Josh and his team proved their track record. I hired him at 9am and they appeared for me by 1pm the same day. Highly contested paternity case, turned dependency nightmare. He faught hard in a short time and got the results I needed. My baby back. Josh and his associates are kind, patient, diligent and aggressive. They are human. I trusted them through the whole process. I was kept informed and they faught with passion. I’d rehire josh and his team any day. It was well worth the money spent. – Rochelle
Sole Custody in Florida
Florida no longer uses the term sole custody. The courts now use the phrase “parental responsibility.” However, “sole parental responsibility” may be awarded in exceptional circumstances.
Sole responsibility describes the situation where one parent makes decisions regarding the child without input from the other parent. This includes minor decisions that need to be made on a day-to-day basis, as well as all major decisions.
Sole parental responsibility will be given to one parent if the judge decides that shared parental responsibility would be harmful to the child. The court will consider evidence of domestic violence or child abuse, neglect, or abandonment in making her decision. The court may order time-sharing that will best protect the child or abused spouse from further harm, and that may result in a no time-sharing order.
Children’s best interests
The court’s in determining parental responsibility consider what is in the best interest of the child. The court considers each parents:
- Ability to create a stable home, provide necessities and meet the children’s needs;
- Relationship with the children;
- Willingness to allow the children contact with the other parent;
- Physical and mental health;
- Commitment to not involving the children in legal proceedings;
- History of child abuse, domestic violence, or substance abuse.
If children have sufficient maturity, emotional intelligence, and awareness of the situation, the judge or magistrate may take their preferences into account.
The parent who does not receive responsibility typically still receives parenting time, though it may need to be supervised or otherwise restricted. Their child support obligation continues.
Termination of parental rights
It may be a fine line between the kind of behavior that may result in a sole parental responsibility order from the court and behavior resulting in a termination of parental rights. Such cases involve severe child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Florida’s dependency court, not the family court, makes such decisions.
The dependency court has the power to terminate parental rights. These cases typically involve the Department of Children and Families and other law enforcement agencies.
If you are considering seeking sole parental responsibility, you will need an experienced legal team. Brodie Friedman is the top-rated family law firm in Florida. Any family and any situation, our experience and expertise will get you through these trying times. We’re here for you.
With over 30 years of combined experience, Jason Brodie Esq. and Joshua Friedman Esq. will guide you toward realistic goals and provide committed advocacy toward achieving them. They are known throughout South Florida for dedicated client service, tenacity, and success in complex divorce litigation involving property division, child custody, and spousal support.
To get a better understanding of the qualities our reputation is built on, contact our office in Boca Raton to schedule your initial phone consultation (561) 392-5100
Contact
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