Child Custody: How the courts decide in Tampa

Dissolution of Marriage and Child Custody in Tampa

In Florida, what is commonly thought of as “child custody” is called “parental responsibility.” In a dissolution of marriage case, Florida courts make decisions regarding parental responsibility in or detail to the divorcees how decisions will be made in regards to a minor child. Typically, both parents will be required to share in the parental responsibilities. Florida courts like to try to award joint custody whenever possible. When parental responsibility is shared, both parents must have a say in major decisions regarding the child such as medical care, education and religious upbringing.

Dissolution of Marriage and Sole Child Custody

It takes extreme circumstances for a Tampa , Florida court to award sole child custody in a dissolution of marriage case. Usually, this only happens if one parent is found to be abusive or significantly neglectful of the child. According to Florida dissolution of marriage law, a court should only award sole parental responsibility if the court determines that ordering shared parental responsibility would be detrimental to the best interests of the child.

Dissolution of Marriage and Where the Child will Live

In Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes, The criteria used to decide primary residential responsibility seams clear, but can become skewed in it’s execution. The criteria the courts will use to decide your child’s primary residence in a dissolution of marriage case include:

1. Which parent is most likely to allow frequent visits from the other parent.
2. The love and affection between each parent and the child.
3. The capacity of each parent to provide for the child.
4. The moral fitness of each parent.
5. The physical and mental health of each parent.

As you can see, the physical and mental health of a parent is much more easy to determine than the love and affection, or even the moral fitness of a parent, depending on the circumstance. That is why it is vital to use a top divorce attorney with the experience you need to help make sure your side of the story is seen in court. Don’t just call any Tampa lawyer, call the best lawyers in Tampa. Call Anton Legal Group!

If you are considering a divorce, consult with a lawyer who has experience in collaborative divorce, mediation, and traditional adversarial divorce so you can receive insight on which type of divorce may be right for you. Seek out Tampa divorce attorneys with the knowledge you need. Seek out S. David Anton of Anton Legal Group

David Anton is a third generation Tampa Bay attorney who has handled all aspects of dissolution actions since 1985.

FOR FAMILY LAW LEGAL ADVICE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT  US AT 813-443-5249.