Tips For Resolving Your Custody Dispute Amicably
Deciding to end a marriage is challenging enough, but the situation can become even more complex when a couple shares children, especially if both parents are unwilling to give up time with their children. We’ve included a few tips that could help you and your co-parent the best chance of resolving your disagreement amicably.
Do Your Research
Child custody laws vary between states, so it’s a good idea for Florida couples who have decided to separate (and who share children) to become familiar with the state’s specific laws. For instance, in Florida, family law judges presume that some form of shared parenting is in a child’s best interests and will only establish a parenting plan that doesn’t reflect this presumption if there is evidence that one of the parents is unfit. Parents who have a thorough grasp of these standards and guidelines will have a better chance of success when presenting a parenting plan to the court.
Discuss the Parenting Plan with Your Co-Parent
When both of a child’s parents are seeking custody, they’ll need to try to come up with a schedule, or parenting plan that suits both parties’ needs but is still in the child’s best interests. Attempting to work out an agreement on their own can show courts that both parents wish to remain active in their child’s life and can help prevent a drawn-out court dispute.
Complete Necessary Paperwork
Establishing a legally enforceable custody plan takes a lot of work and the completion and submission of a wide range of paperwork. Parties will, for instance, need to provide records pertaining to their incomes and employment, so that they can create a parenting plan that fits their schedules and come up with a child support arrangement. The parties may also be required to file petitions, answers, and a variety of other court documents, all of which can play a critical role in the smooth resolution of a custody matter.
Start Gathering Evidence
Child custody decisions are made based on what would be in a child’s best interests, something that a parent can help demonstrate with personal testimony and records of the child’s school and extracurricular activities. Parents may also need to provide witness testimony, medical records, expert opinion, photos of the child, and even journal entries and school work. The stronger and more complete this evidence is, the more likely it is that two parents will be able to come up with a parenting plan that is best for their particular family.
Set Up a Free Consultation with Our Legal Team Today
If you and your partner have decided to separate and you share children, you may be facing an uphill battle when it comes to creating a parenting plan. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this process alone, but could benefit from the assistance of a dedicated legal representative. Call 954-945-7591 to discuss your questions with experienced Fort Lauderdale child visitation and time-sharing lawyer Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. today. A member of our legal team is standing by and eager to help you through each stage of your case.
Sources:
flcourts.org/content/download/403367/file/995a.pdf
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html