Mandatory Parenting Plans go into Effect In Florida.
Going through a divorce or separation in Florida is never easy, especially when children are involved. One of the most critical legal requirements in these cases is the mandatory parenting plan. Ignoring it isn’t an option — Florida law demands it, and doing it right can make a world of difference for parents and children. Florida-Mediation Services, mediator and parent coordinator, Susan Buckingham ( Saunders) is experienced and can help develop your mandatory parenting plan working either one on one or together with both parents.
What Is a Mandatory Parenting Plan?
A Mandatory parenting plan is a legally binding document that details how parents will share responsibilities for their children after a divorce or separation. Florida Statute § 61.13 requires a parenting plan in all cases involving minor children, whether or not timesharing (custody) is in dispute. That means even in seemingly simple cases, this plan must be drafted, agreed upon, and approved by the court. Florida-Mediation Services will write a compliant plan for you and your co-parent.
Key components of the mandatory parenting plan typically include:
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- Time-sharing schedule, i.e., how time with the child is divided between parents
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- Transportation and logistics, including exchanges, travel arrangements, drop‑offs, holidays, school commute Florida Courts+2sampsoncollaborativelaw.com+2
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- Communication provisions — how parents will talk with each other about the child, and how the child will communicate with each parent when not together Florida Courts+1
Why did Florida create a Mandatory Parenting Plans
Florida law sees parenting plans as vital for ensuring stability, clarity, and fairness in how children are raised post‑separation. Here are a few reasons why they are required:
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- Legal Obligation – As noted above, § 61.13 of Florida Statutes mandates parenting plans in every case involving minor children. Courts will not finalize divorce or custody orders without one. Florida Senate+1
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- Best Interests of the Child – The plan must reflect what is best for the child, including continuity, stability, safety, parental fitness, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When a parenting plan is modified, a “substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances” must be shown, and modifications still must meet what’s best for the child. Florida Senate+2Sessums Black, P.A.+2
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- Reduce Conflict – Having clear rules and expectations helps avoid future disagreements. When everything from timesharing to decision‑making is spelled out, there’s less ambiguity.
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- Court Efficiency – Courts require parenting plans so that they can approve them, modify them if needed, and enforce them. This helps reduce court backlog, unnecessary hearings, and litigation costs.
What “Mandatory Parenting Plan” Really Means: What You Must Do
To comply with Florida’s mandatory parenting plan requirement, parents should be prepared to do the following:
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- Use the approved form (Florida Supreme Court Family Law Form 12.995). Whether parents agree or not, this form (or something substantially similar) will be used to create or submit a parenting plan. Florida Courts+1
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- Include detailed provisions: decision‑making, time‑sharing, communication, logistics, dispute resolution, etc. The more precise, the better. Vague promises often lead to court battles later.
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- Submit the plan for court approval. Even if parents agree with everything, the court must evaluate whether the plan meets legal standards and the child’s best interests.
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- Be ready to show evidence or argument if modifications are needed later — courts won’t modify a plan simply because one parent wants something different; there must be substantial and material changes in circumstances. Florida Senate
Tips for Drafting a Strong Parenting Plan
To make sure your mandatory parenting plan works well and holds up, here are some practical tips:
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- Be Specific — Don’t say “reasonable times.” Specify exact days, drop‑off times, holiday schedules, even summer schedules.
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- Think Ahead — Include what happens if one parent needs to relocate, or if there’s a medical or school emergency.
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- Address Conflict Resolution — What happens when parents disagree? Consider mediation or parenting coordination clauses.
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- Focus on the Child’s Needs — Age, school, activities, developmental stage, emotional needs. What works for a toddler may not be right for a teenager.
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- Keep Communication Clear — Define how parents will communicate updates, school reports, doctor visits. Be explicit about methods (text, email, app), timeliness, etc.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failing to include a mandatory parenting plan, or submitting an incomplete or vague one, can lead to:
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- Rejection of your plans by the court, requiring more delays
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- Court may impose its own plan, which may not reflect your priorities or your child’s needs
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- Legal and financial costs — more attorney fees, more hearings, more stress
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- Potential enforcement action later if one parent doesn’t follow the plan
Final Thoughts
The mandatory parenting plan isn’t just another form or box to check. It’s the blueprint for your child’s life after separation. It shapes how they will spend time with each parent, how important decisions will be made, how holidays are handled, and how much consistency and stability they will have. Doing it well now can save emotional and legal heartbreak later.
If you’re going through a divorce or custody separation in Florida, preparing a solid parenting plan should be your top priority. You’ll want legal advice and mediation help where needed, because even with a plan, ensuring it’s fair, clear, and enforceable takes careful thought.
Call Susan Buckingham ( Saunders) a trained and experienced mediator, parent coordinator and parenting coach and meet this week for a free session. 904-576-0649
