How Does Hurricane Season Impact Child Custody in Florida?

Tampa is known for its warm weather and beautiful beaches but anyone who lives here knows that it is famous for something else, too – hurricanes. Hurricanes have a major effect on many aspects of life. When a dangerous storm hits or is approaching, plans can change very quickly and people need to change course and adapt. For divorced parents, particularly those who share custody, hurricane season presents unique challenges. Below, one of our Tampa child custody attorneys explains how hurricane season may affect your family.

Changes to the Parenting Time Schedule

Schedules and plans may have to change with very little notice during hurricane season, and this includes parenting time schedules. If the roads are unsafe due to a storm, a parent may not be able to travel to pick up their child at a designated time. Or, if a parent’s home has been damaged or their electricity has been knocked out due to a storm, they may not be able to accommodate their child.

For this reason, and for other unexpected events, it is recommended that parents include a contingency plan in their parenting time schedule. For example, a plan may include a provision stating that if one parent misses visitation time due to a storm or due to other unforeseen circumstances, the time will be made up for on a future date when conditions have improved. Clearly written agreements can help all parties know how to proceed during such emergencies and help avoid additional conflict during an already difficult time.

Communicating with Your Co-Parent During a Storm

It is not uncommon for hurricanes to impact power and phone lines, making it harder for parents to communicate with each other when they do not live together. It is also important to include a contingency plan in the parenting time schedule for communication between parents. The best way to do this is to include several methods of communication, such as texts, emails, and social media. If one of these options is not available, parents can then try another. Parents should also exchange emergency contact information before any storm hits.

Agreeing on a meeting place in case parents have to evacuate can also help with communication during or after a storm. This ensures that even if parents cannot reach each other through the communication methods, they can still meet up to check in on each other or to make a custody exchange.

Our Child Custody Attorneys in Tampa Can Help Draft Your Plan

Generally speaking if a hurricane interferes with child custody schedules, the parent who violated the agreement will not face consequences, as they may not have been able to avoid the situation. If a parent has shown a pattern of failing to comply with the parenting plan or blaming hurricanes for violating the agreement, the court may impose certain penalties. At All Family Law Group, P.A., our Tampa child custody attorneys can help you draft a parenting time agreement that accounts for unforeseen circumstances so you have the proper guidance when you need it. Call us now at 813-672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help. Se Habla Espanol.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html