Ft. Lauderdale Child Custody Lawyers Help You Protect Your Child’s Interests

One of the most contentious points in a divorce is the issue of child custody. Divorced parents often feel overwhelmed dealing with the various negative aspects of divorce, and their frustration can become evident in a custody battle. Florida judges take great care when deciding child custody and in determining what is in the child’s best interests.

If you’re facing legal issues pertaining to parenting plans, parenting time, or child support, you need an experienced lawyer with the qualifications to resolve these matters expeditiously. The child custody lawyers at RTRLAW’s Ft. Lauderdale office understand this is an emotional time for you and your children. Our caring and compassionate family law attorneys can advise you about your legal options and work hard to protect your rights. Contact RTRLAW for a no-obligation case review today.

Does Florida Law Automatically Favor Mothers When Deciding Child Custody?

One of the biggest myths surrounding Florida child custody issues is that mothers are automatically favored over fathers. However, this concept is simply untrue. In actuality, Florida family law states that courts are not permitted to favor the mother or father when deciding child custody issues.

Nevertheless, it may seem the courts favor mothers, because even when employed, women often take on more childcare responsibilities than men. In addition, after a divorce, mothers typically continue the role of primary caregiver, and some courts are reluctant to make a change fearing the effects may be harmful to a child. However, many fathers today are more actively engaged in raising their children and acting as the primary caregiver.

Florida follows the principle that parents should be encouraged to share the rights and responsibilities of raising their children. Therefore, Florida courts urge parents to cooperate with one another to establish a feasible parenting plan that keeps the child’s best interests in mind. If you need assistance with creating a parenting plan or find it challenging to develop a plan with your child’s other parent, contact RTRLAW and find out how we can help you.

What Factors Are Considered by the Court When Deciding Child Custody?

As a result of recent societal changes, Florida courts now look at various factors when determining child custody issues. Some of the essential components the judge will evaluate are:

• The preference of the child (depending on the child’s age);
• Each parent’s ability and willingness to assist with the child’s needs, as opposed to their own;
• Each parent’s willingness and desire to encourage a relationship with the other parent, adhere to the parenting plan, and any other justifiable changes that may occur;
• Each parent’s ability and willingness to be present in the child’s life concerning school and extracurricular activities;
• The moral fitness of each parent and whether their conduct has or will adversely affect the child; and
• The child’s record regarding school, home, and the community.

What Types of Child Custody Arrangements Are Available in Florida?

Florida has two different types of custody, physical and legal, and four different types of child custody arrangements. Each arrangement depends significantly on the individual factors and circumstances involved in the case. These custody arrangements are:

• Sole Physical Custody: This type of custody is granted when the court feels the child would benefit more and perhaps even be safer with one parent assuming the role of caregiver. In many cases where sole custody is awarded to one parent, the court allows the non-custodial parent certain visitation rights.
• Joint Physical Custody: This is the most common type of custody awarded to parents. Joint physical custody means that the child splits their time evenly between both parents at their homes. For this reason, each parent acts as a caregiver to the child.
• Sole Legal Custody (Sole Parental Responsibility): The phrase “sole legal custody” is no longer used in Florida and has been replaced by the term “sole parental responsibility.” This means one parent is granted exclusive parenting rights and the authority to make significant life decisions for the child. The parent with sole parental responsibility is not legally obligated to consult the other parent concerning any major life choices they make for the child.
• Joint Legal Custody: This type of custody allows both parents to have equal authority when it comes to making major life decisions for their child. These decisions may include where they will live, their religious values, and where they will attend school. However, parents do not have to benefit from shared custody to make such determinations.

The four types of custody available in Florida can be confusing to understand without the help of a knowledgeable family law attorney. The child custody attorneys at RTRLAW will gladly review your case and identify which choice may be the best for your personal situation. However, keep in mind that a family court judge ultimately decides which type of custody you are granted.

What Type of Service Can I Expect from RTRLAW?

RTRLAW’s family law attorneys in Ft. Lauderdale recognize that dealing with child custody issues is likely one of the most stressful and overwhelming aspects you may ever have to deal with in your life. However, we understand that you only want what’s best for your child, so he or she can grow to be a happy, healthy, and independent adult.

Our child custody lawyers will work diligently to help you and the other parent resolve your issues, so you and your family can move on with your lives. Accordingly, we will file all the necessary legal paperwork required by the court regarding custody, such as parenting plans, meeting all deadlines and providing any other documentation the court or opposing counsel may request. Finally, and most importantly, we will stand by your side throughout the entire legal process and represent you in all court proceedings.

The type of custody you are granted may greatly depend upon the strength and experience of the attorney you choose to represent you. RTRLAW will provide you with sound legal representation and use our significant experience and resources to obtain a resolution that’s in your child’s best interests.

Contact RTRLAW in Ft. Lauderdale at (954) 370-5152 or toll free at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (833-447-3787 for a no-obligation case review and find out how our family law attorneys can assist you.