Child Custody Laws in Florida are meant to protect and promote the welfare of the child. The jurisdiction of Florida child custody lies with the family courts within the state. The Florida family court also makes sure that all matters relating to parents, complying with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, are met. This act guarantees that minor children continue having physical contact with both parents after a separation or divorce and that parents live up to the responsibilities they have towards their children. Responsibilities that parents have to uphold include making sure that the child is educated and that all his/her needs are met.
Child Custody Laws in Florida do not allow the courts to make custody rulings based on gender. The courts are supposed to treat parents fairly and equally in a custody case. Florida courts are mandated to determine the best place for a child to be placed when parents separate, get divorced or when a petition is brought forward for legal guardianship by another relative if the child has been abandoned or is in a dangerous situation.
Child Custody Laws in Florida – Determining Factors
Florida child custody laws advocate for the basic rights of the child to be brought up in a safe nurturing environment. Such an environment will ensure that the child has a roof over their heads, food, an education and access to medical help should they need it. These are basic needs that any parent should be able to give to their child. In custody battles it is usually the parent that can provide the best of these who will get physical guardianship. Other factors that will aid in the rulings of a custody hearing will be:
The willingness of either parent to have a supportive relationship with each other in raising the child despite the terms of their separation.
The courts will consider the capabilities of individual parents to provide the best care for the child.
In determining custody, the mental, emotional and physical state of each parent will be considered.
The relationship and the that type of bond that the child has with each parent will be considered as would be any history of violence and abuse
Under Florida child custody laws no Florida family court can refuse custody or visitation rights based on sexual orientation as some states have done. How the parent’s lifestyle will impact the child have to be taken into consideration and if the case so deems then the child might be required to undergo psychological evaluation and counselling. The primary guidelines to any laws on child custody cases in the state of Florida are solely based on what is best for the child in the end.
What is best for the child is ultimately based on how child custody laws in Florida are interpreted. In addition to that there is one fact that most people need to be aware of is that the Florida child custody laws are enforceable within the state of Florida and that the parents will not be allowed to move the child out of state without the approval of the courts and a definite agreement with the other parent who is regarded as a co-parent.
Child custody laws in Florida has hopefully given you more of an idea of how the Florida custody laws are used when determining who a child should be placed with. This page and the information contained within is merely a guide and sound reputable legal advice should be sought. Although legal advice can be expensive you can help yourself to cut down the costs by making yourself familiar with the child custody guidelines specific to your state. You can also cut down costs and at the same time ensure smooth visitation times and schedules by creating a parenting plan for you, your child and the other parent.