Family Law Tip of the Day: Sometimes there is no clear 'right' answer to a parenting dispute.
One parent wants one solution. The other parent wants something different. Both positions may be reasonable. The parenting plan may not specifically address the issue. And there may be no Florida statute or court order that tells the parents exactly what they should do.
In those situations, one of the most important things a parent can do is make a genuine effort to solve the problem.
That may mean proposing a compromise. It may mean offering several reasonable options. And sometimes it means accepting that there is no perfect solution—only a reasonable one that allows everyone to move forward.
Florida Parenting Disputes Are Not Always Black and White
Parents frequently ask family law attorneys: 'What am I allowed to do?'
Sometimes there is a clear answer. A court order may expressly address the issue. A parenting plan may establish exactly what happens. Florida law may provide a specific procedure.
But family life creates far more questions than any parenting plan could possibly anticipate.
Parents may disagree about:
- extracurricular activities;
- transportation;
- vacation schedules;
- changes to exchange times;
- medical appointments;
- tutoring;
- school events;
- makeup time-sharing;
- birthday plans;
- summer activities; or
- unexpected changes in work schedules.
When that happens, the issue often becomes less about finding the one legally 'correct' answer and more about whether the parents can find a reasonable solution together.
Florida Courts Look at How Parents Work Together
Under Florida Statute § 61.13(3), Florida courts evaluate numerous factors when determining what is in the best interests of a child.
Several of those factors directly relate to a parent's ability to work reasonably with the other parent.
For example, the statute directs courts to consider a parent's demonstrated ability and willingness to facilitate the child's relationship with the other parent, honor the time-sharing schedule, and be reasonable when changes are required.
Create a 'Menu of Solutions'
One practical strategy in difficult co-parenting situations is to stop arguing over a single proposed solution. Instead, provide several reasonable alternatives.
The school function overlaps with our normal exchange. I see three possible options: I can pick her up after the event, you can bring her to me afterward, or we can adjust the exchange by two hours and make up the time this weekend. Let me know which works best for you, or suggest another option.
This approach identifies the problem, demonstrates flexibility, gives the other parent meaningful choices, and creates an opportunity to resolve the issue without court intervention.
Document Reasonable Efforts to Resolve Parenting Disputes
When possible, important parenting communications should be clear, respectful, and documented.
I understand that neither option is ideal. I would like to find something that works for both households. I can offer A, B, or C. If those do not work, please let me know what alternative you suggest.
If the disagreement later becomes part of a family law case, the written communications may help demonstrate which parent attempted to resolve the issue reasonably.
Tampa Family Law Attorney for Parenting Plan and Time-Sharing Disputes
Cigar City Law, PLLC represents clients in Tampa and throughout the Tampa Bay area in Florida family law matters involving parenting plans, time-sharing, parental responsibility, modifications, enforcement, and related disputes.