Orlando Parenting Plan Lawyer

Helping Parents Establish Clear, Enforceable Parenting Plans That Put Children First

The Donna Hung Law Group practices family law in Orlando to support parents who are navigating the emotional and legal complexities of creating a parenting plan. Whether you are going through a divorce, a paternity action, or a modification case, Florida law requires parents to establish a detailed parenting plan that outlines how they will share responsibilities, make decisions, and care for their children. Our attorneys help parents develop comprehensive, enforceable plans that reflect the child’s best interests and protect parental rights.

Clients of the Donna Hung Law Group receive knowledgeable, compassionate support throughout the parenting plan process. Our Orlando parenting plan lawyers take a thoughtful, solution-oriented approach, ensuring parents understand their options while helping them build stable, workable arrangements for their children’s futures.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a legally binding document that outlines how parents will raise their child after a separation or divorce. Florida law requires parenting plans in all cases involving shared parental responsibility, including divorce and paternity matters. A well-crafted parenting plan addresses:

• Timesharing schedules
• Parental responsibility and decision-making
• Communication between parents and children
• Schooling and extracurricular activities
• Medical and psychological care
• Travel and holiday arrangements
• Transportation and exchanges
• Rules for resolving disputes

Parenting plans help minimize conflict, promote stability, and ensure clarity for both parents and children.

Key Components of a Parenting Plan

Florida parenting plans must address several essential elements. These typically include:

Timesharing Schedule

The plan outlines when the child will spend time with each parent, including:

• Weekday and weekend schedules
• Holiday and school break rotations
• Summer schedules
• Birthday and special event arrangements
• Pick-up and drop-off logistics

Parental Responsibility

Florida recognizes:

• Shared parental responsibility (most common)
• Sole parental responsibility (in limited cases)

Shared parental responsibility requires both parents to collaborate on major decisions.

Communication

Parenting plans establish guidelines for communication, such as:

• Phone and video calls
• Access to school and medical records
• Rules for parental updates

Childcare and Transportation

Plans may address:

• Use of babysitters or third-party caregivers
• Transportation responsibilities
• Protocols for travel out of state or internationally

Education and Medical Care

The plan determines:

• School selection
• Consent for medical treatment
• Participation in extracurricular activities

A thorough parenting plan reduces misunderstandings and provides a clear roadmap for co-parenting.

How the Court Determines the Best Interests of the Child

Florida courts prioritize the child’s best interests when approving or modifying a parenting plan. Factors include:

• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment
• Parental involvement in the child’s daily life
• The child’s school and community ties
• Each parent’s physical and mental health
• Evidence of domestic violence or substance abuse
• Willingness to foster a relationship with the other parent
• Work schedules and flexibility
• The child’s developmental needs

Our attorneys help parents present the strongest case for an arrangement that supports their child’s well-being.

Parenting Plans in High-Conflict Cases

Some families experience significant conflict that makes co-parenting difficult. High-conflict parenting plan cases may involve:

• Disputes over schedules
• Accusations of parental alienation
• Domestic violence or injunctions
• Substance abuse concerns
• Mental health issues
• Disagreements about schooling or medical care

We help clients navigate these challenges through careful negotiation, mediation, and—when necessary—strong courtroom advocacy.

Temporary Parenting Plans

During divorce or paternity proceedings, courts may issue temporary parenting plans that remain in place until a final judgment. Temporary plans help establish:

• Immediate custody arrangements
• Child support obligations
• Communication rules
• Decision-making procedures

We work to ensure temporary plans are fair and protective of the child’s needs.

Modifying an Existing Parenting Plan

Parenting plans may need modification if there is a substantial, permanent, and unforeseen change in circumstances, such as:

• Relocation
• Changes in a parent’s work schedule
• School or extracurricular conflicts
• Safety concerns
• Medical or developmental needs
• Changes in parental fitness

Our attorneys help parents seek modifications or defend against unjustified modification requests.

Relocation and Parenting Plans

If a parent wishes to relocate more than 50 miles away for more than 60 days, Florida law requires:

• A formal relocation request
• Agreement by the other parent or
• A court order

Relocation directly impacts the parenting plan, and courts carefully consider the child’s best interests.

Enforcing Parenting Plans

When a parent violates the parenting plan, enforcement may be necessary. Violations include:

• Denying timesharing
• Failing to return the child on time
• Interfering with communication
• Making unilateral decisions
• Relocating without permission

Available remedies include:

• Makeup timesharing
• Contempt proceedings
• Attorney’s fees
• Modification of the parenting plan

We help parents enforce their rights and ensure compliance with court-ordered plans.

Creating a Parenting Plan Through Mediation

Many parents prefer mediation to avoid the emotional and financial toll of litigation. Mediation allows parents to:

• Collaborate on parenting schedules
• Customize solutions to fit their family
• Reduce conflict and preserve relationships
• Avoid the uncertainty of trial

If mediation fails, the case proceeds to court, where a judge finalizes the plan.

Parenting Plans for Unmarried Parents

In paternity cases, parenting plans are required once legal paternity is established. Parenting plans for unmarried parents address:

• Timesharing
• Parental responsibility
• Child support
• Decision-making authority

We assist both mothers and fathers in establishing legally enforceable rights.

Parenting Plans and Special Needs Children

If the child has special needs, the parenting plan must consider:

• Specialized medical care
• Therapy schedules
• Educational plans (IEPs or 504 plans)
• Stability and routine
• Accessibility needs

Courts place an even greater emphasis on consistency and support in these cases.

What to Do If You Need a Parenting Plan

If you are separating or establishing paternity, you can strengthen your case by:

• Documenting your involvement in the child’s daily life
• Preparing a proposed timesharing schedule
• Maintaining positive communication with the co-parent
• Avoiding conflict in front of the child
• Keeping detailed records of exchanges and interactions
• Speaking with an attorney before signing any agreements

Preparation is essential to developing a fair and lasting parenting plan.

The Parenting Plan Process in Florida

While each case is unique, the process generally includes the following steps.

Filing a Petition

The petition may be part of a divorce or paternity action.

Financial and Parenting Disclosures

Parents exchange necessary documents and information.

Mediation

Parents attempt to reach a mutually acceptable parenting plan.

Drafting the Parenting Plan

The plan is written, reviewed, and submitted to the court.

Court Approval or Trial

If parents agree, the judge approves the plan. If not, the case proceeds to trial.

Final Judgment

The court adopts the parenting plan into the final judgment.

Comprehensive Orlando Family Law Practice

The Donna Hung Law Group handles every aspect of parenting and custody matters, including:

• Parenting plan creation
• Timesharing disputes
• Custody modification
• Paternity actions
• Relocation cases
• Enforcement and contempt proceedings
• High-conflict custody matters
• Special needs parenting plans
• Domestic violence injunctions
• Child support and alimony

We provide strategic guidance and strong advocacy to support your parental rights and your child’s best interests.

Orlando Family Courthouse Information

Parenting plan cases are handled at the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

Orange County Courthouse
425 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-2000
Website: www.ninthcircuit.org

Most cases involve mediation before any trial or final hearing.

Orlando Parenting Plan FAQs

Who decides the parenting plan?

Parents may create their own plan through negotiation or mediation. If they cannot agree, a judge will decide.

What if the other parent will not follow the plan?

You may seek enforcement, contempt, or modification through the court.

Does Florida favor mothers or fathers?

No. Florida law treats both parents equally and prioritizes the child’s best interests.

Can a parenting plan be changed?

Yes, if there is a substantial and unforeseen change in circumstances.

What if we agree on everything?

The court will generally approve your agreed parenting plan if it meets the child’s needs.

Serving Throughout Orlando

• Baldwin Park
• College Park
• Lake Nona
• Winter Park
• Thornton Park
• Dr. Phillips
• MetroWest
• Hunters Creek
• Avalon Park
• Windermere
• Celebration
• Waterford Lakes
• Mills 50 District
• Audubon Park
• Conway
• South Eola
• Bay Hill
• Lake Como
• Lake Mary
• Vista Lakes

Orlando Parenting Plan Lawyers Here for You When You Need Us

At the Donna Hung Law Group, we understand how important it is to protect your relationship with your child. Our attorneys provide compassionate guidance and strategic representation to ensure your parenting plan is thorough, enforceable, and designed to support your child’s well-being. Whether you are negotiating your first parenting plan or seeking modification or enforcement, we are here to help you move forward with confidence.

Call the Donna Hung Law Group at 407-999-0099 to schedule a confidential consultation and begin building a parenting plan that works for your family.