Why Fort Lauderdale Courts Favor Equal Child Time-Sharing

If you are a parent and going through a breakup or divorce in Fort Lauderdale, one of the first things you likely want to know is how a Broward County judge will divide parenting time. Rather than awarding one parent custody and the other visitation, there’s a clear preference for equal time-sharing.

Understanding why the courts encourage it can help you prepare for what lies ahead. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney explains how time-sharing works and what it means for your family.

Florida’s Equal Time-Sharing Presumption: What It Means for Your Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Case

Under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes, there’s a general presumption that child time-sharing is in the best interests of a minor child. To overcome it, you must show that spending equal time with both parents would not benefit your child. If you are going through a breakup, here’s what you need to know about how this works in practice:

• Whether you are establishing a parenting plan for the first time or seeking to modify an existing custody order, the Broward County family court presumes equal time-sharing is appropriate.
• If you want a schedule that gives one parent more time than the other, you are responsible for presenting evidence to justify that arrangement.
• Documented domestic violence, a parent’s substance abuse, a history of neglect, or serious issues support a request for an unequal time-sharing schedule.
• Each parent’s ability to communicate with the other parent and encourage the child to have a close relationship with them is an important factor the court considers.

Understanding the court’s perspective on time-sharing is the first step toward building a strong strategy and a solid plan that genuinely reflects your child’s needs.

What Fort Lauderdale Parents Can Do to Strengthen Their Child Custody Case

In child custody cases, Broward County Family Court judges evaluate each parent’s conduct, communication, and commitment to the child’s well-being when determining child time-sharing arrangements. To present a strong case, take these steps:

• Document your involvement in your child’s daily life, including school pickups, medical appointments, extracurricular activities, and homework help.
• Demonstrate your willingness to communicate, cooperate, and encourage your child’s relationship with the other parent.
• Gather evidence to support any argument against equal time-sharing, whether that involves substance abuse, domestic violence, conflicting work schedules, or other concerns.

Being unprepared is one of the most common and costly mistakes Broward County parents make. To build a strong case, consult an experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney before negotiations begin.

Request a Consultation Today With An Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney

Florida’s equal time-sharing presumption gives both parents a strong starting position, but the outcome of your Broward County child custody case still depends on how well you understand the law and present your case to the court.

The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A., helps parents navigate child custody and time-sharing. To protect your rights in negotiations and your child’s best interests, contact our office. Request a consultation with an experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney today.

Source:

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/61.13