- 4300 Bayou Boulevard Suite 37 Pensacola, FL 32503
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Timesharing & Child Custody Attorney – Pensacola, FL
Putting Children First in Every Parenting Plan
At MGM Law, P.A., we know that nothing matters more than your children. Divorce and separation can feel overwhelming, but creating a parenting plan that works doesn’t have to be ugly. With the right guidance, timesharing and custody arrangements can protect your children’s stability and reduce conflict between parents.
Since 2014, attorney Mary G. McDaniel has helped families in Pensacola and across Northwest Florida navigate parenting and custody matters with compassion and clarity. Her goal is simple: to ensure children are cared for and parents understand their rights and responsibilities.
Understanding Timesharing in Florida
Florida no longer uses the term “custody.” Instead, courts refer to timesharing and parental responsibility. These terms reflect the idea that children benefit from maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible.
01
Parental Responsibility
Refers to decision-making authority about major issues like education, health care, and extracurricular activities. Florida law favors shared parental responsibility unless there is evidence of harm or abuse. Sole parental responsibility is rare and requires strong evidence of detriment to the child.
02
Timesharing
Refers to the schedule of when children spend time with each parent. In 2024, Florida law was updated to create a rebuttable presumption of equal timesharing. This means courts start with the assumption that children will split time equally between parents unless there is compelling evidence that equal timesharing is not in the child’s best interest.
This new standard makes it more important than ever to present clear evidence and a thoughtful parenting plan.
Building a Parenting Plan
A parenting plan is more than a schedule—it’s a roadmap for co-parenting. At MGM Law, we work with parents to create plans that reduce conflict and set children up for success.
A strong parenting plan should address:
- Weekly and holiday schedules
- School breaks and summer timesharing
- Travel provisions and exchange logistics
- Communication between parents and children
- Decision-making on health, education, and extracurriculars
- Expense-sharing and support for children’s needs
Because modifying a parenting plan later is difficult, it’s critical to get it right the first time. We’ll help you think through the details now to avoid stress and disputes later.
Modifying an Existing Plan
Life changes. A parenting plan that worked years ago may no longer serve your family. However, modifying an existing order requires proof of a substantial and material change in circumstances and that the change is in the child’s best interest.
Examples of substantial changes include:
- A parent’s relocation that significantly impacts the schedule
- Documented substance abuse or criminal activity
- A parent’s failure to provide adequate care, resulting in school or health issues
- Demonstrable harm to the child under the current arrangement
Minor disagreements, communication issues, or hostility between parents typically do not meet the legal standard. Mary will give you an honest assessment of whether your situation qualifies for modification.
How MGM Law Helps
Parenting and custody cases can be emotional and complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. We provide:
01
Clear
Guidance
We make the legal process easier to understand. From your first consultation to your final court order, we’ll explain every step so you can make informed, confident decisions for yourself and your family.
02
Child-Centered Advocacy
Your children’s well-being always comes first. We craft parenting plans and legal strategies that protect stability, foster healthy relationships, and minimize conflict between parents.
03
Collaborative Options
Not every case belongs in a courtroom. When possible, we use mediation and collaborative divorce to help families find peaceful, private resolutions that save time, money, and stress.
04
Strong Courtroom Representation
If trial becomes necessary, we’re ready. Mary McDaniel brings years of litigation experience and calm, determined advocacy to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Mary understands both the legal and emotional sides of parenting disputes. She is dedicated to helping parents build constructive co-parenting relationships while standing firm when children’s safety or stability is at stake.
Take the Next Step
Parenting after divorce doesn’t have to be a constant battle. At MGM Law, we’ll help you create or modify a parenting plan that supports your children and gives
you peace of mind.
Timesharing & Custody FAQ
Florida courts rarely grant sole parental responsibility. It only happens when there is strong evidence of abuse, neglect, or other serious harm to the child.
Equal timesharing typically means both parents have roughly the same number of overnights with the child. Courts may adjust this based on the child’s best interest, work schedules, or school logistics.
If you want to relocate more than 50 miles away, you need either the other parent’s written agreement or a court-approved relocation petition.
You must prove a substantial, material change in circumstances and show that the modification benefits the child.
You may file a motion with the court to enforce the order. Courts can impose penalties, adjust timesharing, or require supervised visitation in some cases.