Each child is unique, and has a natural desire to please his or her parents. Many of us do our best to raise our kids, but there’s no easy route when a child is caught in the middle of a divorce. For them, this is a life changing event. It turns their world upside down.
In Florida, custody arrangements are now called Parenting Plans.
This statute involving parenting plans outlines the factors a court is to consider in determining how much time each parent has with the kids. It includes common sense items, like how well the children are doing where they live now.
But it also considers several other items. This includes how much each parent acts on the needs of their children, the demonstrated knowledge each parent shows about their kids, and the health of each parent. Domestic violence and drug use, of course, are also considered. The preferences of a child is also another factor, but kids should never be placed in the middle of a custody dispute.
Judges do their best to follow this statute.
…and they really do what they think is best for each child involved in a divorce. But they are limited in some respects, as they cannot govern what actually does go on in the household. Ultimately, the success of the children in a divorce depends on how flexible the parents are, and how well the parents work together. Too many people come in with an “all or nothing” approach, and this rarely works.
We can help guide you through this process, with a keen focus on what’s best for your children.
We can help you devise a parenting plan specifically tailored to your situation. And if it’s based on the best interests of your child, then it’s more likely to be accepted by a Court. Florida law promotes frequent contact with both parents. We make a dedicated effort to promote this policy, unless a different plan is better for your children.
