Timesharing, Long Distant Parenting Plans

Co-parenting can be stressful at best for many and additional difficulties or conflict can arise during holidays and the summer months. As veteran child custody attorneys in Tampa, we know that for some, co-parenting is difficult and remains difficult.
We’ve written about co-parenting during the holidays and resolving long distance time-sharing conflicts along with the importance of resolving high conflict child custody issues.

Our attorneys have decades of experience in child custody and time-sharing resolution. We want to help you to combat some of the issues before, during or long after holiday and summer timesharing is over.

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Long Distant Time-sharing, Florida –  It’s particularly difficult for parents when there is a greater geographical distance between them. This is especially true if you have younger children. Children leaving for their first holiday or those who will be spending the majority of the summer away can have a hard time. In part, this causes more stress and worry for many parents, especially when it’s long distance time-sharing. Putting children on planes, long car-rides and anticipating long periods of time which can be 70% or more of the summer break, can be overwhelming. Add to that, parents who already have a hard time co-parenting, and the stress level goes off the charts. We understand how difficult “distance” and change can be for parents and children. Typically, children are very resilient, and It is crucial to always look to their best interests. In doing so, it can alleviate some of the problems you may have. Listed below are some tips and suggestions including when to consult with a child custody lawyer to resolve high conflict child custody matters.

Tips for surviving holiday & summer Tampa child custody attorneytime-sharing

1. Remember the children can feel your anxiety. Putting your children first can be the sole cure for transitioning and surviving holiday and summer timesharing. It’s important for you to encourage your child about time-sharing. Reassuring them with the positive aspects of their visit can set the tone for the time spent with mom or dad and extended family.

  1. Prepare for communication while time-sharing. Thank goodness for technology which allows children and parents to have face to face communication while away for extended periods of time. This should help to ease your mind and theirs and can become a chance for some really special bonding time.
  2. Talk to your children. If you believe your children are feeling anxious or overwhelmed about timesharing, the first thing you can do is allow them to talk about it. If you are successfully co-parenting, then both parents can work together to address your child’s concerns which helps to ease their minds.
  3. Blended Families & Time-sharing  –  Blended family issues can become an issue during holidays or summer timesharing, whether it’s long distance or not. Many children experience difficulties a couple of weeks into their visit and some tend to ease into new familial situations. Children who visit infrequently, often have the hardest time adjusting to step or half siblings. Try to see it from the child’s perspective. Consider holding a family conference, even if by phone can help to alleviate some of the problems or feelings that the children have regarding blended family situations. If you suspect this has always been a source of anxiety for your child, you and your ex can discuss ways to alleviate this prior to timesharing.
  4. High Conflict & Safety of Minor Child– Nothing can be more frightening than to know that your child is in danger. If you believe that your child is being neglected, abused or is otherwise not being cared for properly, then you must report this to authorities. Unfortunately, there are instances that warrant legal intervention. Stay calm, call the appropriate agency to assist you, and then schedule a consultation with the best child custody attorney in Tampa  for YOU who can recommend additional legal steps that you can take to protect your children’s rights and safety.

    Need Immediate Assistance? Call (813) 879-4600 or Reach Out to a Child Custody Attorney at Nilo J Sanchez & Associates Below

      Co-Parenting, Time-sharing & Teens

    Older kids can really feel the pains of being away from “home” during long distance time-sharing. They may even become disagreeable over equal timesharing and having to leave their comfort zones. Teenagers may want to come ho

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    me early or they may not wish to “visit” at all. They may in turn, not want to return from a holiday visit or extended summertime visit. As we know, teens can change from one minute to the next. Talking about these potential problems or changes in your child’s needs, emotions while developing a strategy to combat potential problems can help you, your ex and your children through this time. With a little or even a lot of courage and putting your children first, long distance summertime or holiday time-sharing can be a success! Remember, this is the new “norm.”

     

    When to Hire a Tampa Bay Child Custody Lawyer

    If you have been having ongoing problems with time-sharing or matters relating to your parental rights and child custody you may need to enforce a parenting plan or consider a modification of time-sharing and child support. If you’ve tried everything but have had no success, please consult with an experienced Tampa Bay child custody attorney.  Aside from other changes that may warrant enforcement or modifications of timesharing, if you believe your child is in danger, call a family lawyer only AFTER you’ve contacted the authorities. Remember, never take matters into your own hands by withholding the children from your ex, or becoming “unglued” if your ex is withholding timesharing.

    If you are having a problem with your ex not abiding by a parenting plan ordered in Hillsborough, Pasco or Pinellas County we can assist you. If you are out of State and need a child custody or timesharing attorney for a Tampa Bay custody case, please contact us for a consultation.

    Helpful Links Child Custody & Time-sharing Florida