IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
	IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

Case No.:  FMCE 09‑000250 41 91	
Division:  Family	

MICHAEL GANTINE,
	Petitioner,

	and

MICHELLE WATTS,
	Respondent

	LONG DISTANCE PARENTING PLAN

1.  PARENTING PLAN OF:

	This Parenting Plan is submitted to the court with the agreement of the parties.

	This Parenting Plan is a final Parenting Plan.

Mother
Name:  Michelle Watts
	Address:  2132 Prentiss Drive, Downers Grove, Illinois
Telephone Number:  (317) 289-0037
E-Mail:  mwatts727@yahoo.com

Father
Name:  Michael Gantine
Address:  __________________________________
West Palm Beach, Florida.
Telephone Number:  
E-Mail:  

THIS PARENTING PLAN INVOLVES THE FOLLOWING CHILD:

Name	Date of Birth	Sex	
Jacob Ryan Gantine	May 31, 2008	Male	

2.  JURISDICTION

	The United States is the country of habitual residence of the child.

	The State of Florida is the child's home state for the purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.

	This Parenting Plan is a child custody determination for the purposes of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, the International Child Abduction Remedies Act, 42 U.S.C. Sections 11601 et seq., the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act, and the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction enacted at the Hague on October 25, 1980, and for all other state and federal laws.

	Venue is proper in the county of Broward. Jurisdiction is proper in the State of Florida.

3.  GENERAL PARENTING PRINCIPLES

A.	Shared Parental Responsibility/Decision Making.

	It is in the best interests of the minor child that both maintain shared decision-making for all major decisions that affect the child.  Such decisions include but are not limited to:

		Each parent shall make decisions regarding day-to-day care and control of the child while he is with that parent.

		Each parent will make emergency decisions affecting the health or safety of the child, notifying the other parent at the earliest opportunity, not to exceed 24 hours.

		Each parent shall have access to all academic, medical, and other health related information pertaining to the child, and they shall sign any necessary documentation ensuring that both parents have access to said records. Both parents shall share all information to such records.

		Each parent shall be responsible for getting their own copies of records and reports directly from the school and medical facilities. In the event that any provider will not provide such information or documentation to the other parent, the parent with access shall provide such copies to the other parent.

		Each parent has independent authority to confer with the child's school, day care, medical and health related providers and other programs with regard to the child's educational, emotional and social progress.

		Both parents shall be listed as emergency contacts for the child.

		Each parent shall make sure the other parent has current home, work, and emergency address and contact information for the other parent. In the event of any change of address, phone number or other contact information, such parent shall notify the other parent within 36 hours of such change.

B.	In the event that parties do not agree on a parental decision:

	The parents shall first submit the issue to mediation.

4.  CHILDREN'S RIGHTS.  Each child has a right:

	To have two parents to love without fear of anger or guilt from the other; and

	To develop an independent and meaningful relationship with the other parent, and to respect the differences of each parent and their home; and

	To be absent, insulated and protected from the parents' differences with each other and arguments or discussions; and

	Be free of negative comments and behavior by one parent about the other; and

	To be absent, insulated and protected from disparaging, belittling or alienating statements about the other parent; and

	To not be used as a messenger, delivery means or means of communication with the other parent; and

	To not be questioned about the other parent.

	Neither parent shall permit the child to call any other party by the term of ‘mother’, ‘mommy’, ‘father’, ‘daddy’ or the like, other than the biological parents.

5.  EDUCATION

	The child shall be enrolled and registered in school by either parent as necessary.   (NOTE:  This assignment does not determine where the child shall attend school.  That determination shall be made by the school district rules.)

	For school and school district purposes, the Mother's address shall be designated. As such, the Mother will enroll the child in school should the child attend in Illinois. 

	Extra-curricular Activities:

	Either parent may register the child and allow them to participate in the activity of the child's choice.

	The parents must mutually agree to all extra-curricular activities.

	The parent with the minor child shall transport the minor child to and/or from all mutually agreed upon extra-curricular activities, providing all necessary uniforms and equipment within the parent's possession.

	The costs of the extra-curricular activities shall be paid by:  Mother 50%, Father 50%.

	The uniforms and equipment required for the extra-curricular activities shall be paid by:  Mother 50%, Father 50%.

	If the child attends camps, the costs shall be split 50/50 for each parent.

6.  MEDICAL

	Parents shall discuss all medical, psychological, counseling, therapeutic, optical, orthodontic, dental or other health related care and needs of the child.

	In the event of serious illness, accident or hospitalization affecting the health of the child, the parent with the knowledge of such event shall immediately notify the other parent.

	A parent scheduling a routine, general or other necessary appointment for the child shall notify the other parent in writing within 7 days, in writing, that the appointment has been scheduled.  The notice shall include the health care provider's name and contact information.

	Uncovered medical expenses of the child shall be paid by the parents as follows:  Mother, 50%; Father, 50%.

	Uncovered dental and/or orthodontic expenses of the child shall be paid by the parents as follows:  Mother, 50%; Father, 50%.

	Uncovered psychological, counseling, therapeutic or other health related needs or expenses of the child shall be paid by the parents as follows:  Mother, 50%; Father, 50%. Per parties agreement as to such provider. 

7.  RELIGION

	Each parent may provide religious instruction in the faith they so desire.

8.  SCHEDULING

A.	School Calendar

	On or before August 1 of each year, both parents shall obtain a copy of the school calendar for the next school year to discuss and create a parenting contact calendar following the child's academic calendar and this Parenting Plan.

	The parents shall follow the school calendar for County wherein the child attends school.

B.	Definitions.  Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, the academic break periods or holidays:

	Begin:  At the end of the last scheduled day of classes before the holiday or break, and
	End:  On the evening before the first day of regularly scheduled classes after the holiday or break.

C.	Schedule Changes

	A parent making a request for a schedule change will make the request as soon as possible, but in any event, except in cases of emergency, no less than 7 days before the change is to occur.

	A parent requesting a change of schedule shall be responsible for any additional child care, or transportation costs caused by the change.  Reimbursement for additional child care costs, caused by a parent's request for a schedule change, shall be provided within 15 days of payment.

D.	Schedule Conflicts

	In the event holiday or vacation time conflicts with the ongoing parenting time, the scheduled holiday or vacation time sharing shall be observed.

9.  COMMUNICATION PLAN WITH THE CHILD

	Each parent shall notify the other parent within 5 days of any change to his/her contact information.

	Each parent shall maintain a working phone and internet access at their own expense.

	Telephone contact shall not be monitored by or interrupted by the other parent.

	The parent not with the child shall talk to the child daily.  The parent not with the child shall place the call.

	The child shall be permitted to call the other parent at any reasonable time they request. The parent with the child shall assist the child in making the call if needed.

	Each parent will maintain internet with webcam communication to facilitate open communication between the non time-sharing parent and child for daily communication. 

	If the parties cannot agree to a communication time, it will be between 8:00 – 8:30 pm EST. Each parent agrees to assist the child as necessary to facilitate such communication.

10.  COMMUNICATION PLAN BETWEEN PARENTS

	The parents shall communicate about issues concerning the child by telephone, text message, fax, email or certified U.S. mail return receipt requested.

11.  CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

	Child Care Provider means any party other than the parent who is caring for the child.

	Parents may individually select appropriate child care providers.

	Each parent must offer the other parent the opportunity to care for the child before using a child care provider for any period exceeding 24 hours.

12.  CONFLICT RESOLUTION

	Parents will first attempt to cooperatively resolve any disputes that may arise over the terms of this Parenting Plan, outside the presence of the child.

	These provisions are not applicable if immediate court action is required to protect the child in an emergency situation.

	If the parents are unable to reach an agreement, the parents shall use mediation to help resolve the issue, and if the parents are unable to mutually agree on a mediator, the court shall decide. Unless otherwise agreed during mediation, the mediator shall be paid by the parents as follows:  Mother, 50%; Father, 50%.

13.  MODIFICATIONS TO THIS PARENTING PLAN

	This Parenting Plan may be modified on a temporary basis provided both parents agree in writing.  When the parents do not agree, the Parenting Plan remains in effect until further order of the court.

	If both parents agree to make a change to this Parenting Plan, such modification must be in writing, signed by both parties and filed with the court.

14.  RULES THAT APPLY TO EXCHANGE AND TRAVEL

	All necessary information will accompany the child including:
		Medicine and dosage in its original packaging
		Homework assignments, school projects and directions
		Social activities with equipment
		Appointments
		Sleep / meal schedules

	During all transportation exchanges neither parent shall display anger, sarcasm or profanity in the presence of the child.

	Required child's belongings will be provided to the parent by the transporting parent.

	The local parent shall ensure each child has adequate clothing and personal effects for the duration of the visit with the away parent.

	The away parent shall return each child clean, fed, with the clothes, personal effects and toys they took with them.

	Either parent shall be permitted to take the child on vacation away from their usual residence.

	A written itinerary shall be provided to the other parent 30 days prior to the trip or, if a vacation is planned on short notice, as soon as the trip is planned.

	Neither parent shall be permitted to take the child out of the U.S.A. without the written permission of the other parent or a court order.

A.  If Driving, Exchanges Shall Occur:

	The parents shall meet at the following central location:  _______________________

	Neither parent shall be more than 30 minutes late without prior notice.  If the parties do not agree on an alternate exchange arrangement, the following plan shall be followed:  the inconvenienced parent shall be entitled to additional time with the child to be used with prior notice.

B.  If Using Public Transportation:

	Cost of transportation of a child for visits with the Away Parent is to be paid by:  Mother, 0%; Father, 100%. Should the child travel to Florida for a visit, the Father will travel, at his expense to collect the child. For the child’s return to Illinois, the Mother will travel, at her expense to collect the child. The Father shall pay travel costs for child and such costs will be credited toward child support.

	If a child misses a travel connection, any additional costs incurred to book a substitute connection shall be the sole responsibility of the parent who fails to get the child to the missed connection.

	The parents shall work together to purchase one round trip ticket whenever possible so long as it is the least expensive travel alternative.

	If the parents are sharing travel costs, the non‑purchasing parent shall reimburse the other parent within 14 days of receipt of documentation establishing the travel cost.

	The parents shall exchange travel information and finalize travel plans at least 14 days in advance of the date of travel.

	Except in cases of an emergency, any parent requesting a change of travel plans less than 14 days in advance of the date of travel shall by solely responsible for any additional costs.

	Unless otherwise agreed, to begin a visit the Local Parent shall take the child to the airport and place the child on the flight.

	Unless otherwise agreed, to end a visit the Away Parent shall fly with the child and return him or her to the Local Parent's residence.

C.  Restrictions for Out of Country Travel:

	Out of country travel is not permitted without the prior written consent of the other parent.  Such consent shall provide the child's itinerary, travel mode, address and contact numbers.

	Travel is permitted only to countries that are signatory members of the Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of Child Abduction, and with a parent.

15.  TIME-SHARING PLAN

The Father may exercise time-sharing one weekend per month wherein the Father shall travel to Illinois to visit with the child from for a 4 day period or long weekend. The Father will be responsible for his own transportation and accommodations while visiting with the child. The child will remain with the Father during this visit for uninterrupted time-sharing.  
The Father will provide the Mother with not less than 10 days advance notice of the 4 day period he will be able to travel there to exercise time-sharing. If the parties cannot agree to what time period for any given month, the Father will have as a default, the 3rd weekend of the month.
When the child begins elementary school/pre-k/ or reaches the age of 5 years old. The child will visit the Father in Florida every other month for a long weekend when the child has a Monday or Friday off of school. The month that the child does not visit Florida the Father may still exercise his long weekend in Illinois.
The Father will be responsible for all flight expenses for himself and the child. The Father will also provide an itinerary not less than 10 days in advance. The parties agree to follow any necessary restrictions for child travel pursuant to the airline as necessary. For instance, if the airline will allow a child travel alone on a non-stop flight from Illinois to Florida for an additional cost, the Father will pay such additional cost. If the parties agree to have the child accompanied, the Father will pay for himself or other agreed upon adult to collect the child, and the Mother will pay for herself or agreed upon adult to collect the child after the Father’s visit.
The parties agree that the child will not travel unaccompanied prior to his entry into elementary school or age 6 years old.
Christmas/ New Years Holiday:  On even years, the first portion of the holiday (Dec. 24 – 28) will be with Dad and the second portion of holiday will be with Mom (Dec. 29 - Jan. 1).  On odd years, this will alternate (i.e. Mom will have first portion, Dad will have second portion).   For 2010, the first portion of the holiday (Dec. 24 – Dec. 28) will be with Dad.  For 2012, and further even years, Dad will be able to have Jacob for a longer duration (Dec. 29 – Jan. 14) due to his request to have Jacob for the 3 King’s Holiday.  Father will have Jacob in Florida for his Christmas or New Years time with Jacob.
The child will travel to Florida for this holiday time-sharing with the Father.
Easter Holiday:	In even years, the Sunday of the weekend that Easter falls on will be a weekend designated for Dad.   In odd years, the weekend will be designated for Mom.  For 2011, the Easter weekend will be with Mom. 
Spring Break: 		When the child begins elementary school/pre-k/ or reaches the age of 5 years old, the child will spend each Spring Break with the Father in Florida.
Mother’s Day:		Mother’s Day will always be with Mom.
Birthday (May 31):  During even years, Jacob’s birthday will be with his Dad.  During odd years, it will be with his Mom.  When school begins, if Dad’s birthday year falls on a school day and Dad can’t come to Illinois that day, Dad can come the surrounding weekend to celebrate Jacob’s birthday.  In addition, Dad has asked that each extend invitations to the other parent for all years.  For 2011, Jacob’s birthday will be with his Mom.
Father’s Day:	Father’s Day will always be with Dad.
Halloween (Oct. 31):  During odd years, Halloween can be spent with Dad.  During even years, Halloween is to be spent with Mom.  For 2010, Halloween will be spent with Mom.  As this is not a school break holiday, Dad agrees that unless the Halloween falls on a weekend, he will visit and spend Halloween with Jacob in Illinois. When Jacob is attending school, if the Halloween falls on a Friday or Saturday, Father may elect to fly Jacob to Florida for that weekend.
Thanksgiving:  During even years, Thanksgiving will be with Dad.  During odd years, Thanksgiving will be with Mom.  Thanksgiving will run from the day before Thanksgiving (as long as it doesn’t interfere with a school day) until the Sunday of the weekend the holiday ends at 6:00 pm.  For 2010, Thanksgiving will be with Dad.
Summer: The Father will enjoy the first half of the summer with Jacob each year, commencing the first Friday after school breaks for summer. 
Until the child begins school, such summer vacation will begin June 1 through July 15. The parties will begin this summer visitation the summer of 2011.    Mom will be able to visit Jacob in Florida during this summer time visitation with Father. The Mother will notify the Father not less than 10 days in advance of her visit, and may exercise one (1) weekend with Jacob during Father’s summer visit. The Father will be entitled to the same one (1) weekend visit with Jacob during the second half of the summer break in Illinois during Mother’s summertime with Jacob under the same terms as stated above.
Exchanges can be done at a place of the parents choosing. If the parties cannot agree, the exchange shall take place at the airport/airline baggage claim area.
Child Support: The Father will pay child support to the Mother in the amount of two hundred ($200.00) per month, to be paid directly to the Mother not later than the 15th day of each month. This amount is based on the parties’ respective incomes, needs of the child, time-sharing with the Father, and that the Father will pay all reasonable and necessary travel expenses for the child and himself to facilitate time-sharing. The Father will also pay his 50% share of expenses stated in the foregoing parenting plan.
Due to Jacob’s residence with the Mother, the Mother will list him as a dependent for tax purposes.

	Each parent shall provide the other parent with the contact information for the child's school, sports, extracurricular and religious activities within 3 days of getting that information. Thereafter, it shall be the other parent's responsibility to stay informed of the child's events and activities.

20.  PARENT INFORMATION

Mother
Name:  Michelle Watts
Address:  2132 Prentiss Drive, Downers Grove, Illinois
Home Phone:  
Work Phone:  
Cell Phone:  (317) 289-0037
Substitute Phone:  

Father
Name:  Michael Gantine
Address:  West Palm Beach, Florida., 
Home Phone:  
Work Phone:  
Cell Phone:  
Substitute Phone:  

	By signing this Parenting Plan, I confirm that I have read all of the pages and any attachments, I understand it and I believe that it is in the best interest of my child. I am freely and voluntarily entering into this Agreement and I request that the Judge approve it.

Date signed: 	

	
Michelle Watts, Mother

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STATE OF ILLINOIS
COUNTY OF ______________

	I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this day personally appeared before me, an officer duly authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgements, Michelle Watts, to me well known to be the person described in or who produced a ________Driver's License as identification, who executed the foregoing Parenting Plan and acknowledged before me that she executed the same freely and voluntarily and for the purpose therein expressed. WITNESS my hand and official seal in the County and state last aforesaid this             day of                                           , 2010.

NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK

[Print, type or stamp commissioned name of notary or clerk]

	By signing this Parenting Plan, I confirm that I have read all of the pages and any attachments, I understand it and I believe that it is in the best interest of my child. I am freely and voluntarily entering into this Agreement and I request that the Judge approve it.

Date signed: 	

	
Michael Gantine, Father

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STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF BROWARD

	I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this day personally appeared before me, an officer duly authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgements, Michael Gantine, to me well known to be the person described in or who produced a Florida Driver's License as identification, who executed the foregoing Parenting Plan and acknowledged before me that he executed the same freely and voluntarily and for the purpose therein expressed. WITNESS my hand and official seal in the County and state last aforesaid this             day of                                           , 2010.
	
NOTARY PUBLIC or DEPUTY CLERK

[Print, type or stamp commissioned name of notary or clerk]