Custody in Florida


🧭 Understanding Custody in Florida

It's Not Called Custody Anymore — But It Still Matters More Than Ever.

In Florida, we no longer use the word “custody.” Instead, we talk about timesharing and parental responsibility — and both are legally defined through a Parenting Plan approved by the court.

At Family Matters Law Group, we help you understand, negotiate, and secure the parenting arrangement that fits your family and protects your children.


📘 Florida's Custody Law — What You Need to Know

Florida law puts your child's best interests first — not your title, gender, or income. As of 2023, there's a presumption of 50/50 timesharing, unless that arrangement is not in the child's best interest.

👩‍⚖️ Timesharing

Determines when your child is physically with each parent — including:

  • Weekly or rotating schedules (like 2-2-3, 5-2, or week-on/week-off)

  • Holidays and school breaks

  • Summer vacation and travel time

🧠 Parental Responsibility

Determines who makes decisions about:

  • Education

  • Healthcare

  • Religion

  • Extracurriculars and more

Most families share parental responsibility, but courts can award ultimate decision-making or sole responsibility in high-conflict or unsafe situations.


⚖️ We Help You With:

  • Creating or modifying Parenting Plans

  • Navigating shared or sole decision-making authority

  • Building structured holiday and vacation schedules

  • Drafting customized timesharing arrangements

  • Handling enforcement and contempt when orders are violated

  • Filing for modifications after a significant change in circumstances


🧠 Why Work With Family Matters Law Group?

Attorney Leisa Wintz is a Florida family lawyer and a former marriage and family therapist. With over 20 years of experience helping families navigate parenting disputes, she brings a unique perspective to your case.

👩‍👧‍👦 We're moms, attorneys, and child-centered advocates.
📋 We don't do cookie-cutter parenting plans.
🧩 We create clear, enforceable solutions based on your family's actual needs.
💬 We prepare you for negotiation, mediation, or trial — whatever it takes to protect your child.


💼 Our Services for Custody and Parenting Plans

🔹 Full Legal Representation

  • Uncontested Parenting Plan or ModificationStarting at $2,500

  • Contested Plans Through MediationStarting at $6,000
    Includes:

  • Drafting, filing, and negotiation

  • Mandatory financial disclosure

  • Mediation preparation and attendance

  • Timesharing and child support strategy

🔹 DIY Legal Coaching & Drafting

  • Parenting Plan Preparation – $900

  • Document Review – $300/hour

  • Child Support Guidelines – $700

  • Subscription Coaching & Access to DIY Tools – from $350/month
    🔗 Explore Subscription Plans

🔹 Mediation & Conflict Resolution

  • Parenting Coordination

  • Strategy sessions for high-conflict families

  • Enforcement & modification consults


✏️ Don't Guess on the Details

A solid parenting plan avoids future conflict — and court.
We cover everything that could lead to disputes later, including:

  • 📱 Communication rules

  • 🩺 Medical decisions and mental health care

  • ✈️ Travel and relocation

  • 💻 Screen time and tech use

  • 💸 Shared expenses and reimbursements

  • 🧸 Right of first refusal for childcare

🔗 Take Our Parenting Plan Workshop


📞 Take the First Step

Whether you're drafting your first plan, modifying an old one, or responding to a difficult co-parent — we're ready to help.

🔗 Book a Legal Consultation
🔗 Join Our DIY Legal Group
🔗 Access Customizable Documents & Video Training


DIY LEGAL

Real Lawyers. Real Tools. Real Support. Our DIY Legal Coaching & Education gives you access to real lawyers, step-by-step guidance, and ready-to-use tools so you can handle your family law case with confidence. Whether you're filing, responding, or preparing for court, we’ll show you exactly what to do—without the full-service price tag.

GET STARTED NOW

All DIY Coaching and Full Representation starts with a consultation. Let’s figure out what you need and how we can help. Book your consultation today and get started now.

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