Deciding matters related to child custody is rarely easy. However, when one parent is unfit, it can make the custody case much more challenging. Proving that the parent is unfit can result in sole custody for the other parent, which can be in the child’s best interest. What Does it Mean to Be an Unfit… read more
Custody battles are difficult and emotional for all members of the family. Regardless of the outcome, at least one parent will believe they “lost” the right to be with their children. The children may feel guilty, angry, or anxious about the result of the custody case. Some parents will do anything to “win” a custody… read more
Relatively recently, in 2018, Florida’s new child custody law became effective. The new law is called the Standard Parenting Time Plan. The Standard Parenting Time Plan is intended to facilitate the sharing of parental rights and responsibilities between unmarried parents who are no longer together or who choose to live separately. The law also focused… read more
In Florida, unmarried fathers must establish paternity to assert their rights. There is a common myth that the law favors mothers in child custody cases. But Florida law has no preference for either parent when it comes to custody and parental rights. Unmarried fathers in Florida have parental rights. Florida law disfavors terminating parental rights…. read more
Social and cultural acceptance of marijuana has led to legalization in many states. Florida parents may wonder how parental drug use impacts child custody cases. But if a parent’s drug use is a problem, the child deserves protection. Addiction, dependence, problem use. Whatever you call it, when a parent’s substance abuse puts a child at… read more
Parents are strongly urged to work together to develop a time-sharing arrangement that is in the best interest of their child and their family. However, when parents cannot agree about child custody, a family court judge makes custody decisions for them. Child custody cases in Florida are based on the circumstances and specific facts of… read more
There was a time when mothers received preference in child custody, especially in cases involving younger children. It was assumed that mothers were the primary caregivers, so the children should remain with their mothers. However, that is not the case any longer. Judges in Florida view parents as equals when they enter the court regarding… read more
Mental health conditions are serious issues that often result in the need for treatment by a medical professional. Many mental health conditions can be treated with medication and therapy. Some conditions could interfere with parenting ability. A psychological evaluation may be necessary to decide if a parent is fit to have custody and unsupervised visitation…. read more
After a divorce, parents have many decisions to make. The biggest decision, and the most emotional, is the issue of child custody. In the past, Florida courts automatically favored the mother in custody disputes. Known as the “tender years” doctrine, the suitability of the parent was based on their gender alone and not the appropriateness… read more
When an individual becomes a parent, the birth of their child automatically triggers certain rights and responsibilities under state law. Known collectively as parental rights, the parents have rights such as the right to be a part of their child’s life and make important decisions about their care. As a parent, this also means having… read more
How Does a Family Court Determine if a Parent is Unfit?
Deciding matters related to child custody is rarely easy. However, when one parent is unfit, it can make the custody case much more challenging. Proving that the parent is unfit can result in sole custody for the other parent, which can be in the child’s best interest. What Does it Mean to Be an Unfit… read more
How Can I Prove Parental Alienation?
Custody battles are difficult and emotional for all members of the family. Regardless of the outcome, at least one parent will believe they “lost” the right to be with their children. The children may feel guilty, angry, or anxious about the result of the custody case. Some parents will do anything to “win” a custody… read more
How Does Florida’s New Standard Parenting Time Plan work?
Relatively recently, in 2018, Florida’s new child custody law became effective. The new law is called the Standard Parenting Time Plan. The Standard Parenting Time Plan is intended to facilitate the sharing of parental rights and responsibilities between unmarried parents who are no longer together or who choose to live separately. The law also focused… read more
What Are the Rights of Unmarried Fathers in Florida?
In Florida, unmarried fathers must establish paternity to assert their rights. There is a common myth that the law favors mothers in child custody cases. But Florida law has no preference for either parent when it comes to custody and parental rights. Unmarried fathers in Florida have parental rights. Florida law disfavors terminating parental rights…. read more
How to Request a Drug Test in Your Child Custody Case
Social and cultural acceptance of marijuana has led to legalization in many states. Florida parents may wonder how parental drug use impacts child custody cases. But if a parent’s drug use is a problem, the child deserves protection. Addiction, dependence, problem use. Whatever you call it, when a parent’s substance abuse puts a child at… read more
Florida Child Custody Guide and FAQ
Parents are strongly urged to work together to develop a time-sharing arrangement that is in the best interest of their child and their family. However, when parents cannot agree about child custody, a family court judge makes custody decisions for them. Child custody cases in Florida are based on the circumstances and specific facts of… read more
How a Mother Can Get Full Custody of Their Child in Florida
There was a time when mothers received preference in child custody, especially in cases involving younger children. It was assumed that mothers were the primary caregivers, so the children should remain with their mothers. However, that is not the case any longer. Judges in Florida view parents as equals when they enter the court regarding… read more
How To Request A Psychological Evaluation In Your Child Custody Case
Mental health conditions are serious issues that often result in the need for treatment by a medical professional. Many mental health conditions can be treated with medication and therapy. Some conditions could interfere with parenting ability. A psychological evaluation may be necessary to decide if a parent is fit to have custody and unsupervised visitation…. read more
What’s the Difference Between Sole and Shared Custody?
After a divorce, parents have many decisions to make. The biggest decision, and the most emotional, is the issue of child custody. In the past, Florida courts automatically favored the mother in custody disputes. Known as the “tender years” doctrine, the suitability of the parent was based on their gender alone and not the appropriateness… read more
What Does It Mean To Terminate Your Parental Rights?
When an individual becomes a parent, the birth of their child automatically triggers certain rights and responsibilities under state law. Known collectively as parental rights, the parents have rights such as the right to be a part of their child’s life and make important decisions about their care. As a parent, this also means having… read more