Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Lawyer
Child custody is one of the most important and frequently contested issues in divorce proceedings. Custody cases can also arise from separations between unmarried parents. When your right to spend time with your child is at stake, it’s critical to protect your own interests – and those of your child – by working with a skilled lawyer who understands Florida family law inside and out.
I am attorney Mark E. Sawicki, and I can partner with you to create a plan to ensure that your child will thrive. I work one-on-one with my clients to educate, advise and support them during child custody negotiations and trial, if it comes to that. I will fully invest in providing the advocacy you need at this critical time. From my offices in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach Gardens, I am available to clients throughout these communities and the surrounding areas. At my firm, you are not just treated like family; you are family.
What Is Child Custody?
Child custody is the legal and practical arrangement of a parent-child relationship. In a divorce proceeding, the issue of child custody will lead to decisions regarding which parent is primarily responsible for the child and what the other parent’s responsibilities and privileges are. This will also determine which parent the child will reside with and the conditions of the other parent’s time-sharing schedule, including how often they will see their child.
The same issues may apply to situations between unmarried parents who are separated or in the process of separating.
Why Hire Mark E. Sawicki, P.A., For Your Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Case?
Ease the process: Hiring me as your child custody attorney can ease some of the challenges that come with the process.
Personalized and supportive approach: I recognize that your situation is not a cookie-cutter version of someone else’s. Since I tailor my approach to adapt to the needs of my clients, you can feel heard and understood when you work with me.
Honest and clear communication: I also won’t sugarcoat the details of your situation. I want to make sure that you have a solid understanding of what outcomes are realistic based on your circumstances. That way, you can effectively prepare and handle any challenges that arise.
If you would like to discuss your situation at length, you can call my office at 954-928-9331. I am happy to address any questions or concerns you have.
Types Of Custody Arrangements Available In Florida
The most mistaken public perception of child custody is that it takes the form of sole custody of the child. There are numerous other forms of child custody, including:
- Joint: Both parents have physical custody and legal authority over the child.
- Sole: One parent has physical custody and legal authority over the child.
- Split: One parent gets custody of some children, and the other gets custody of the others.
- Third-party custody: Someone other than the parents has custody of the children. This situation is rare.
Florida law presumes that joint custody and 50-50 shared parenting time are the starting points in every custody case. However, there may be many grounds for demonstrating that another arrangement is in the child’s best interests.
Steps To Take In A Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Case
- Document: Even before you see a lawyer, start keeping a log of all your interactions with your children. Also, keep notes on ways that you support them, such as making doctors’ appointments, communicating with their teachers and attending their extracurricular activities, such as sports games and dance recitals.
- Avoid making informal arrangements: While talking with your spouse about child-related matters is natural, be careful not to make promises about a parenting plan or get into an informal custody arrangement without getting legal counsel first. Otherwise, you may erode the strength of your position in the formal custody case.
- Consult an attorney: Please have an in-depth conversation with an attorney before you agree to any child custody arrangement.
I offer real-world advice and counsel as an experienced and award-winning attorney focusing solely on Florida family law. I will work hard to fight for your rights as a parent.
What Factors Are Used To Determine Child Custody?
The “best interests of the child” is the overarching standard in deciding child custody cases. What those interests are can depend on the circumstances. Here are a few things Florida family courts take into account when determining those interests:
- The financial and mental stability of each parent
- How involved each parent is in the child’s life
- Each parent’s schedule and how well it aligns with the child’s needs
- What the child prefers (this can often depend on their age)
- The proximity of each parent to the child’s school
- Each parent’s ability to provide extracurricular and educational support
- How willing each parent is to make needed accommodations for the child
These are just a few examples and can vary from family to family. If you have any specific questions or concerns about what to expect during your child custody dispute, I am here to address them.
Out-Of-State Custody Arrangements
Custody cases can get more complicated when the parents reside in different states. The Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act establishes a legal framework for deciding which state courts get to decide the custody case. In Florida, if a parent wishes to move out of state and share custody with a former spouse, they typically have to get approval from a state family court to do so. Getting this approval typically involves notifying the other parent of the move and getting consent from them. If the parent does not approve of the move, then the approval falls back on the court. In making these decisions, courts typically account for the child’s best interests in these decisions. What’s in the kids’ best interests can depend on various factors, which can look different for individual families.
If you have questions about your personal circumstances involving out-of-state custody arrangements, reach out today.
Get Answers, Understanding And Real Help
Protect your family by getting legal counsel to secure your children’s best interests. Child custody issues often cannot wait, and I understand your need for a quick response. Call 954-928-9331 or complete a simple online form to request a free consultation with me at my Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach Gardens office.