Understanding Sole Custody in Florida

Child custody is a complex area of family law. As in most states, Florida courts develop custody arrangements based on the child’s best interests.

 

 

The same is true when one parent approaches the court in order to obtain sole custody of a child. If you are considering this option, then it is important to understand what sole custody is and the possible outcomes to expect.

At The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A., we can assist you with your child custody proceedings. Mr. Raheb is a Naples child custody lawyer who can examine your case and help you avoid making mistakes that would compromise your interests.

Call us today at 866-949-0888 to schedule an appointment, and read on to learn about sole custody and possible application outcomes:

Sole Custody in Florida

According to Florida Statutes, there are two important concepts that can affect the outcome of a child custody case: parental responsibility and parenting time. Parenting time is a critical component of child custody because it will stipulate which parent receives time with the child and what the overall contact schedule should be. Parental responsibility is a broader concept that covers current and future decisions related to the child.

Many parents wish to have control over all decisions related to their children. According to WomensLaw.org, these include small decisions, such as daily tasks and living habits, as well as major ones, such as where to attend school and live. It is important to remember that the court will not necessarily link this decision-making authority to sole custody.

A court may grant one parent sole custody either with or without time-sharing. This means that one parent may have full, half, limited or no access to the child. At the same time, the judge may make a decision regarding the child’s physical home and permanent location.

Possible Outcomes to a Sole Custody Application

In all custody cases, the judge will make a decision in the best interests of the child. This often means that the judge will favor a ruling that gives the child access to both parents rather than award one parent sole custody.

As such, there are several possible outcomes to a sole custody application, including a restriction on overnight visits or supervised visitation. These are particularly common in cases when one parent has a history of domestic violence or drug abuse.

It is important to remember that the judge will evaluate each case on its merits. It may be beneficial to consult a child custody lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you make decisions that will give you the best chance of success.

At the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A., we can assist you with your child custody case. To schedule an appointment with a Naples child custody attorney from our firm, call us today at 866-949-0888.