Dealing With A Divorce Or Separation? Helping Your Children Adjust To Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Arrangements

Divorce and separation can wreak havoc on families. While ending a marriage is difficult for everyone involved, children often take it the hardest.

In the aftermath, they generally need to adjust to child time-sharing arrangements, which determine the amount of time they spend in each parent’s home. Our Fort Lauderdale child custody lawyer explains how to reduce the potential for conflicts during this already challenging time.

Creating A Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plan That Protects Your Child’s Best Interests

When Fort Lauderdale parents get divorced, one of their biggest concerns is generally how their children will react. Under the Florida Statutes, the child’s best interests are a top priority, and child time-sharing arrangements are usually encouraged. Florida parenting plans dictate the terms surrounding these arrangements, such as where the child spends most of their time and rights to visits over holidays and other special occasions.

Negotiating a parenting plan in Broward County is rarely easy. In addition to protecting your parental rights, you want to be sure any schedules prioritize your child’s well-being. Our Fort Lauderdale child custody lawyer represents local clients in these cases and recommends the following tips:

• Maintain consistency and stick to a predictable schedule so children know when they will be with each parent;
• Keep transitions smooth, allowing time for your children to adjust and destress before and after custody exchanges;
• Encourage open communication and allow your children to express their thoughts and concerns about their new schedule;
• Remain flexible and plan for unexpected events in the future that may require last-minute changes or other adjustments in your Broward County parenting plan.

Supporting Children Emotionally During Time-Sharing Transitions

Creating a well-structured parenting plan in Fort Lauderdale that protects your child’s best interests can help reduce the stress divorce places on your family. However, even with a parenting plan in place that follows all of the above suggestions, children may struggle emotionally with the changes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidance on helping children adapt to divorce. It encourages parents to take the steps needed to support children emotionally during often difficult child time-sharing transitions:

• Reassure children and remind them that both parents love them and will always be there for them;
• Refrain from speaking badly about the situation or the other parent in front of your child, which can cause guilt and confusion;
• While consistency is key in helping children feel secure, allowing occasional schedule changes for special events can ease frustration;
• Use co-parenting apps such as OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents to manage schedules and communication efficiently and effectively.

Request A Consultation Today With Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Lawyer

Divorce and separation are stressful for everyone involved, but particularly children. For caring support and trusted legal representation in creating a parenting plan in Fort Lauderdale, reach out to Sandra Bonfiglio. We act as a strong legal advocate, protecting you and your child throughout Broward County divorce proceedings. Contact our office and schedule a consultation today with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody lawyer.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

publications.aap.org/pediatriccare/book/348/chapter/5764663/Children-of-Divorce