How Broward County Courts Determine A Child’s Best Interests When Parents Divorce
When parents get a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, the courts generally consider child time-sharing to be in your child’s best interests. The uncertainty surrounding the situation and worry over the outcome can be overwhelmingly stressful.
We know your relationship with your children and their safety is of primary importance. To provide peace of mind, our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains how Florida family courts determine the best interests of children and how to prepare for Broward County child time-sharing proceedings.
Determining The Child’s Best Interests In Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Cases
Going through a divorce and worried about your child and your rights as a parent? Take some comfort in knowing the court’s primary focus is protecting your child.
Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes provides a clear framework for family court judges in making child time-sharing decisions. Key factors in determining the child’s best interests include:
- The health of each parent and ability to care for the child’s needs.
- Their ability to provide a stable, loving home.
- Their involvement in the child’s day-to-day activities.
- Their willingness to encourage and facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent.
- Any history of domestic or substance abuse or neglect that could impact the safety and security of the child.
- The child’s preferences, provided they are of an appropriate age and maturity.
These factors help the court determine a time-sharing arrangement that best supports the child’s development, emotional needs, and safety.
How Divorcing Parents In Fort Lauderdale Can Prepare for Child Time-Sharing Proceedings
Knowing the factors a Broward County Family Court judge is likely to consider in child time-sharing proceedings can help relieve stress. It also gives you the opportunity to better prepare. As an experienced Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer, our office encourages clients to follow these tips:
- Maintain a journal and other detailed records of your involvement in your child’s life. Keep track of time spent with your child, school events, doctor appointments, and other important activities.
- Ensure your home environment is stable and supportive. Courts look at the overall stability of the living situation to determine if it is conducive to the child’s well-being.
- Be open to communication and cooperation with the other parent, as the court will look favorably on parents who are willing to work together for the child’s best interests.
- Be open to getting professional help, such as counseling for your child if needed, or co-parenting classes.
These and other actions demonstrate that you share the court’s priority in putting your child’s best interests first.
Get Trusted Legal Help From Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer
For parents, going through a divorce in Fort Lauderdale can be especially difficult. Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto protects your rights and your child’s best interests throughout these proceedings, providing the professional legal representation needed to get peace of mind and the best possible outcome in your child time-sharing case. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
