Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Re: Time Sharing

With parents who work shifts like firefighters, the court often sets up a schedule that fits the shifts. Instead of giving visitation every other weekend and every other holiday, the court can let you have the children for two days (your 48 off) and let the other parent have custody for the next 4 days (two shifts plus one 48 off). You and your ex can agree on any kind of schedule you would like to have. The courts much prefer that the parents negotiate their own schedule privately. A judge will do it for you but it is likely to displease both parties.

I have to tell you that these 2-3 days on 3-4 days off schedules that firefighters' children are on is not the best situation for children. They can't keep it straight. They forget their homework at the wrong parent's house. They never know where they are sleeping next. It is very disturbing to them.

My ex-husband(who is a firefighter) and I agreed on a schedule as follows: I have the child during the week so that she is in the same place when she has school and he has her on the weekend days he has off. This works out to two two-day weekends and two one-day weekends per month. He is welcome to pick her up for dinner during the week if he is off and wants to see her during the week. This works out great because the child has stability sleeping in the same place all week when in school yet the number of days with her father amount to what they would be with a full weekend on and a full weekend off (as in the standand court schedule). We have also agreed on holidays and vacations separately.

Whatever you prefer, I strongly suggest you work out a schedule with your spouse rather than letting the court do it.

Please contact me if you need help drafting your custody agreement. I am quite familiar with firefighters' situations.