Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. 2026-10-14T17:50:09Z https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1304159/2020/03/cropped-favicon-32x32.png On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[Creating a holiday parenting schedule that works for everyone]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247292 2026-10-14T17:50:09Z 2026-10-14T17:50:09Z Put the children’s needs ahead of adult preferences One of the easiest ways to avoid holiday disputes is to identify important dates well before the holiday season begins. Parents should discuss which holidays matter most to their family and decide how to handle each one. Holidays can bring up strong emotions. Parents may feel disappointed about missing a favorite tradition or about spending a special occasion away from their children. Those feelings are understandable, but decisions should focus on what is best for the children. Consider the children’s ages, school obligations and sleep schedules. Younger children may require shorter separations from each parent, while older children may have social activities or preferences that deserve consideration. Travel time is another important factor. If the children need to spend several hours in a car on Thanksgiving or Christmas morning, it may create unnecessary stress. When possible, try to ensure children have enough time to enjoy their celebrations rather than rushing between households.

Holiday parenting options

There is no single holiday parenting schedule that works for every family, but some options include:
  • Alternating holidays each year
  • Dividing a holiday break
  • Assigning certain holidays to each parent every year
For parents who communicate well and are comfortable sharing special occasions, celebrating together is another option. A successful holiday parenting schedule does more than divide dates on a calendar. It helps children maintain meaningful relationships with both parents and reduces the uncertainty that can make the holidays difficult after a divorce or separation. A legal professional can help you develop an arrangement that fits your family’s circumstances.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[Can parents agree to change a parenting plan in Florida?]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247290 2026-09-30T02:42:17Z 2026-09-30T02:42:17Z A parenting plan may work well at first but become less practical as a child grows, school schedules change or a parent’s circumstances shift. If both parents later agree that a different arrangement would better serve their child, they may jointly seek to modify the existing parenting plan. That said, don’t assume that a private agreement with your co-parent automatically replaces the terms of an existing court-ordered parenting plan even if you both intend to follow the new schedule. Here’s more on what you need to know to avoid unintended consequences and protect your parental rights.

Parents can agree on a proposed modification

Co-parents in Florida can work together to propose changes to a parenting plan, including changes to time-sharing, transportation, parental responsibilities and other arrangements involving the child.  When both parents agree to the proposed changes, they can submit the revised parenting plan to the court for approval. The judge will review the agreement to determine whether the modification serves the child’s best interests before approving it.

Why court approval matters

Seeking court approval of the agreed modification is all about enforceability. An informal agreement between co-parents may reflect what both sides currently intend to follow, but it does not replace the parenting plan already entered by the court. Having the modification formally approved creates a new court order that clearly establishes each parent’s rights and responsibilities. This can become particularly important if one parent later changes their position or a dispute arises over the agreed schedule. If you think that your Florida parenting plan should change for one reason or the other, professional legal guidance can help ensure the proposed modification addresses your child’s circumstances and is properly presented to the court.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[The difference between parental responsibility and time-sharing]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247286 2026-09-16T23:50:43Z 2026-09-16T23:50:43Z Florida family law, however, separates these into two concepts: parental responsibility and time-sharing. Understanding the difference between these two things can make parenting plan negotiations much clearer. Both have to be allocated based on the child’s best interests.

Parental responsibility covers important decisions

Parental responsibility involves each parent’s rights and responsibilities for their child’s upbringing. It confers major decision-making authority over things like:
  • Education and school enrollment
  • Medical care, including vaccines and mental health care
  • Religious instruction and attendance
  • Participation in extracurricular activities
Shared parental responsibility is generally preferred, regardless of which parent has the child in their care. This means the parents must discuss all major issues and make decisions as a unit – although each may be able to act independently on minor issues or in emergencies. In some cases, shared parental responsibility is not appropriate, particularly when domestic violence is involved or the parents cannot work together. In other cases, the court may decide to give one parent full control over a specific area, such as the child’s education or medical care. That often happens when the parents are completely opposed to each other’s wishes for the child and the court believes it is better to put one parent in charge.

Time-sharing governs the child’s schedule

Time-sharing describes how much time the child spends with each parent. This is usually established through a set schedule and may involve trading off holidays, vacations and similar breaks. Florida considers equal time-sharing to be in a child’s best interests, subject to rebuttal based on the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to work together, the distance between homes and other factors. Parents might share responsibility for major decisions even when the child spends substantially more time in one home. Conversely, parents may have relatively equal time-sharing even if one parent has final authority over a specific issue. It’s important to remember that these two types of custody are not tied together. A parent can share parental responsibility even though one parent has the child in their care most of the time. Conversely, time-sharing could be fairly equal, but one parent may have most of the responsibility for major decisions involving the child. A child custody attorney can help you negotiate for what you want and protect your child’s interests.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[Divorce doesn’t have to put your life on hold]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247281 2026-09-07T20:45:52Z 2026-09-07T20:45:52Z You can keep moving forward during the divorce Many people assume they have to wait until their divorce is finalized before they can start making decisions about their next chapter. However, your choices and actions during the divorce process can have a significant impact on what your life looks like afterward. For example, you may need to decide where you and your children will live, how household expenses will be handled, how parenting responsibilities will be divided or how you will manage access to marital assets. These are not decisions that necessarily have to sit unresolved while your case moves through the court system. If you and your spouse cannot agree on how such urgent matters should be handled before everything is finalized, the court can issue temporary orders to establish workable arrangements while the legal process moves forward.

Keep your future in mind when making key decisions

Moving forward with your life during a divorce also means knowing when to slow down before making a major decision. Moving out of the marital home, transferring property, changing financial arrangements or agreeing to an informal parenting schedule may have consequences you did not anticipate. Remember, you don’t have to treat every decision as an emergency simply because your marriage is ending. Taking the time to understand how a decision could affect your property rights, finances or parenting arrangements can help you move forward without unnecessarily compromising your position. Reaching out for experienced legal guidance early in the divorce process can help you distinguish between actions that simply keep your life moving and those that could have lasting legal or financial consequences.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[How can commingled assets impact your Florida divorce?]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247266 2026-08-14T13:05:09Z 2026-08-14T13:05:09Z When you and your spouse have commingled assets, it can affect the property division portion of your divorce. The way you split up the assets that you own can change. Generally speaking, couples have marital assets that need to go through equitable property division in Florida. If you and your spouse own things together, the court helps you find a way to fairly divide them up. However, you may also have separate assets, which you own personally. Your spouse does not necessarily get a portion of them in property division.

Mixing assets together

When you mix these assets, it is known as commingling. That can change their status from being separate assets, turning them into marital assets. For example, say that you saved up $100,000 over the course of your career, all prior to getting married. You kept that money in a personal bank account. If it stayed in your own personal account and your spouse was never given access to it, it is likely a separate asset, so you do not have to divide it. But if you got married and then transferred the $100,000 into a joint account with your spouse, this commingles it and mixes it with other marital assets. Courts will often order that the entire account now qualifies as a marital asset, so you have to split up even the money that you earned prior to getting married, unless you have a prenuptial agreement stating otherwise. The status of your assets can dramatically change how they are divided in property division, so it is very important for you to understand exactly what legal steps to take during the divorce.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[Easing back into school-year custody schedules]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247265 2026-08-09T11:34:43Z 2026-08-09T11:34:43Z Florida parents realize that the transition back into the school-year schedule is upon us. The first day for Lake County schools is August 10. For parents who have separated, divorced or just broken up with their kid’s other parent, this can be a time of trepidation and anxiety. Below are some tips for a smoother transition for all when adjusting to the custody plan in place for most of the year.

Keep it civil with an app

Depending on the parties and the circumstances, it’s not always possible to communicate with a former spouse or soon-to-be ex. Rarely is anything solved with acrimonious texts to one another. Rather, use a parenting app that preserves a record of who said what and when. Different companies each have their version, so pick one and use it exclusively to communicate regarding the kids.

Be willing to compromise

Maybe Halloween has always been your big holiday, while your ex immerses themselves in the Thanksgiving holidays. By agreeing to swap weekends, you can provide the kids with the best of both worlds and/or cultures. Remember, too, that acquiescing to your co-parent’s reasonable requests and accommodations now can later be cited when it’s you who wants to swap custody weekends.

Get an interim custody order

You may be fine handling things casually because it’s never been a problem. But will it be a problem if your ex starts bringing their new love interest around your children? A well-drafted interim custody agreement will likely be signed by the judge because the parties consent. Without a formal agreement in place, there are no parameters to guide your and the other parent’s activities with the kids.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[Can a prenup define child custody rights?]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247263 2026-07-23T02:28:12Z 2026-07-23T02:28:12Z No, your prenuptial agreement cannot be used to define your child custody rights. This means that you cannot use a prenup to guarantee that you get sole custody, for example, and you also cannot use it to waive your custody rights so that your ex has sole custody. The same is generally true for child support issues. They should not be discussed in a prenuptial agreement, but should be determined during a divorce. Even if both parties have signed a prenup stating that only one of them should have child support obligations, and the other should not, the court does not have to adhere to that agreement. They can still set up a support order involving both parents, the same way that they could set up a child custody order.

Why can’t prenups address children?

The main rule here is that a prenuptial agreement is for the adults at the time they get married, and it should generally just address assets that they own. It should not be used to make any decisions that would affect future children, who may not even be born at the time that the agreement is signed. The reasoning behind this is that courts try to address a child's best interests. For instance, the court may naturally think that it is best for the child to have a relationship with both parents, so joint custody should be used. At the same time, the court may believe it would be better for the child's standard of living if they received financial support from both parents, rather than just one. Because the court is looking out for the child's needs, rather than what the parents want, a prenuptial agreement addressing these details would not be binding, even if both parents voluntarily signed it.

Understanding the divorce process

Knowing how a prenup works is just one part of considering the complexities of a divorce with children. If you and your spouse are going through this process, it can be helpful to work with an experienced attorney so that you understand all of your rights, obligations and legal options.

]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[3 tips for safer child exchanges]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247261 2026-07-09T23:32:27Z 2026-07-09T23:32:27Z ask social media for support. While that may feel helpful in the moment, it can also create more conflict and affect how your co-parenting choices are viewed.

1. Keep the exchange calm and simple

A smooth exchange starts before you arrive.
  • Choose a neutral, public place if home exchanges often lead to tension.
  • Keep conversations short and focused on the child.
  • Avoid discussing money, past arguments or court issues during the exchange.
  • Arrive on time and bring everything your child needs.
Your child should not feel caught in the middle. A calm handoff helps them feel safe, even when the adults do not agree.

2. Think before you record

Recording may feel like protection, but it can also raise new problems.
  • Check whether recording is allowed in your agreement.
  • Do not record to provoke or embarrass the other parent.
  • Keep your phone steady and quiet if you truly need documentation.
  • Never ask your child to record or explain what happened.
Documentation should support safety, not create more stress.

3. Keep parenting problems off social media

Posting about your co-parent may feel like a release, but it can follow you.
  • Do not share videos of exchanges online.
  • Avoid naming, shaming or hinting at private family issues.
  • Save screenshots, messages or concerns in a private folder instead.
  • Use a co-parenting app when communication keeps breaking down.
Private records are usually more useful than public posts. Safe exchanges are about protecting your child and your long-term parenting relationship. If drop-offs keep turning into conflicts, you are better off seeking legal guidance to help you understand your options. This can help you make better choices without escalating the situation.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[When is the right time to broach the topic of divorce?]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247260 2026-06-26T11:04:42Z 2026-06-26T11:04:42Z The decision to divorce is one that may occur slowly over many years. As marital dynamics change and spouses grow apart from one another, one may start thinking about the path to a better future. Some people may make the decision to divorce abruptly upon learning about infidelity or financial misrepresentation. In either situation, people often worry about how to broach the topic and how emotional the conversation might make their spouse. Choosing the right time and location for the conversation can help people take control of what can be a difficult discussion.

Preparation comes before conversation

People who know that divorce is likely may engage in many different types of misconduct. They might spend an unnecessary amount of money, quit their jobs to reduce household income or even begin a smear campaign involving the couple’s children to alienate them from their other parent. Therefore, those intending to file for divorce often need to take steps to prepare in advance before discussing the idea with the spouse. Sitting down with an attorney to review financial records, collecting accurate documentation and ensuring that there are professionals or community members ready to support both the spouses and any children they have are important steps to take before bringing up the idea of divorce. As for the conversation about filing, it may be best received when stress levels are low, on a day without pre-existing emotional significance. For most people, a quiet conversation in a private location is the best means of broaching the topic. For those concerned about egregious misconduct or domestic violence, allowing disclosure to occur when a process server delivers paperwork may be the safest option. An attorney can inform spouses of the process ahead and can help them determine how to discuss divorce with a spouse. Making an appointment to learn more about divorce is an important step for those who believe their marriages are about to end.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[Which parent pays for uncovered medical costs for children?]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247255 2026-06-07T12:06:02Z 2026-06-07T12:06:02Z Parents usually split uncovered costs Both parents have a responsibility to ensure that their children receive the medical care they need. In most standard shared custody scenarios where one parent may pay child support, it is common for parents to share responsibility for any medical expenses not covered by insurance. The exact allocation of responsibility depends on several factors, including the incomes of both parents. Provided that the care was actually necessary, both adults may have a portion of responsibility for any of the uncovered expenses that insurance does not pay. For parents preparing for custody and support negotiations, reaching a specific agreement about uncovered medical expenses can be helpful, as it makes financial obligations more predictable. Having legal guidance when establishing a child support order or interpreting it to address certain expenses can help parents to better ensure that their children get the care they need.]]>