Taking A Close Look at Joint Custody in Florida
When it comes to child custody, the general ‘trend’ today is to encourage joint custody, which allows a child to share the same or close to the same amount of time with both parents, and includes both legal (decision-making) and physical (where the child spends their time) custody. According to extensive studies, children who spend at least 35 percent of their time with each parent – where a developmentally-healthy, safe, secure environment is provided – are not only more likely to have a better relationship with that parent, but also tend to do better academically and otherwise. Studies also indicate that child in single and/or fatherless homes are more prone to homelessness (90 percent), dropping out of school (71 percent), and teen suicide (63 percent). That being said, one-size-fits-all is, of course, never the case when it comes to child custody decisions; meaning that of course there are circumstances under which it does not make sense, for example, if there is a history of domestic violence or other illegal activities with one parent, or if the child has special needs and/or otherwise finds it debilitating to go between two households for other reasons, such as anxiety. Florida Scores a C+ In addition, according to new research, a number of states do not exactly make it easy for children to spend equal time with both parents, and unfortunately, Florida was amongst them: While the state has strong statutory presumption of shared parental responsibility, and the law requires courts to consider a number of factors in this regard (including the “friendly parent factor,” which looks at efforts a parent makes to maintain a functional relationship with the other parent in the best interests of the child), the laws and presumption of shared responsibility do not address the issue of physical custody, nor do they explicitly provide for shared parenting during temporary orders. According to the report, the state of Florida earned a C+ grade as a result. Contact Our Florida Family Law Attorneys Family court issues are amongst the most important – as well as volatile – issues that can face both families and the courts. Of course, your interest is what is best for your child and your family. Working with an experienced, dedicated family law attorney can make all the difference in the world. At HD Law Partners, our Tampa family attorneys have worked with countless individuals and families on child custody issues, and we understand how they can impact your life and the lives of those you love. With over 40 years combined experience here in Florida, we are prepared to provide you with the compassionate advice and representation that you need. Contact us today to find out more. Resource: usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2019-09-18/report-states-lack-laws-to-support-equal-shared-parenting Posted in Family Law, Timesharing | No Comments » Connect with us Archives May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 July 2025 June 2025 January 2025 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 November 13 Categories Alimony Appellate Arbitration Auto Accidents Auto Insurance Business Corporate Business Insurance Law Child Custody Child Support Criminal Law Divorce Family Law FEMA Insurance Payments Florida’s Mandatory 2‑Hour Legal Professionalism CLE: Foreclosure Defense Fort Myers Hurricane Insurance Attorney General Guardianship HD Law Partners Service HOA/Property Management Homeowners Association Homeowners Insurance Hurricane Claims Hurricane Insurance Insurance Bad Faith Insurance Claims Insurance Defense Insurance Litigation Landlord Tenant Law Enforcement Liability Loan Modifications Mold Water Damage Parental Rights Paternity Personal Injury Premises Liability Law Prenuptial Agreements Private Security Property Distribution Property Owner Law Sarasota Insurance Litigation Attorney Slip Fall Tampa Business and Corporate Attorneys tampa family attorney Tampa Insurance Attorneys Timeshare Timesharing Uncategorized HD Law Partners is proud to be your trusted full-service law firm Quick Links Property & Casualty Business & Corporate Litigation Family Law Contact Us Careers Get In Touch 2002 North Lois Avenue Suite 510 Tampa, FL 33607 813-253-5333 Contact Us