Practice Areas

Child Custody & Time-Sharing

Experienced representation in parenting plan disputes, timesharing schedules, and parental responsibility determinations.

In Florida, decisions about children following a dissolution of marriage or paternity action are governed by Section 61.13, Florida Statutes and guided by the principle of the child's best interests. The law uses two key concepts, parental responsibility and parenting plans, to ensure children have stability, meaningful relationships with both parents, and a clear framework for how important decisions will be made.

Parental responsibility refers to each parent's role in making major decisions about the child's life, including education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. Florida law favors shared parental responsibility, meaning both parents participate in decision-making unless a court determines that shared responsibility would be detrimental to the child. A parenting plan is a detailed, court-approved document that outlines how parents will share time and responsibilities, including a timesharing schedule, communication guidelines, transportation arrangements, and provisions for holidays and special occasions.

What to Expect

How the Process Works

  • A thorough assessment of your family's specific circumstances and your child's needs
  • Strategic development or review of a parenting plan tailored to your situation
  • Skilled negotiation and mediation preparation to reach workable agreements
  • Vigorous courtroom advocacy when disputes cannot be resolved outside of court

How Rosanna Can Help

Personal, Experienced Representation

Rosanna Ferrari understands that disputes involving children are among the most difficult matters a parent will face. She provides direct, experienced representation and will give you an honest assessment of where you stand, what a court is likely to consider, and what a workable parenting plan looks like for your family's specific circumstances.

Schedule a Consultation

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Florida courts consider a broad range of factors when evaluating parenting plans and timesharing arrangements, all of which are weighed against the overarching standard of the child's best interests. The specific factors are set forth in Florida Statute Section 61.13. Every family's circumstances are different, and the weight a court gives to any particular factor depends on the facts of your case. Rosanna can walk you through what is likely to matter most in your situation.

Yes. A parenting plan may be modified after it is entered. The standard for modification is set forth in Florida Statute Section 61.13 and requires a showing that circumstances have changed sufficiently to warrant a review of the existing plan. Whether modification is appropriate depends on the specific facts of your situation. Rosanna can evaluate whether the circumstances in your case support a modification proceeding.

A history of domestic violence is one of the factors a Florida court must consider when evaluating a parenting plan and timesharing schedule. Depending on the circumstances, a history of domestic violence can significantly affect the amount of timesharing awarded to the offending parent, the conditions under which timesharing occurs, and whether supervised visitation is appropriate. If domestic violence is a factor in your case, it is essential to have experienced representation from the outset. Rosanna began her legal career prosecuting domestic violence offenses as an Assistant State Attorney in Palm Beach County, and she brings that background directly to her family law practice.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Every family law matter is unique. Schedule a confidential consultation and let Rosanna Ferrari guide you with clarity, compassion, and command.

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