Ensuring a custody arrangement is fair and equitable is among the most critical steps you might take when getting a divorce in Florida. For assistance with this task, enlist the help of a qualified legal professional. An experienced Fort Lauderdale joint custody (time sharing) attorney at the Law Office of Gustavo E. Francis can protect your rights and the rights of your kids as you finalize your divorce.
Types of Joint Custody in Florida
Child custody in Florida takes more than one form. Thus, the specifics of a joint custody (parental responsibility) arrangement can vary depending on the type of custody two parents share.
Two forms a joint custody arrangement might take include:
Joint Legal Custody
It’s worth noting that Florida law no longer uses the term “custody” to refer to the rights and responsibilities of parents after a divorce. That said, many will still use this word due to its common usage in relevant statutes throughout the nation.
A parent with legal custody of a child has the right to make critical decisions about their upbringing. This can include decisions about their schooling, religion, etc.
A joint legal custody arrangement grants both parents this right. For such an arrangement to serve a child’s best interests, two former spouses must be able to establish and maintain a relatively amicable relationship. This is key to ensuring they can diplomatically raise a child according to shared values.
It may be necessary to demonstrate to a court that a joint legal custody arrangement is practical based on the nature of your relationship with your soon-to-be ex. A Fort Lauderdale joint custody attorney can help you present a strong case if you believe you and your child’s other parent deserve to share this form of custody.
Joint Physical Custody
When a parent has physical custody of a child, their child resides with them. Sometimes, two parents may share physical custody of their children.
Whether such an arrangement is ideal depends on certain important factors. Naturally, it’s important for both parents to live reasonably close to each other for joint physical custody to be on the table. Unless a child attends private school or is home schooled, it’s likely both parents will need to live within the bounds of the same school district at the very least.
How a Fort Lauderdale Joint Custody Law Firm Helps
The role a Fort Lauderdale joint custody lawyer may play in your divorce can vary depending on your circumstances. If you and your spouse are able to discuss the terms of a custody arrangement calmly, a lawyer can facilitate these discussions to help you both make decisions that are satisfactory to all parties involved.
On the other hand, maybe you and your spouse disagree about who should have custody. Perhaps your spouse wants sole custody of the kids. Maybe you have good reason to believe a joint custody arrangement is appropriate. If so, a lawyer can show why you deserve to share custody of your children.
At the Law Office of Gustavo E. Francis, P.A., we know that getting a divorce can be a challenging experience, particularly if you have kids. However, we also know that working with an attorney can simplify the process. Learn more by contacting our office online or calling us at 954-533-2756.
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For legal representation in any dissolution of marriage matter, please reach out to me online or call me toll free at 954-533-2756.
