Category Archives: Fort Lauderdale Child Custody
Termination of Parental Rights
The law, in general, favors keeping families united. This is especially true in Florida, where the courts use “time-sharing” arrangements instead of “child custody” when it comes to children spending time with parents who do not live together. Thus, parental rights may only be terminated pursuant to very specific circumstances, such as: When Parents… Read More »
Florida’s “Best Interest of the Child” Standard
The general legal standard in child custody battles typically involves the court asking what is in the best interest of the child. Under this standard, custody battles can get messy, with each parent sometimes accusing the other of poor parenting and even more serious allegations, such as child negligence or sexual abuse. According to… Read More »
Florida’s New Grandparent Visitation Law
A child and his or her parents are not always the only people affected by a divorce. Grandparents may also find that their rights have changed with respect to seeing their grandchild. In general, Florida courts prefer that families set up their own visitation plans. However, if there is discord and disagreement about these… Read More »
Advice for Parents Seeking To Relocate or Fight Relocation
Dealing with divorce, child custody, spousal support, etc. is difficult enough without also having to deal with a relocation issue, whether it is avoidable or not. That being said, it is not the intention of Florida law to prevent you from moving or locating where you need to be, but there are steps which,… Read More »
The Pros and Cons of Having a Guardian Ad Litem in a Child Custody/Time-Sharing Case
While we have discussed what a Guardian Ad Litem (Guardian) is and who is qualified to serve in the role, it is also crucial to understand how this person can specifically assist you with child custody and timesharing issues if you are dealing with this type of dispute in Florida. The Role of the… Read More »
Should I Move Out Of My Home?
A family’s home is often the most difficult asset to address during divorce proceedings because of the value that it holds to each family member. However, if you are dealing with separation or divorce, you must be careful about your activities with respect to your home to ensure that your rights are protected throughout… Read More »
When Parents Violate Child Custody Orders
Custody disputes after divorce can be difficult and sometimes even turn into criminal acts. Stories of parents with joint custody agreements requesting to take the children for a few extra days, and then disappearing, are not infrequent. These battles can be long and drawn out, resulting in criminal charges, or even minor, involving small… Read More »
What is a Guardian Ad Litem, and What Role Does It Play in Child-Related Disputes?
The guardian ad litem program in Florida trains individuals to represent the child’s best interests (as a fair and impartial third party) when both parties (parents) cannot resolve a dispute. While appointed by the judge, either party can also request that the court appoint a guardian ad litem. Florida state law refers to this… Read More »
Florida Child Custody Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Florida Courts Determine Custody? Florida state law does not refer to joint to sole child custody, but rather to time-sharing when it comes to sharing parental responsibility for children. The court orders schedules based on the best interest of the child. One of the factors that the court will take into account… Read More »
Paternity Rights in Florida Adoption Proceedings
Paternity proceedings provide rights and benefits to a child’s mother, father, and the child as well. Some of these benefits include child support, birth certificate information, potential insurance benefits, medical history information, etc. They also protect important custody and visitation rights. The Paternity Process If the mother is married, the law assumes the father… Read More »
