Affordable & Skilled Legal Representation Get Started with a Free Consultation

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) 899-1212

Why 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