As part of a dissolution of marriage proceeding, the court will often make a determination as to both parents child custody rights and obligations regarding the minor children. There are several significant issues here:
- Shared Parental Responsibility vs. Sole Parental Responsibility
- Time Sharing
- Relocation
- Medical Education & Religion
- Extra-Curricular Activities
- Right of First Refusal
- Pick-ups & Drop-offs of the Minor Children
- Out of State Travel
- Out of the Country Travel
- Parenting Course Certificate
- Parenting Plan
The courts now refer to custody as “Time Sharing” (FL Statute 61.13). Parenting generally means that each parent will have an equal say in the major decisions affecting the welfare of the minor children. Sole parental responsibility is awarded to one parent in very limited situations. Visitation is also now more appropriately referred to as “Time Sharing”, i.e. the time the parent spends with the minor child or children. The Court generally focuses on the number of overnights the children will spend with each parent. This will impact the amount of Child Support paid. There are many variations and arrangements here also and the parties will complete a State required Parenting Plan.
The court will determine fathers rights in child custody, parental responsibility access and custody and chain of custody. Our Orlando divorce attorneys and help you determine interpretation of joint custody laws, custody battles, how to win child custody and custody questions. Call us today for a consultation.
