Custody / Time Sharing
Custody / Time Sharing
If you are going through a divorce, one of the most important things to consider is child custody. How will you and your ex-spouse share parenting responsibilities? Who will make decisions about your children’s lives? These are difficult questions to answer, but with the help of a divorce attorney, you can work out an agreement that is best for your family. Negotiating child custody in Florida is not always a simple process. Child custody arrangements can change over time, as well. An experienced Florida child custody attorney can help you pursue custody of your children after divorce.
The Basics of Child Custody Arrangements
After a divorce, the court will determine what type of child custody arrangement is best for the children. In most cases, the court will award joint legal custody, which means that both parents have a say in decisions that impact their children’s lives. However, the court may also award sole legal custody to one parent if that is in the best interest of the child.
The court will also award physical custody, which determines where the child will live. In some cases, the court may award joint physical custody, which means that the child will spend equal time with both parents. However, in most cases, one parent will be awarded primary physical custody and the other parent will have visitation rights.
The Process for Setting Up Child Custody
If you are going through a divorce, you and your spouse will need to agree on a child custody arrangement. If you cannot reach an agreement, the court will decide based on what is in the best interest of the child.
When deciding about child custody, the court will consider factors such as the child’s age, the child’s preferences, the relationship between the child and each parent, and each parent’s ability to care for the child.
The court may also consider any history of domestic violence or abuse. If there is a history of abuse from one parent, the court will likely not award that parent custody.
Child Custody Can Change Over Time
Child custody arrangements can be changed if either parent experiences a change in circumstances. For example, if the parent with primary physical custody gets a job offer out of state, the other parent may petition the court for a change in custody so that the child’s living arrangement can remain stable.
If the child’s needs change, such as when a child becomes a teenager, the custody arrangement may also be changed.
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Who Makes Decisions About Child Custody?
In most cases, both parents have a say in decisions about the child’s physical and legal custody. The courts want parents to decide these matters on their own, but that is not always possible. When parents cannot agree, or when there are concerns about either parent beng able to best care for the children’s best interests, then the court will step in and decide how the child custody should be awarded.
If you are going through a divorce, it is important to understand how child custody works. An experienced divorce attorney can answer your questions and help you reach an agreement that is in the best interest of your child.
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Professional Legal Counsel in Orlando
For years, the attorneys at The Law Firm of Anthony J. Diaz have been helping spouses Orlando and throughout Florida as they navigate the process involved in finalizing a divorce and arranging for child custody. Contact Anthony Diaz and The Law Firm of Anthony J. Diaz today for insight into your unique case.