How Does Joint Custody Work?
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In the aftermath of a divorce or custody suit, if both parents are able to have equal say in making major decisions for their child or spend equal time with their child, this can be called joint custody. How exactly this is determined is left up to the courts if you and your spouse are unable to come to an agreeable solution on your own beforehand. When you need legal counsel during custody proceedings, turn to a dedicated Lakeland divorce attorney for help.
I have been practicing family law in Florida for over 20 years, offering my clients fearless advocacy for their divorce, custody, or other cases. At Advocate Law Firm, P.A. my clients get unique strategies to accomplish their family law goals from an informed third-party so they can make rational decisions that are the best for them.
How is custody determined?
Whether a court awards joint or sole custody comes down to what is in the child’s best interests. This vague notion comes down to several variables to determine which parent the child would be better served to spend the majority of their time with and have to make critical decisions for them.
The child’s best interests can depend on:
- Financial status of the parties
- Which parent will provide the best home environment
- Does each parent possess the child-rearing skills necessary
- Which parent the child chooses to live with, if old enough
- The ability of either parent to provide for the emotional, material, and needs of the child
- The moral fitness of the parents
- Any evidence of domestic violence or abuse by a parent
If the judge feels both parents can make decisions together amicably enough and will encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent, they may be inclined to award joint custody.
Joint Legal & Physical Custody
While Florida no longer uses terms such as custody or primary residence when dealing with children and divorce or paternity cases, courts can award parents shared parental responsibility or sole parental responsibility to one of the parents.
Shared parental responsibility is a situation in which both parents keep full parental rights and responsibilities regarding their child and the parents confer with one another when it comes to making major decisions about the child’s welfare.
Speak with a Lakeland divorce lawyer to learn how my firm can advise you during this difficult time. I bring a wealth of experience and compassionate counsel to every case and can help you determine how best to achieve your goals.
Call my firm and request your free case evaluation where we can discuss your rights and options.
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