Child Custody Facts in Florida

In divorce cases, which minor children are involved, the court shall have jurisdiction to determine primary  custody and visitation amongst the parents. Child custody determinations in Florida are made with the child's best interests in mind, in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. In the state of Florida, it is the court's primary interest to ensure that parents who separate or divorce have frequent and continuing contact with their children.

For this purpose, the state of Florida works to encourage parents to share the rights, responsibilities and joys of raising their children. Once the court has considered all the important and relevant facts in a child custody case, both the mother and father will be given equal consideration when determining which parent will receive primary residential custody of the children.

The Florida court will order that the parental responsibility be shared by both parents in a divorce, unless one of the parents is not reasonably fit and such shared parental responsibility would be detrimental to the child. For example, if one parent has a substance abuse or alcohol abuse problem, if there is evidence of spousal abuse or child abuse or if one parent is mentally ill. If you are getting a divorce and have minor children involved, you want to contact a family law attorney who will protect your parental rights. When the court is making a determination regarding child custody, they will take the following into consideration:

• The capacity of the parents to provide food, clothing, shelter and medical care
• The morality of both parents
• The physical and mental health of both parents
• The child's preference
• The love and affection existing between parent and child
• The parent who is most likely to encourage frequent contact with the non-residential parent

Child Custody Lawyer in Tampa

If you are getting a divorce, a Tampa child custody attorney from Givens Divorce Law Group can help. We understand the highly sensitive nature of child custody issues, and your family is important to us. We will work aggressively to represent your best interests in your child custody matter. 

Contact a Tampa Child Custody Lawyer from our firm today for a free case evaluation if you are getting a divorce.