Child Custody Lawyer Serving Pembroke Pines

About Child Custody in Broward County, FL

Florida Law strongly favors that both parents of divorce maintain frequent and meaningful contact with their children after divorce. Ultimately the test the court applies in resolving custody and visitation issues is the best interest of the children. In a typical divorce case the court will award both parents shared parental responsibility.

Recent changes in the law however have done away with the traditional labels of custodial and non custodial parent. Under the new law that took effect October 1, 2008 the court is required to implement a parenting plan that affords both parents the right and privilege to have frequent and continuing contact with their children.

In fashioning a parenting plan the courts are required to consider the following factors in determining an appropriate parenting plan:

• Which parent is more likely to enable the children to have frequent contact and a good relationship with the other parent
• The existing relationship between the children and each parent in terms of their shared love, emotional ties and affection
• Which parent is better equipped to provide for the children's basic needs including food, shelter, clothing, medical care and other types of material needs
• How long the children have lived in their current home and the desirability of maintaining this stability
• How long the children and the custodial parent would be expected to remain in the same location where they are proposed to live
• The moral fitness and mental and physical health of the parents
• The home, school, and community record of the child
• In cases where the court deems that the child is capable of forming and expressing an opinion, the child's preference may be taken into account
• Evidence that any party has knowingly provided false information to the court regarding a domestic violence proceeding pursuant to s. 741.30
• Evidence of domestic violence or child abuse
• Any other fact considered by the court to be relevant.

A custody lawyer could help you.

You may have more questions about child custody visitation and how your particular situation is impacted by this situation. As an experienced Pembroke Pines family law attorney, I can help you navigate a complicated divorce or separation and how to best handle issues related to child custody. Do not hesitate to contact my firm for a free initial consultation so we can discuss your particular situation.