Parenting Plans, Discipline Disputes, and Injunctions in Florida

Sharing a child with someone you’re no longer in a relationship with can be emotionally and legally complicated. One of the most important tools for managing that relationship is a parenting plan, a legally binding agreement that outlines how each parent will share time and responsibility for their child. These plans actively protect the child’s best interests and help parents prevent conflict. However, in practice, parenting plans can be difficult to follow, especially in the early stages when emotions are still raw and trust between parents is low.

Parenting Styles Often Clash

Many parenting plan disputes arise from differences in parenting styles, especially when it comes to disciplining the child. One parent might feel the other is being too harsh or not strict enough. Sometimes, one parent hears that the other has used spanking or raised their voice and interprets this as a threat to the child’s safety. In some cases, these disagreements lead to motions filed in family court, or even requests for injunctions against the other parent.

Can Discipline Be Considered Domestic Violence?

This issue came to a head in the case of Bechert v. Bechert, where a father, Charles Bechert, was hit with a permanent injunction for protection against domestic violence based on claims of physical and verbal discipline toward his child. His ex-wife alleged that his disciplinary methods were violent and threatening. However, on appeal, the Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled that the evidence did not show that the child was in imminent danger or that there was a reasonable fear of future violence.

This case is a crucial reminder: Not all parenting disagreements rise to the level of domestic violence under Florida law. While courts take child safety seriously, they also require specific legal standards to be met before issuing permanent protective orders.

When Should You Involve the Courts?

If the other parent is mistreating your child or you’ve been wrongly accused of abuse or excessive discipline, consult an experienced family law attorney immediately. At Fighter Law, we help clients:

• Enforce or modify parenting plans
• Respond to or file motions regarding parental conduct
• Defend against or pursue injunctions for protection
• Navigate accusations related to discipline or abuse

Know Your Rights and Protect Your Child

Whether you’re dealing with conflict over discipline, uncertainty about parenting plan enforcement, or a pending injunction, we’re here to guide you through it. These cases are highly sensitive and emotionally charged. You need an attorney who understands both the law and the human side of family conflict.

Contact Fighter Law

At Fighter Law, we bring compassion and strategy to every family law case. Our team has extensive experience handling custody disputes, parenting plan enforcement, and injunction defense in Florida courts.

If you’re in the middle of a dispute or facing legal action related to your parenting plan, don’t go it alone. Call Fighter Law today and get the legal protection and support your family deserves.

We fight because we care.

Attorney Oscar Salgado

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