Family Law · Jeff T. Gorman Law Offices

Florida Child Custody & Time-Sharing
Fighting for Your Relationship
with Your Children.

Florida’s 2023 HB 1301 established equal time-sharing as the presumptive starting point in custody disputes. That presumption can be rebutted — in either direction — with the right evidence and the right legal strategy. Joseph Grant handles child custody and time-sharing disputes with the attentiveness these cases demand and the genuine understanding that the outcome directly affects your children’s lives.

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Custody Dispute Filed or Pending? — Your Position Matters from Day One — Call (772) 888-8888
Joseph Grant
Joseph Grant
Attorney at Law · FL Bar #97315
13+
Years Florida Family Law
2023
SB 1416 & HB 1301 Reform Expert
4.9★
Google Rating · 260+ Reviews
“Family law cases are some of the most important decisions of your life. You deserve an attorney who treats them that way — and is actually available when you need them.”
What Makes Custody Cases High-Stakes
●Florida’s 2023 equal time-sharing presumption can be overcome only with specific evidence — the party seeking departure bears the burden of proof
●Every parental decision, every communication, and every interaction during the dispute may become evidence in a custody hearing
●Guardian ad litem appointments and social investigations can significantly influence the court’s findings about best interest
●A parenting plan that seems acceptable initially may create long-term practical problems that are difficult to modify later
●Relocation disputes — when one parent wants to move out of the area — can become extremely contentious and require immediate legal action

What the Evidence Shows —
and Where It Can Be Challenged

Florida’s child custody law underwent significant reform in 2023 with the passage of HB 1301, establishing equal time-sharing as the rebuttable presumption in all custody matters. This means courts start from a 50/50 baseline and move away from it only when presented with specific evidence. Understanding how to present that evidence — whether you are seeking equal time-sharing or asking the court to depart from it — requires an attorney who knows the current law and the local family court dynamics.

Joseph Grant has handled child custody and time-sharing matters in Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach County family courts for over 13 years. He approaches custody cases with the understanding that these proceedings directly shape children’s lives — and that the best outcomes come from building a strong, evidence-based case while staying focused on what actually serves the children’s best interests, not just winning a legal argument.

⚖️ Florida Child Custody & Time-Sharing Law
Florida uses time-sharing rather than “custody” or “visitation” terminology. Florida HB 1301 (2023): rebuttable presumption of equal (50/50) time-sharing; court must make written findings to depart from equal time-sharing. Best interest factors (Florida Statute §61.13): 20 statutory factors evaluated to determine time-sharing. Parenting plan (Florida Statute §61.13): required in all cases with minor children; covers daily tasks, time-sharing schedule, healthcare and education decision-making. Parental responsibility (Florida Statute §61.13): shared parental responsibility is preferred; sole parental responsibility available when shared would be detrimental. Modification (Florida Statute §61.13): requires substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances.
Florida Statute §61.13 (Time-Sharing & Best Interest Factors) · Florida HB 1301 (2023 Equal Time-Sharing Presumption) · Florida Statute §61.30 (Child Support Guidelines)

How We Fight This Charge

Equal Time-Sharing Strategy
Whether you are seeking to establish equal time-sharing or to overcome the new 2023 presumption, we build the specific factual record that Florida courts require for departure determinations.
Parenting Plan Drafting
A parenting plan that addresses the actual practical realities of your family — work schedules, school proximity, extracurriculars, healthcare needs — produces better long-term outcomes than a generic template.
Evidence Building
We document each parent’s involvement, each parent’s home environment, and any factors that favor or disfavor a particular time-sharing arrangement with thorough, organized evidence.
Guardian ad Litem Coordination
When a GAL is appointed, we work cooperatively while ensuring our client’s position and evidence are presented clearly and completely to the investigator.
Relocation Opposition or Support
Relocation disputes require immediate legal action. We either pursue or oppose relocation petitions aggressively based on our client’s position and the child’s best interest.
Modification Petitions
When circumstances change substantially — new job, new relationship, substance abuse, domestic violence — we file for modification promptly to protect the client’s parental relationship.
Notable Results
EQUAL TIME-SHARING ESTABLISHED
Contested Custody · 2023 Presumption Applied · 50/50 Schedule
DEPARTURE GRANTED
Custody Modification · Substantial Change Shown · Primary Time-Sharing
RELOCATION DENIED
Opposing Parent Sought to Move · Child’s Best Interest Argued · Petition Denied

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case details available upon request.

Common Questions

Child Custody & Time-Sharing Attorney FAQ

Does Florida favor equal time-sharing between parents? +
Yes. Florida HB 1301, signed in 2023, established a rebuttable presumption in favor of equal time-sharing (50/50) between parents. Courts begin with the presumption that equal time-sharing is in the best interest of the child and will depart from it only when presented with evidence that equal time-sharing is not in the best interest of the specific child. This is a significant change from prior law and affects custody disputes filed after July 1, 2023.
What factors does a Florida court consider in determining child custody? +
Florida courts determine time-sharing based on the 'best interests of the child' standard under Florida Statute §61.13. Relevant factors include: each parent's demonstrated capacity to facilitate and honor the time-sharing schedule; the mental and physical health of each parent; each parent's demonstrated willingness to comply with court orders; the geographic feasibility of the schedule; any history of domestic violence or child abuse; the developmental needs of the child; and the child's preference when the child is mature enough to express one. Florida does not automatically prefer either parent based on gender.
What is a parenting plan in Florida? +
A parenting plan is a document required in all Florida cases involving minor children that governs the relationship between parents and children. It must address: each parent's daily tasks and responsibilities; the time-sharing schedule including holidays, school breaks, and special occasions; healthcare decision-making; school and education decision-making; and methods and communication between parents. Parenting plans are approved by the court and are legally binding on both parents.
Can a Florida custody order be modified after it is entered? +
Yes. A Florida custody or time-sharing order can be modified when there has been a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances since the original order was entered, and the modification is in the best interest of the child. Examples of qualifying changes include relocation, a parent's remarriage, significant changes in a parent's work schedule, substance abuse issues, domestic violence, or the child's changing developmental needs. Modifications require a court petition and, typically, mediation before a hearing.
Related Practice Areas
Divorce
Child custody and time-sharing are decided alongside divorce when parents are married.
Child Support
Time-sharing percentages directly affect Florida child support calculations.
Property Division
Financial and custody issues are often negotiated together in comprehensive settlement.
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Custody Dispute?
Your Relationship with Your Children
Is Worth Fighting For.

Florida’s 2023 custody reform changed the rules. Joseph Grant knows the new law and knows how to apply it in Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach County family courts. Call (772) 888-8888.

(772) 888-8888 PSL: (772) 236-5203 Free Online Consultation

Free initial consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Florida Bar Rules 4-7.1 through 4-7.20 apply.