Florida has recently overhauled its child custody laws. Instead of the terms “custody” and “visitation,” courts now use the terms “parental responsibility” and “time-sharing.” The new laws state that both parents should have an equal amount of time with their children unless there is a reason to believe it would be detrimental to the child.
The Best Child Custody Attorney in Pensacola Florida
Finding the best child custody is vital for anyone who wants to keep their children close after a divorce or separation. It is important to find an experienced lawyer who understands the law and will fight for your rights. A good child custody attorney will be able to create a parenting plan that meets your needs and the needs of your child. They will also be able to help you modify a current custody agreement if circumstances change.
A good Child Custody Attorney will also have the experience to deal with complex matters like domestic violence and abuse. They will also be able to assist with cases involving child support. In some situations, the parents will be able to agree on a parenting plan before the court issues a decision.
Historically, courts have often favored the mother when it comes to custody of the children particularly during the “tender years.” The new Florida statutes do not favor one parent over the other and both parents should be allowed to spend quality time with their children.
There are many factors that judges consider when determining custody of a child including the child’s living arrangements, the parents ability to provide a stable and satisfying environment, the health of both parents, any history of alcohol or drug abuse, any past abusive behavior and any other factor that might affect the safety of the child.
A judge will also listen to the wishes of the child if they are old enough to express them. However, the preference of a four or five-year-old will not be as important as the preference of a 14 or 15-year-old.
If there is any reason to think that granting both parents equal parental responsibility and time with the child may be harmful to the child, the judge may award sole custody to one parent. This is usually only awarded in very extreme cases and requires strong evidence of harm or danger. In most cases, a judge will award both parents joint custody and allow them to make decisions on their own. The most common reason that a judge will award sole custody is if there is a credible threat of domestic violence or abuse against the parent who would otherwise be given shared parental responsibility and time. In this case, a judge will often order supervised visitation or prevent contact with the child until such time as the parent has been cleared by the police department and any other applicable agencies. This is known as a protective order. In some cases, a judge will even place the child in the care of child protective services. Click here for more details.
