purpose of time sharing is to ensure that both parents get an equal amount of time to spend with the children (or as close to equal as possible).  The state of Florida considers it in the children’s best interest to maintain strong relationships with both parents after a divorce.

In essence, the point of both parenting plans and time sharing is to promote a stronger and healthier family dynamic, despite the fact that the parents are no longer living under the same roof.  Parents are to continue sharing the duty of raising and caring for their children, unless the court determines one parent is unfit to have shared parental responsibilities.