Understanding Time-Sharing in Orlando’s High-Net-Worth Divorce Cases
Orlando is home to many high-income families, including business owners, physicians, executives, and other professionals who have worked hard to build their wealth. When a marriage ends, these families face unique challenges, particularly in child custody and time-sharing arrangements. High-income parents often have demanding schedules, multiple residences, frequent travel obligations, and unique lifestyle considerations that require a tailored approach to time-sharing.
As an Orlando high net-worth divorce Attorney, I help families create fair and legally sound time-sharing agreements that reflect their specific circumstances while prioritizing the best interests of their children. I am Beryl Thompson-McClary, and I provide legal representation to high-income individuals throughout Orange County, Florida. If you are dealing with a complex child custody matter, call 1-888-640-2999 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
Time-Sharing Agreements in Florida: An Overview
Time-sharing, also known as custody or parenting plans, refers to how parents share responsibilities and time with their children after a divorce. Florida courts no longer use the term “custody” but instead focus on “parental responsibility” and “time-sharing.” Under Florida Statutes § 61.13, courts require parenting plans to be in the best interests of the child, taking into account various factors, including the parents’ ability to provide stability, their work schedules, and their willingness to cooperate.
In high-income divorce cases, time-sharing can become more complex due to factors such as:
- Frequent travel for business or personal reasons
- Ownership of multiple residences
- Unique education or extracurricular commitments for children
- Nannies, private tutors, or household staff involvement
- The financial ability to implement creative time-sharing solutions
As your high net-worth divorce Attorney in Orlando, I help clients on both sides of these issues—whether they want to maximize their parenting time or ensure a fair and balanced agreement that protects their children’s well-being.
Unique Considerations for High-Income Parents in Time-Sharing Agreements
Balancing Demanding Careers and Parenting Time
Many high-income individuals have careers that require long hours, extensive travel, or frequent relocations. Courts recognize that professional obligations should not automatically diminish a parent’s ability to have meaningful time with their children. However, a well-structured time-sharing agreement must address:
- How travel schedules affect parenting time
- Whether virtual visitation (e.g., video calls) should be included
- How time-sharing can be adjusted for international or out-of-state travel
- The role of household staff or childcare providers in facilitating visits
Multiple Homes and Living Arrangements
Parents with multiple residences may need a time-sharing plan that allows children to maintain consistency between homes. Courts prefer stability, so agreements should clarify:
- Whether children will primarily reside in one home during the school year
- How time-sharing will be structured for holidays and summers
- Whether travel accommodations will be arranged for transitions between homes
Educational and Extracurricular Considerations
High-income families often enroll their children in private schools, elite sports programs, or specialized tutoring. A well-structured time-sharing agreement should outline:
- Which parent makes educational decisions
- How extracurricular activities are coordinated
- How expenses related to private schooling and activities are shared
Florida Law and Time-Sharing in High-Net-Worth Divorce Cases
Under Florida Statutes § 61.13, courts evaluate several factors to determine a parenting plan that serves the child’s best interests. For high-income parents, some of the most relevant considerations include:
- Parental Ability to Provide Stability: Courts assess each parent’s ability to maintain consistency in the child’s life, including stable housing, education, and emotional support.
- Parental Involvement in the Child’s Life: The court examines each parent’s history of involvement in school activities, healthcare decisions, and day-to-day parenting.
- Flexibility and Cooperation Between Parents: Courts favor parents who can communicate effectively and adjust their schedules when necessary. A history of conflict may lead to court-imposed restrictions.
- Financial Considerations: While financial status alone does not determine custody, courts consider how financial stability affects the child’s quality of life.
A well-structured parenting plan should reflect these statutory factors while also accommodating the unique needs of high-income families.
Addressing Time-Sharing Disputes
Time-sharing disputes can be particularly contentious in high-net-worth divorce cases. Common conflicts include:
- One parent seeking primary time-sharing due to the other’s demanding work schedule
- Disagreements over school selection or educational funding
- Conflict over nanny or staff involvement in parenting
- Relocation requests that impact the time-sharing arrangement
As an Orlando high net-worth divorce Attorney, I work with clients to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary. My goal is to create legally enforceable agreements that protect parental rights while prioritizing the well-being of the children.
FAQs About Time-Sharing Agreements for High-Income Families in Florida
How do Florida courts determine time-sharing in high-income divorce cases?
Florida courts follow the best interest standard outlined in Florida Statutes § 61.13, considering factors such as each parent’s ability to provide stability, history of parental involvement, and willingness to facilitate a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent. High-income factors such as travel schedules, private schooling, and multiple residences may require additional planning.
Can a parent’s demanding career impact time-sharing arrangements?
Yes, but having a demanding career does not mean a parent will receive less time with their child. Courts look at how well a parent can balance career responsibilities with their parenting role. If one parent frequently travels or works long hours, a time-sharing agreement may include flexibility, virtual visitation, or alternative schedules.
What happens if one parent wants to relocate?
Florida law requires a parent to seek court approval for a relocation that would significantly impact an existing time-sharing agreement. High-income parents often have the financial means to facilitate travel for continued parent-child contact, but relocation can still be contested if it disrupts stability.
How do courts handle time-sharing disputes in high-net-worth divorce cases?
Courts encourage mediation and negotiation to resolve disputes. If parents cannot agree, the court will issue a ruling based on the child’s best interests. Common disputes include disagreements over school choice, travel arrangements, and the involvement of nannies or tutors.
Can parents create a customized time-sharing plan?
Yes. Courts prefer parents to create their own parenting plans that reflect their unique circumstances. High-income families often have customized time-sharing agreements that account for travel schedules, multiple residences, and extracurricular commitments. The court will review and approve the plan as long as it aligns with the child’s best interests.
Contact Orlando Attorney Beryl Thompson-McClary at 1-888-640-2999 For A Consultation
High-income families in Florida require time-sharing agreements that reflect their unique lifestyles while prioritizing the best interests of their children. Whether you are seeking a fair division of parenting time or need legal advocacy in a time-sharing dispute, I am here to assist you. Call 1-888-640-2999 to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with an experienced high net-worth divorce Attorney in Orlando.
Beryl Thompson-McClary
Address: 390 N Orange Ave #2300, Orlando, FL 32801, United States
Hours: Open
Phone: 1-888-640-2999
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