When you go through a divorce, one of the things you may be concerned about is your right to child custody and how child custody and visitation will work out for your child. You may already have an idea of what you want your visitation plan to look like or have an idea of how your time should be split, which you can discuss with your attorney and spouse. In Florida, there are specific rules and guidelines for placing a child in the best home for his circumstances, and these will need to be considered.
The first and most important factor will always be the best interests of the child. Divorces can cause a rift in families, and that can majorly impact a child. That’s why the court looks at several factors before deciding on a custody award for either parent.
The court looks at things like whether or not the parents get along or encourage positivity toward the other parent, if the parents will honor scheduling agreements, if there is any history of domestic violence, and if the parents or parent is able to provide for his or her child sufficiently.
Other factors that may play a role in the decision may include the child’s schooling and home history, the permanence of the home that is being proposed to the courts, and the love, affection, or relationship between the child and parent along with the respective family members like aunts, uncles, grandparents, and others.
In certain circumstances, a court can decide your entire child custody arrangement, but generally, if you and your partner can decide on a visitation or custody arrangement, this can be honored.
Source: FindLaw, “Primary Child Custody Factors in Florida,” accessed April 06, 2016