The Difference Between Shared Custody and Equal Custody in Orlando

If you’re approaching a divorce or separation in Orlando and you have children, you may have heard terms like “shared custody” and “equal custody.” At first glance, these phrases might seem interchangeable. While it’s true that there are some similarities between shared and equal custody, they represent two distinct types of child time sharing in Orlando.

There Are Many Types of Shared Custody in Orlando

 Shared custody is a broad term that may represent many types of child time sharing arrangements. As long as the child spends time living with each parent throughout the year, the family has shared custody. Shared custody is not the same as equal custody, as parents may not spend equal amounts of time with the children.

A common type of co-parenting plan involves a time sharing division based on weekdays and weekends. During the week, a child might spend time with one parent while attending their local school. During the weekend, the child might live with the other parent until it’s time to go back to school on Monday. In this type of arrangement, the child spends more time with one parent than the other. However, this time sharing plan is still a form of “shared custody.”

There are many other examples of shared custody. Some parents might only have physical custody over the summers or holidays, and these co-parenting plans might be necessary due to work commitments. Parents are free to create their own time sharing agreements based on their unique schedules, needs, and preferences. They can create these agreements through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like mediation or collaborative law.

Equal Custody Is a 50/50 Split 

On the other hand, equal custody is a very specific type of shared custody that involves a 50/50 division. In this type of arrangement, each parent spends the same amount of time with the child.

A common example of a shared custody arrangement is a “two weeks on, two weeks off” approach. In this type of co-parenting plan, the parents have a custody exchange every two weeks. However, there are many other possibilities to consider.

Equal Custody Is Not Always Viable

 You should know that equal custody may not be in the child’s best interests. Family courts in Florida consider whether equal custody might place unnecessary stress on the child, especially if the parents live far apart. They might also consider the child’s connection to their local community or school. That said, courts generally presume that equal time sharing is in the child’s best interests unless proven otherwise by one of the parents.

Can an Orlando Child Time Sharing Lawyer Help Me? 

Shared custody is often the goal for divorcing parents in Florida, but details matter when planning the future of your family. Equal custody is arguably the most equitable solution for separated parents, allowing the child to spend the same amount of time with each caregiver. However, this may not be viable due to geographic distances, work commitments, and other factors. To discuss your custody goals in more detail, consider speaking with an experienced child time sharing lawyer in Orlando. Schedule a consultation with Steve Marsee, P.A. today.

Sources:

 m.flsenate.gov/statutes/61.13

flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/7663107