Parental Responsibility & Time-Sharing in Florida | Rier Jordan P.A.
Parental Responsibility Attorneys in Miami, Florida
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important issues the court must decide is how parental responsibility and time-sharing will be divided.
At Rier Jordan P.A., our Miami family law attorneys help parents navigate these emotionally charged decisions with compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication to protecting both your parental rights and your child’s well-being.
We represent mothers, fathers, and guardians across South Florida in custody, visitation, and parenting plan disputes — ensuring fair, child-centered outcomes under Florida law.
What Is Parental Responsibility in Florida?
Florida no longer uses the terms “custody” or “visitation.”
Instead, state law defines parental responsibility as the legal authority to make major decisions about a child’s:
Education
Health care
Religious upbringing
Extracurricular activities
General welfare
Under Florida Statute §61.13, courts must determine whether parents will share responsibility or if one parent will be granted sole parental responsibility.
Types of Parental Responsibility in Florida
Florida law recognizes two main types of parental responsibility:
🔹 Shared Parental Responsibility
The most common arrangement in Florida.
Both parents retain equal rights and responsibilities to make decisions regarding their child’s welfare, even if the child lives primarily with one parent.
🔹 Sole Parental Responsibility
Awarded when shared decision-making would be harmful to the child — for example, in cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect.
The parent with sole responsibility has the exclusive right to make major decisions about the child’s life.
At Rier Jordan P.A., we advocate for parenting arrangements that support the child’s best interests while preserving parental involvement whenever possible.
Time-Sharing and Parenting Plans
Alongside parental responsibility, the court also establishes a time-sharing schedule (commonly known as physical custody).
Every parenting plan must outline:
The child’s primary residence
Weekly and holiday time-sharing schedules
Transportation arrangements for exchanges
Communication guidelines between parents
How disputes over decisions will be resolved
Our attorneys help clients create, negotiate, and enforce parenting plans that meet legal standards and reflect each family’s unique circumstances.
Factors Courts Consider in Determining Parental Responsibility
Florida courts always prioritize the best interests of the child, evaluating factors such as:
Each parent’s ability to encourage a loving relationship with the other parent
Moral fitness and mental health of each parent
Stability of each parent’s home environment
History of domestic violence or substance abuse
Each parent’s involvement in the child’s daily life
The child’s preference (depending on age and maturity)
Our attorneys present compelling evidence to demonstrate your ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for your child.
Modifying Parental Responsibility Orders
Life circumstances can change — jobs relocate, incomes fluctuate, or children’s needs evolve.
When that happens, you may seek a modification of parental responsibility or time-sharing.
Courts may approve modifications if there has been a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances, such as:
Relocation
Health issues
Educational needs
Parental misconduct or criminal activity
Rier Jordan P.A. helps parents file or defend modification requests while ensuring the child’s stability remains the top priority.
Enforcing Parenting Plans and Responsibility Orders
If your co-parent violates a parenting plan — by withholding the child, refusing communication, or ignoring court orders — we can file for contempt or enforcement.
We help parents:
Enforce time-sharing schedules
Obtain make-up visitation
Recover attorney’s fees for enforcement actions
Courts take violations seriously, and we ensure your rights are fully upheld.
Parental Responsibility in High-Conflict or Complex Cases
Our attorneys are experienced in cases involving:
Parental alienation
Substance abuse or rehabilitation issues
Domestic violence injunctions
Interstate or international custody disputes
Military families and relocation
We approach each case with sensitivity and determination, working toward practical, child-focused solutions — or litigation when necessary.
If you’re facing a dispute over parental responsibility or time-sharing, don’t face it alone.
The experienced attorneys at Rier Jordan P.A. can help protect your parental rights and your child’s future.
Let us help you create a stable, balanced, and loving parenting arrangement for your family.
👨👩👧 Protect Your Parental Rights
Call (305) 899-1212Why Choose Rier Jordan P.A.
✅ Trusted Miami Family Law Attorneys
✅ Decades of Combined Experience in Custody & Time-Sharing Cases
✅ Proven Record in High-Conflict Litigation
✅ Compassionate, Child-Centered Advocacy
✅ Focused on Long-Term Stability for Families
At Rier Jordan P.A., we combine deep knowledge of Florida family law with the empathy and skill required to handle sensitive parental disputes.
Serving Families Across South Florida
We represent clients throughout:
Miami-Dade County
Broward County
Palm Beach County
Monroe County (Florida Keys)
And across the State of Florida
Contact Our Miami Parental Responsibility Attorneys
📞 Call (305) 899-1212
📍 Rier Jordan P.A. | 11900 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 510, Miami, FL 33181
💻 Request a Confidential Consultation