Three Things You Need To Know About Child Custody Matters In Florida
If you are a parent going through a divorce, one of your primary concerns may be how your children will be cared for and supported. Child custody matters are significant in a divorce, but with proper guidance and representation, you can establish a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule that benefits you, the other parent, and most importantly, your children. The Law Office of Laura A. Olson, P.A., offers the assistance of a Tampa child custody attorney to help you create a suitable plan for your family’s needs.
#1 – Courts will prioritize joint custody between parents.
In Florida, child custody laws prioritize frequent and continuing contact between minor children and both parents after a separation or dissolution of marriage. The state encourages parents to share the rights, responsibilities, and joys of childrearing. Shared custody or shared parental responsibility is typically ordered by the court, unless one parent can demonstrate that shared custody would be harmful to the child.
Once the decision is made that parents will share custody, the focus shifts to the specifics. The parents must work together to develop a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule that outlines when the children will reside with each parent and how significant child-rearing decisions will be made. Providing more detail in the plan can lead to better operation and fewer disputes that require litigation.
#2 – The primary consideration in any child custody plan is the best interest of the child or children.
In all custody issues, the court’s primary consideration is what will be in the child’s best interest. To fully consider the child’s best interests, a court considers around 20 statutory factors. Attorney Laura Olson is experienced in preparing evidence and presenting a compelling case for each relevant factor. These factors include:
- The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship, to honor the time-sharing schedule, and to be reasonable when changes are required.
- The anticipated division of parental responsibilities after the litigation, including the extent to which parental responsibilities will be delegated to third parties.
- The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to determine, consider, and act upon the needs of the child as opposed to the needs or desires of the parent.
- The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity
- And more.
#3 – A parenting plan has certain requirements that must be included under Florida law.
According to Florida child custody law, a parenting plan must address all of the following at a minimum:
- How the parents will share and take responsibility for the child’s daily upbringing tasks
- The time-sharing arrangements that specify when the minor child will spend time with each parent
- Health care responsibilities
- School-related matters, including the address for school-boundary determination and registration
- Other activities’ responsibilities
- Methods and technologies that the parents will use to communicate with the child.
The Law Office of Laura A. Olson Can Help With Your Child Custody Needs.
If you are going through a child custody proceeding call the Law Office of Laura A. Olson, P.A., at 813-222-0888 for a free, initial consultation.
