How Florida Courts Handle Fort Lauderdale Parenting Time During The Holidays

The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but when you’re co-parenting after a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, they can cause stress, confusion, and conflict. Parents often struggle with who gets the children throughout the winter holiday season. Fortunately, Florida law provides ways to plan ahead and prevent arguments.

Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney provides caring support and trusted legal representation to clients in these cases. Find out how the Broward County court handles holiday time-sharing and ways to protect your parenting rights throughout the season.

How The Broward County Courts View Holiday Parenting Schedules

Under the Florida Statutes, section 61.13 requires basing all child custody and parenting decisions on the child’s best interests. That includes holiday schedules.

Broward County Family Court judges encourage children to have meaningful relationships with both of their parents and enjoy stable traditions without conflict. Here’s how they typically handle holiday time-sharing:

• Parenting Plan Requirement: Every custody case must include a detailed parenting plan that outlines holidays, school breaks, and special occasions.
• Alternating Holidays: Many plans alternate major holidays. For example, one parent gets Thanksgiving in even years, the other in odd years.
• Split Days: Some families divide holidays between morning and evening when both parents live nearby.
• Travel and Distance: If parents live in different cities or states, the plan may allow one parent longer visits during school breaks.
• Custom Arrangements: Parents can agree to honor religious holidays, birthdays, or cultural events that matter most to their family.

Courts prefer that Fort Lauderdale parents reach these agreements through negotiations with their attorneys or mediation. If they can’t, the judge will set a schedule designed to reduce disruption for the child.

Tips for Avoiding Holiday Custody Conflicts In Fort Lauderdale

Even the best parenting plan can’t prevent every disagreement. Communication and flexibility go a long way toward keeping the peace. If conflict is brewing, here’s how to stay ahead of it:

• Discuss holiday arrangements months in advance to avoid last-minute disputes.
• Follow the court-approved schedule unless both parents agree in writing to make changes.
• Don’t make your child choose sides or feel guilty about spending time with the other parent.
• Communicate about large gifts or trips to avoid duplication or surprises.
• If your ex repeatedly violates the schedule, keep records. Texts, emails, and missed exchanges provide vital evidence if modifications are needed.

When parents cooperate and stay child-focused, the holidays can be less about arguments and more about creating new, happy memories.

Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney to Protect Your Rights this Holiday Season

The holidays are stressful enough for Fort Lauderdale parents without custody disputes. If your ex refuses to follow the parenting plan or you need help updating it to fit new circumstances, contact The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio.

We help parents throughout Broward County negotiate, enforce, and modify parenting plans to work year-round, including holidays. To protect your time with your children this season, contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney to schedule a consultation today.

Sources:

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

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C