In Florida, the legal system has specific guidelines and requirements to protect the children's best interests while ensuring fair outcomes for all parties in a divorce. If you are considering a divorce with children in Florida, having a divorce lawyer in St. Johns, Fl. at your side is essential.
Child Custody and Timesharing
One of the primary concerns in any divorce involving children is custody. Florida courts use the term "timesharing" instead of custody to emphasize the importance of both parents maintaining a relationship with the child. The court will create a parenting plan that outlines the time each parent will spend with the child and decision-making authority on matters such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
The court's primary focus is the best interests of the child. Factors considered include:
- The child's relationship with each parent
- Each parent's ability to provide a stable environment
- The child's home, school, and community record
- The physical and mental health of both parents
- Each parent's willingness to foster a close relationship between the child and the other parent
