Judges expect to see parents place the well-being of their child first when determining Florida custody. A court is going to take into account the extent to which both parents have shown the capacity and determination to fulfill a child’s developmental requirements and participate in the child’s life. This could include confirmation that the parent knows about the child’s close friends, schoolteachers, day-to-day activities, health care providers, and interests. The parent should also have taken interest in the child’s education and extracurricular pursuits. The court may even consider a parent’s capacity to provide structure and a routine such as consistent discipline and day-to-day plans for homework, food, and sleep time as well as the degree to which both parents were involved in child rearing before the divorce. Courts prefer schedules that sustain stability and minimize disturbances. A judge will look at the effect of the amount of travel between the houses of the parents, especially when the child is of a young age. A judge who feels that a child is older and sufficiently mature enough to make sensible and impartial decisions could permit the child to give a preference regarding their own custody.
Brandon Legal Group is ready to assist you in your custody negotiations, or custody battles. Even in an amicable divorce, it is rational to have an attorney to work with to protect your needs, and the needs of the child. Fell free to give us a call, the initial consultation is always free.