How Hurricanes And Other Unexpected Events Impact Tampa Parenting Plans

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season makes clear how the unexpected can happen. Storms along the Gulf Coast challenged even the most knowledgeable experts, changing patterns, increasing size, and taking surprising trajectories.

With storms wreaking havoc in our area, families are struggling. Our Tampa child custody lawyer warns that if you have a Florida parenting plan in place, do your best to follow it. Find out how unexpected events impact parenting plans in Hillsborough County and how to protect yourself and your child.

Hurricanes Take A Heavy Toll On Tampa Parents: Common Custody Problems

Weeks after Hurricane Helene battered the Gulf Coast, Hurricane Milton made landfall in early October 2024, just an hour or so south of Tampa in Siesta Key. Still recovering from Helene-related storm damages, city officials warned of life-threatening storm surges and flying debris.

Fortunately, that did not materialize. The Tampa Bay Times quoted the mayor after the storm, as he assured the community that damages were not as bad as initially feared.

We may have dodged widespread devastation, but there was a discernible impact on the community. If you are a divorced or single parent in Tampa and have a court-approved Florida parenting plan in place,  you may be dealing with one of the following problems:

• The other parent is undependable, frequently canceling or being late;
• They make unapproved changes to your custody arrangements;
• They expose your child to danger or otherwise behave in ways that put the child at risk;
• They are using the storm as an excuse not to comply with custody orders.

Does a Hurricane Warrant Changing Tampa Child Custody Arrangements?

Living along the Gulf Coast, residents of Tampa are used to hurricanes. However, this does not mean storms are not stressful or reduce the potential threats. As a parent, you want to maintain stability for your child. This is problematic if the other parent fails to comply with custody orders.

There are obvious times to be flexible, such as when arranging transportation and visits during and immediately after a storm or other unexpected events. However, if it continues to be an issue, you may have to take further action. Our Tampa child custody lawyer recommends the following tips:

• Document ways in which the other parent fails to comply with a parenting plan;
• Speak to them about it, being respectful while making it clear their behavior will not be tolerated;
• Get legal guidance to determine your options regarding child custody modifications;
• Continue to adhere to any child custody orders issued through the Hillsborough County Court, as failing to do so could jeopardize your own parental rights.

For Trusted Legal Help, Contact Our Experienced Tampa Child Custody Lawyer

When the unexpected happens, parents may use it as an excuse not to comply with a child custody order, putting your child and your rights as a parent at risk. At Bubley & Bubley, P.A., we provide the professional representation you need to address the situation.  For trusted legal help, call or contact us online. Request a consultation with our experienced Tampa child custody lawyer today.

Sources:

tampabay.com/hurricane/2024/10/10/milton-thrashed-tampa-bay-helenes-debris-largely-stayed-put/

flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/file_pdf/995a.pdf

hillsclerk.com/