What You Need To Know About Child Custody Proceedings In Fort Lauderdale

When Fort Lauderdale parents divorce or separate, child custody is often one of the most emotionally charged issues. Florida prioritizes the child’s best interests and encourages time-sharing when making custody arrangements.

If you are facing child custody proceedings in Broward County, it is crucial to know how the courts decide custody matters and what factors influence a judge’s decision. Our Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney provides trusted legal guidance to clients in these cases and explains what you need to know.

Fort Lauderdale Time-Sharing Arrangements: Determining The Best Interests of the Child

Child time-sharing is generally encouraged under the Florida Statutes, rather than awarding one parent custody and the other visitation. You and the other party are expected to work together in creating a parenting plan that allocates parenting responsibilities, dictates where the child will live, the amount of time they spend in each home, and how decisions impacting their well-being are made.

The Broward County Family Court believes that children generally benefit from having strong relationships with both parents, unless there are issues that put the child at risk. Factors courts consider include:

• Best Interests of the Child: The judge will consider the child’s emotional and developmental needs, the parents’ ability to provide for these needs, and any history of abuse or neglect.
• Cooperation Between Parents: Are you and the other parents able to work together to make decisions in the best interest of the child? If either parent is uncooperative, it could impact their rights to custody.
• Parental Responsibility: In Florida, parents can share joint parental responsibility (decision-making authority) or one parent may be awarded sole responsibility. The court will assess which arrangement is most appropriate based on the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to cooperate, and other vital factors.

Take These Steps When Seeking Child Custody In Fort Lauderdale

In Fort Lauderdale child custody proceedings, there are several steps you can take to protect your parental rights and help the process run smoothly:

• File a Petition for Time-Sharing: Your petition should include detailed information about your child, your living arrangements, and your proposed time-sharing plan.
• Create a Parenting Plan: Your plan must address things like visitation schedules, holiday arrangements, and how parents will communicate about the child’s welfare.
• Attend Mediation: Florida courts often require parents to attend mediation before a hearing. If mediation fails, your case goes to court, and the judge makes a final determination.
• Prepare for Court: Gather evidence of your relationship with your child, your living situation, and your ability to meet the child’s needs.

Get Professional Representation From Our Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney

Child custody cases in Broward County are often complex. At The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, we provide the professional legal representation you need to navigate these proceedings, helping you secure a custody arrangement that is in both your and your child’s best interests. To discuss more about how we can help, contact our office. Request a consultation today with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C