Florida Custody Documentation: What You Need to Know (2026 Guide)

Florida eliminated the terms custody and visitation in 2008. Instead, Florida uses time-sharing and parenting plans. Every divorce or paternity case requires a detailed Parenting Plan that specifies the time-sharing schedule. Understanding this framework is essential for proper documentation.

What Florida Courts Require: Florida Statute 61.13 outlines 20 factors courts consider when determining the best interests of the child. Several relate directly to documentation: 1. Each parent's willingness to honor the time-sharing schedule 2. The demonstrated capacity of each parent to maintain a loving relationship with the child 3. Evidence of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect 4. The moral fitness of the parents (pattern of behavior) 5. Each parent's willingness to facilitate a close relationship with the other parent 6. The reasonable preference of the child (if mature enough) 7. Evidence of parental alienation

Documentation Best Practices for Florida: - Clear records of time-sharing compliance (actual vs. ordered) - Evidence of communication attempts and responses - Documentation of any violations of the parenting plan - Records of financial compliance (child support, shared expenses) - Evidence organized chronologically with dates and times - Server-timestamped records (prevents manipulation claims) - Factual, unemotional documentation

Florida-Specific Considerations: Florida is a two-party consent state for recording conversations. You cannot secretly record phone calls with the other parent. However, you can document what was said in text messages, emails, and in-person conversations (by writing it down immediately after). Screenshots of text messages are admissible. Social media posts are admissible. Your own contemporaneous notes are admissible as evidence.

Filing a Supplemental Petition for Modification: To modify time-sharing in Florida, you must demonstrate a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances. Documentation is the foundation of this petition. Courts want to see that the change is ongoing (not temporary), that it affects the child's best interests, and that you have clear evidence supporting your claims.

How Custody Armor Works for Florida Parents: Custody Armor is built for Florida's time-sharing framework. Upload your Florida Parenting Plan and the AI extracts your specific schedule, holidays, and financial terms. Track actual time-sharing vs. ordered time-sharing. Document violations with server-side timestamps. Generate court-ready reports formatted for Florida family courts.

Cost: $11.99/month or $99/year. Less than one hour with your attorney. Website: CustodyArmor.com