Child Custody & Time-Sharing
Miami Child Custody & Time-Sharing Attorney
Decisions about your children matter more than anything else in a family case. Attorney Ada M. Barreto helps parents throughout South Florida establish, modify and enforce parenting plans and time-sharing schedules.
How We Can Help
What Florida Law Says
Florida does not use the word 'custody.' The law talks about parental responsibility (who makes major decisions about the child's education, health and religion) and time-sharing (the schedule of when the child is with each parent).
In most cases, parents share parental responsibility. Since 2023, Florida law presumes that equal time-sharing is in the child's best interests, but either parent can ask the court for a different schedule by showing that it better serves the child.
Every decision is based on the best interests of the child. The court looks at factors such as each parent's involvement in the child's life, the ability to provide a stable home, and each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent.
In a divorce with minor children, both parents must complete a parenting course.
The Process
Consultation
We review your situation, your goals and your children's needs.
Filing
A petition is filed with a proposed parenting plan.
Mediation
Most Florida courts require mediation before trial. Many parents reach an agreement at this stage.
Temporary orders
If needed, the court can set a temporary schedule while the case moves forward.
Final parenting plan
The court approves the parents' agreement or decides the issues at trial.