Child Custody Lawyer
Child custody is generally considered first as part of a divorce settlement between parents. At Dadan Law Firm, our experienced family law attorney, Sasha Dadan, is dedicated to helping families navigate the complex and often emotional process of child custody. With years of experience in family law, she understands the importance of creating a custody arrangement that prioritizes the best interests of the child.
Factors That Determine The Child’s Best Interests
When it comes to custody, the judge will consider what is in the best interest of the child. The same consideration applies to time-sharing when allocating a percentage of time that a child will spend with each parent. Several factors that are considered in determining the best interest of the child include:
- Wishes of the child (if old enough to capably express a reasonable preference)
- Mental and physical health of the parents
- If a child has special needs, how each parent takes care of those needs
- Religion and/or cultural considerations
- Need for the continuation of a stable home environment
- Other children whose custody is relevant to this child’s custody arrangement
- Support and opportunity for interaction with members of the extended family of either parent such as grandparents
If you believe you should have primary custody of your child, we can help you present your case before the court.
Florida Process For Child Custody
In Florida, the child custody process typically begins with the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage or a petition for custody. The court will establish a temporary custody arrangement, which will remain in place until a final custody order is issued. The temporary custody arrangement may be decided with a hearing or without one if the parents reach an agreement.
During the temporary custody period, parents may engage in mediation to attempt to reach a mutually agreeable custody arrangement. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court may conduct a trial to evaluate the evidence and testimony from both parties before making a decision on the child’s custody. In some cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests during the proceedings.
Types Of Custody In Florida
In Florida, custody is referred to as parental responsibility and includes two main types: legal custody and physical custody. The types of custody in Florida are
- Joint legal custody: Parents share decision-making responsibilities regarding the child’s education, health care and extracurricular activities.
- Sole legal custody: One parent has the right to make important decisions about the child’s education, health care and extracurricular activities.
- Joint physical custody: The child spends substantial time with both parents, with an equal time-sharing schedule.
- Sole physical custody: The child mostly lives with one parent, although the other parent may still have a time-sharing schedule.
It is also possible to have a combination of these types, such as sole legal custody with joint physical custody, where one parent has sole decision-making authority, but both parents share physical custody of the child. By understanding these different types of custody, parents can work toward creating a custody arrangement that prioritizes their child’s best interests and well-being. With the help of a dedicated child custody lawyer like Sasha, parents can navigate the complexities of the child custody process and seek a resolution that benefits their child.
Contact Us For Experienced Child Custody Representation
If you are facing a child custody dispute, contact Dadan Law Firm today to schedule a consultation with Sasha. We are one of the best law firms that offer representation in St. Lucie County, Martin County, Indian River County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County.
Call us today at 772-263-7417.