How is Custody Determined in Charlotte County?

Punta Gorda Divorce & Child Custody Lawyer

Determining child custody is one of the most important factors to address in a divorce, and is one of the most highly-disputed family law matters throughout the United States. If you are considering a divorce or a separation, you will have to determine child custody. Although Florida family courts will try to do what is in the best interests of the child and will most likely want to keep both parents involved, there may be questions about which parent should receive primary custody, where the child or children will live most of the time, and much more. All of these issues will need to be resolved in order to establish a custody agreement that works.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Florida

Shared responsibilities are highly recommended in family law courts throughout Florida. Following are the types of custody arrangements that may be utilized:

• Shared Parental Responsibility - this is the optimum child custody arrangement in the court's view. One parent will be designated as the primary residential parent, the parent the child lives with most of the time. Although the child may spend more time physically with one parent, both parents will have a say in regard to education, medical care, and legal decisions.
• Sole Parental Responsibility - if a shared custody arrangement is not in the best interests of a child (due to drug use, physical abuse, etc.) the court may award custody to one parent alone, both in regard to where the child lives as well as in regard to decisions about the child.
• Rotating Custody - although less common than shared parental responsibility, rotating custody involves the child spending a predetermined amount of time with each parent, switching off living with one parent and then the other. The parents would work together to make decisions about the child's education, medical care, etc.

Learn more about how child custody is determined and what arrangement may be best for your family. Contact a Punta Gorda child custody attorney at our law firm today!