Florida courts encourage divorcing couples to reach a compromise on issues like child custody and visitation rights outside of the courtroom. If a compromise cannot be reached, then the judge will decide these matters for the couple. The court will always do what is in the best interests of the children involved in the case. This is why it is important to hire a skilled Pensacola Florida family law attorney to represent you.

The legal concept of “custody” has been overhauled in Florida. Instead of one parent being awarded full custody, or “primary physical” custody of the child, the courts now use terms such as “parental responsibility”, and “time-sharing”.

A parenting plan will establish a schedule of when each parent has the child, as well as how major decisions regarding the child will be made. The plan will also establish a list of things the parents must agree on before making a decision, such as medical decisions for the child. The court will consider a variety of factors when determining the time-sharing schedule, including the child’s current living arrangements, each parent’s ability to provide a stable and satisfactory environment for the child, and both parents’ financial situations.

Can A Father Get Custody In Florida?

Under state and federal laws, both mothers and fathers have equal rights to parental responsibilities and time-sharing of their children. However, it is very rare for a court to award a parent sole custody. In order for a court to grant a parent sole custody, it must find that the shared custody arrangement is harmful to the child or not in the best interests of the child.

In most cases, the judges in Florida favor joint or shared custody arrangements following a divorce. This allows both parents to be active in the child’s life, and it gives each parent the same level of authority when it comes to making decisions for the child. However, a judge may choose to award a single parent primary physical custody or sole legal custody in unusual circumstances.

It is important for any parent going through a separation or divorce to seek the help of a qualified family law attorney. The experienced attorneys at Virga Law Firm are skilled in handling all types of child custody and visitation disputes, and we have a deep understanding of how judges in Florida will assess and determine a parenting plan that is in the best interests of the children involved.

Whether you are filing for a divorce, need to modify an existing agreement, or have questions about parental rights, contact us to schedule a free consultation. We will review the details of your case and explain your options for a successful outcome. We offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments. Call or email our office today to get started. We look forward to hearing from you. We proudly serve clients in Pensacola, Florida, and the surrounding communities. If you are unable to travel to our office, we will arrange an in-home consultation upon request.