Child Custody Laws in Florida
In the state of Florida, they refer to join custody as “time-sharing”. It is preferred that a time-
sharing agreement is to be put in place and that means that one parent gets physical custody of a child whereas the other parent is allowed generous visitation rights.
Best Interests of the Child
Florida courts will determine who will get custody and who will get time-sharing based on what is in the best interests of the child. In that decision they will consider:
- Each parents want to help the child accumulate a relationship with the other parent and be supportive of the relationship, to understand and respect the time-sharing agreement and schedule, and to understand any rescheduling.
- The parents capability to support the child’s needs and their own needs simultaneously.
- The physical and mental health of the parent.
- Stability of the home environment.
- History of domestic or sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or neglect.
- If the child is aged 12 or older, the child can choose which parent they would prefer to live with.
- If the parent will be involved in the child’s extra curricular activities and school work.
Relocation of the Child
There is a possibility that the parent who has sole custody will be allowed to relocate with the child but only if both of the parents sign an agreement which states:
- Consent of the parental relocation.
- Explains the new time-sharing schedule for the parent who is not moving.
- Describes time-sharing related transportation agreements.
Child Custody Modifications
The child custody that was once decided upon in the family courts will not have the possibility of being modified unless the following actions occur:
- The non-custodial parent can show a significant change in circumstances.
- The modification must be in the child’s best interests.
If you are looking for any further information you can contact the Florida Family Courts or ask your family lawyer. Gaining custody of your child may be one of the hardest times in your life but it may turn out to be the best decision that you could have ever made. The custody laws in Florida are in place to ensure that your child obtains the best treatment available and that they are placed with the parent that will be able to provide the most to them.
Unlike many other states, Florida allows parents to relocate their children as long as there is a written consent involved, which can be a benefit for a parent who has to relocate for a job. The best decision is to hire a lawyer to make sure that you obtain the best results in a legally binding way.
Editors Note: For more information on Child Custody Laws please make sure and check out the Child Custody State Laws Guide for more detailed information.
Child Custody Law
Child Custody Rights