Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer Blog
Family law disputes involving time-sharing can have immediate and lasting consequences for both parents and children, particularly when delays in court intervention prevent meaningful enforcement of custody arrangements. In Florida, lawmakers are increasingly focused on addressing these delays and ensuring that parents can maintain consistent access to their children. A recent legislative proposal highlights the urgency of these concerns and reflects a broader effort to streamline time-sharing enforcement and reduce prolonged uncertainty. If you are dealing with a custody or time-sharing dispute in South Florida, speaking with a Miami family law attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue timely relief.
Facts and Procedural History
Reportedly, a Florida legislator introduced a bill to address delays in enforcing time-sharing arrangements, initially proposing that courts assign a duty judge to be available at all times to handle such disputes. The proposal was intended to provide immediate judicial intervention when one parent denies the other access to a child.
It is reported that the legislator later amended the bill by removing the requirement for a 24/7 duty judge, instead shifting the focus toward expediting court proceedings related to time-sharing. The revised proposal emphasizes the need to prioritize these matters within the court system.
Allegedly, the bill was developed in response to concerns that parents may wait for months or even years for courts to resolve custody disputes, leaving them without meaningful recourse during that time. Lawmakers noted that such delays can result in significant lost time between parents and children, which cannot be recovered.
It is alleged that the revised bill includes provisions requiring courts to hold a hearing within 30 days of a filed motion related to time-sharing and to issue an order within 30 days thereafter. Additional provisions mandate expedited enforcement hearings within five business days and require prompt rulings following those hearings. The bill also introduces reporting requirements to track compliance with these timelines and improve accountability within the judicial system.
Understanding How the Change May Impact Cases
The proposed legislation reflects key legal principles that govern time-sharing and custody enforcement in Florida. Courts operate under the guiding standard that decisions must serve the best interests of the child, and Florida law already recognizes a rebuttable presumption favoring equal time-sharing.
The legislative proposal builds upon this framework by addressing procedural inefficiencies that can undermine these substantive rights. By requiring expedited hearings and timely rulings, the bill seeks to ensure that court orders are not only fair but also effective in practice. Delayed enforcement can render even well-reasoned custody determinations meaningless if one parent is deprived of access during prolonged litigation.
The proposal also reflects an effort to balance judicial discretion with accountability. By mandating reporting from the Office of State Courts Administrator regarding the timing and outcomes of enforcement proceedings, the bill introduces a data-driven approach to evaluating court performance. This transparency may encourage more consistent adherence to statutory timelines and improve overall efficiency in family law cases.
Importantly, the removal of the 24/7 duty judge requirement suggests a recognition of practical limitations within the court system, while still preserving the core objective of faster resolution. The revised approach focuses on achievable procedural reforms that can be implemented within existing judicial structures.
If enacted, these changes could significantly alter how time-sharing disputes are handled, reducing delays and providing parents with quicker access to enforceable court orders.
Consult a Dedicated Miami Child Custody Attorney About Your Case
Time-sharing disputes demand prompt and effective legal action, especially when delays can interfere with your relationship with your child. As Florida continues to evaluate reforms aimed at expediting custody proceedings, it is important to consult an attorney about how you can protect your rights and advocate for timely enforcement. The dedicated Miami child custody attorneys at the Law Offices of Sandy T. Fox, P.A., are prepared to assist you with time-sharing disputes and custody matters. To discuss your situation, call 800-596-0579 or contact the firm online.