Florida Child Custody Determinations

Separating or divorcing parents in Florida should know about state laws governing child custody.

2011-07-22

July 22, 2011 (Press-News.org) Separating or divorcing parents in Florida need to be aware of the state's laws about child custody and support determinations. Florida statutes Title VI, Chapter 61, Section 61.13 (and following) detail the standards used to make custody decisions that are in the best interests of the children affected, making sure that even the most heated custody disputes focus on the needs of the children first and foremost.

Factors Used to Make Custody Determinations

Florida's "best interests of the child" standard is in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. The law prefers to encourage a child's relationship with both parents and to support parents in their endeavors to equally share in the pleasures and responsibilities of parenting. Courts do this whenever possible, because the laws actually express a preference for shared parenting unless that arrangement would be "detrimental to the child" (Section 61.13 (2)(b)(2)).

Shared parenting can be deemed inappropriate if one parent has been convicted of a felony-level charge involving domestic violence.

As previously stated, courts make child custody determinations in the best interests of the child. To make a residence determination, family court judges must perform a case-specific analysis using a number of factors set forth in Section 61.13(3), including:

- Determining which parent is more likely to allow the noncustodial parent access to the child
- The health of the emotional relationship between the child and each parent
- Capacity of each parent to provide for the child's physical, mental and emotional needs
- Moral fitness of each parent, including criminal history and behavior
- Mental and physical health of both parents and the child
- Special needs of the children
- Previous domestic violence incidents at the home
- Preference of a child that the court deems to be of sufficient age and maturity to reasonably express a preference
- Other factors as necessary to make an informed decision

Parents seeking custody of their children need to present themselves to the court in the best light possible. Having a skilled family law attorney on your side can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.

Article provided by Curtis R. Cowan, P.A.
Visit us at www.curtcowanlaw.com

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Confusion Between Mother and Baby Heart Rates Can Result in Brain Damage

2011-07-22

Expecting parents place enormous amounts of trust in the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals responsible for successfully delivering their babies. Most of the time, health-care providers perform their jobs carefully and handle and timely recognize potential health risks that arise during labor and delivery. However, occasionally doctors and nurses mishandle or negligently overlook problems that can result in lasting injuries to the baby or mother. Of these medical errors, one of the most distressing is confusion between the mother's and baby's heart rates ...

Problems With Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements Attract Federal Scrutiny

2011-07-22

Every year, about a quarter of a million Americans undergo hip replacement procedures. For a third of them, metal-on-metal ("MoM") implants are used to replace worn-out or damaged hip joints. MoM hip replacements were once believed to be more durable than other available counterparts. But growing concerns over the safety of these hip replacement devices have many medical experts cautioning that MoM replacements should be used far more sparingly, if at all. What Is a Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant? In a procedure for hip replacement, the ball at the top of the ...

Who Can Assist Property Owners With Insurance Claims?

2011-07-22

After experiencing a tornado, hurricane or other disaster, people's world can be turned upside down. Many families and business owners are not sure where to begin as they attempt to both meet immediate needs and plan for how they will recover in the long-term. A major part of a homeowner's long-term recovery includes repairing the home or finding a new house elsewhere. Businesses may need to recoup lost income. To accomplish either of these goals, property owners need to obtain appropriate compensation from their insurance companies for the damage they sustained. Many ...

Time to Ride: Summer Motorcycle Safety Tips

2011-07-22

Every year, the onset of warmer weather inspires millions of Americans to get their motorcycles out of the garage and onto the streets; few pastimes capture the carefree nature of the season quite as well as motorcycling. But, as you prepare to ride, you should keep in mind a few tips that will better ensure that your biking season is both safe and enjoyable. Dusting off the Cobwebs For many riders, motorcycling is not a year-round pursuit. As such, your abilities might need some fine tuning after months of dormancy. Consider taking a refresher motorcycle skills course, ...

In Child Custody Cases, What Constitutes "Best Interest of the Child"?

2011-07-22

While all court cases are emotionally taxing, cases involving children are especially so. Judges and lawyers must consider nuances in each individual case about what actions are in the best interests of the child or children involved and balance that with what is best for the family. Determining the "best interests of the child" can be a daunting task. At the end of the day, the child's safety and well-being are essential to a court's decision. Some states, including North Carolina, have adopted several principles to guide court decisions. These principles ...

Hi-Tech Help for Co-Parenting After Divorce

2011-07-22

You've got a Parenting Plan that spells out your residential schedule, but what about those other big decisions that affect your kids -- like school projects, religious upbringing and doctor's appointments. How on Earth are you supposed to begin to approach your ex about that stuff? Just because your relationship with your ex was unworkable, it doesn't mean that co-parenting is unworkable. In 2009, Washington saw 13,297 marriages with children end in divorce. And that doesn't include the unmarried parents who found themselves breaking up. Nowadays, there are so many ...

Custom Build a Business for Sale Listing at Business Trader

2011-07-22

If you currently have plans to sell a business or franchise, you should know about the huge success business owners are having online. Most people (about 97%) looking for a business opportunity will start their search via the Internet. The ability to narrow the listings by factors such as category and location makes the Internet superior to traditional methods like scouring the newspaper. Business Trader is a leader in the online business for sale industry, and is now Australia's most visited website within this niche. Business Trader now offers 4 additional 'featured' ...

Confused.com Reveals Slow Drivers are the Biggest Frustration for UK Drivers

2011-07-22

Confused.com has released new research which reveals that dawdling drivers are the top cause of irritation for UK drivers. The survey by the car insurance experts shows that over half (60%) of motorists experience an increase in stress levels and a heightened irritability when faced with a vehicle driving slower than the rest of the traffic. In reaction to these slow drivers, almost half (45%) of motorists risk overtaking, thus increasing the chances of an accident. Research from the Department for Transport also reveals that 143 accidents a year are caused directly ...

British Airways Reveals Gatwick Airport is Top Choice for Families This Year

2011-07-22

British Airways has revealed that more families than ever are choosing to fly from Gatwick airport as they jet off on holiday this year. The airline has already seen a ten per cent increase in family bookings compared to last year and the trend is set to continue through the summer. In July and August, British Airways will serve around 7,000 child meals on its long haul and European flights from Gatwick, and cabin crew will give out over 26,000 special Paddington Bear Skyflyer packs to keep its young customers entertained. Florida is the number one destination ...

Anchorage Pediatrics Clinic Full Spectrum Pediatrics Launches New Website

2011-07-22

Anchorage pediatrics practice Full Spectrum Pediatrics is announcing the launch of their new website, fullspectrumpeds.com. With educational resources and an online Patient Portal, the new site reflects the practice's commitment to high-quality and accessible care. Headed by Dr. Stephen Baker, a pediatrician Anchorage AK families have trusted for over thirteen years, Full Spectrum Pediatrics opened in June of 2011 and provides comprehensive pediatric care for patients ranging in age from newborn to eighteen. Dr. Baker - who has served in the Air Force as a pediatrician ...

Florida Child Custody Determinations

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES: