In matters of Temporary Child Custody time-sharing, it may take time to determine how time-sharing with the parents should be awarded. Many factors go into making this decision, but during the pendency of the case,  the child must live with one parent or both. This is when a temporary parenting plan is typically ordered. What is a temporary parenting plan, how is it decided, and does it ever become permanent? Here’s what you need to know.

Temporary Parenting Plan Defined

A temporary Parenting Plan refers to an agreement or an order issued by a Florida court that is designed to be a placeholder until it is replaced with a permanent agreement or order. It’s meant to help give the child a stable living situation even in the midst of a divorce while the court goes over the finer details of a time-sharing case. At this time, a court may also need to appoint a guardian ad litem, or an attorney assigned specifically to represent only the child’s interests.

How A Temporary Parenting Plan is Awarded

Usually, the most basic of a child’s immediate needs will be considered first when determining time-sharing. This can include but is not limited to:

• The best interests of the child
• Which parent has primarily been caring for the child
• Which parent lives closest to the child’s school or other activities
• If either parent has a history of domestic abuse, drug addiction, or alcoholism
• If each parent is willing to continue to facilitate the child’s involvement with family members
• The mental and physical health of each parent
• How emotionally tied to the child is to each parent
• Temporary parenting can oftentimes be shared

Will Temporary Custody Become Permanent?

While temporary time-sharing orders are designed to be short-term, they often become permanent. By this time the case gets closer to final resolution, the living situation has become normalized and disrupting it could be detrimental to the child. The reverse is also true; if the current order or situation is harmful to the child, which parent has a majority time-sharing may change. The best interests of the child is always evaluated, for both temporary and permanent parenting plans and oftentimes, Florida has shared parenting. 

When to Contact a Naples Child Custody Lawyer

The best interests of your child are often the most important thing in a divorce. It’s difficult to advocate for your child alone; instead, get help from an experienced Florida child custody attorney. Contact Kevyn Noonan Hayes, P.A. for more information or to book a consultation to discuss your case. Call now at (239) 591-6248.