Child Custody in Melbourne, FL

We understand that a child custody battle is a personal and highly emotional issue. This is why we’re so passionate about connecting you with Melbourne, Florida professionals that will help you fight for your rights as a parent.

What Is Child Custody?

When two parents separate, they must decide on how their children spend time between them. Child custody refers to the right of either or both parents to provide a home for their children and exercise parental rights. In Melbourne, FL not all child custody cases go to court, but when they do, courts make their decisions based on what they think is most beneficial for the child.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Melbourne, Florida

There are three main types of arrangements that can occur. These include full custody, sole custody, and joint custody. Finding an agreement may lead to multiple trips to the Brevard County Courthouse in Melbourne. Florida’s Family Court system uses a comprehensive approach to close these matters fairly and efficiently.

What Is Full Custody?

In a full custody arrangement, one parent receives the majority of the parenting time and maintains physical custody. In most instances, this person also makes the majority of the decisions about the child’s upbringing and has control over decisions related to health, education, and religion. The parent awarded full custody is the primary custodial parent.

Florida law currently refers to this type of guardianship as sole parental responsibility. If you gain this type of custody, the other party cannot decide anything about the child’s welfare. In some cases, especially those concerning domestic violence, they may not even have visitation rights.

In order to make these decisions, the courts consider what’s in the best interest of a child from Melbourne. Some of the factors they can include:

  • All parties physical and mental health
  • Preferences of the parents and children
  • Parents ability to attend extracurricular activities at school
  • Capacity and disposition to protect a son or daughter from further litigation

Even when children only live with one parent, the other parent still has the opportunity to be a part of their lives. The custodial parent may allow visiting time or the children may spend a few weekends with the non-custodial parent. In some instances, a parent awarded full custody might still maintain joint custody in practice with their partner for the benefit of the children.

What Is Sole Custody?

Most people do not differentiate between one parent getting the overwhelming majority of the parenting time or rights and sole custody. However, it is important to note the possibility of some parents getting no parenting time or rights at all. The court will provide one parent with sole physical custody if the other parent is deemed an unfit parent.

In some cases, the court may go as far as to terminate the rights of the other parent. This may occur if the parent gets convicted of particular crimes that might endanger a child. An example is child abuse or inappropriate sexual conduct with a child. Florida state laws vary on what might result in parental termination.

What Is Joint Custody?

Joint custody describes the arrangement where both parents of the child split physical custody. When parents share equal custody, the child may spend a week or two on and off with either parent. Some families in Melbourne, Florida also practice “nesting”, where both parents move in and out of the home the child lives in when it is their turn to have custody.

Florida Statutes assume that joint guardianship is in the best interest of a child. Efforts go toward assuring equal parenting time and contact when the parents can make decisions together. If you’ve shown an interest in caring for your son or daughter, that can play a significant role in deciding custody in Melbourne. While one parent may have regular physical care of a child, both individuals may have to pay child support.

In many joint custody arrangements, one parent may retain complete responsibility. This is for any major decisions that have to be made in regard to the well-being of the child. Also, joint custody does not always mean an equal sharing of time. In most instances, one parent still retains primary custody. In these cases, they may hold the larger portion of a 60/40 time split.

The Factors Courts Consider When Making a Decision

In Melbourne, Florida full custody is often awarded when one parent isn’t able to contribute to the responsibilities with raising the child. For example, if a parent is physically incarcerated, doesn’t have financial stability, or is involved in situations that may potentially hurt the child, the court may grant one parent full or sole custody due to the circumstances.

On the other hand, joint custody is often provided to the parents. Both parents assume the responsibilities that are required to raise a healthy and happy child. Both parents need to be able to work together to maintain consistent communication and follow the directions of the court. Sometimes parents do not work well together. Then the court is sometimes more likely to award one parent the majority of the parenting time to reduce friction.

With Melbourne joint custody cases, both parents need to coordinate resources and activities to support the needs of the child. The situation of your custody arrangements might vary. There may be supervised custody arrangements for one parent. Another option is a public meeting place for the child to be picked up and dropped off with the other parent.

The Basics of the Child Custody Process 

Custody arrangements in Melbourne, Florida are often subject to family court orders and decisions. However, this is not always the case. Even when the split is amicable, hiring a child custody lawyer can help. Navigate the troubled waters of your custody battle with legal help. Many parents are able to come together to find a solution that works well for the child. Oftentimes without needing to involve the court system.

The Florida Courts point out that mediation is not mandatory, but it can be beneficial compared to a court’s determination. During the process, the mediator allows both parties from Melbourne to share their concerns. The arbitrator does not make the decisions for a couple but they do have to aid negotiations. They may provide a written recommendation to the court for endorsement, however. This then means that if parents have successful mediations, they will often see a favorable court ordered outcome.

Working with a Melbourne custody lawyer as a mediator can help to advise you on the best type of custody arrangement that would work for the unique requirements and needs of your child. Hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you better understand your rights as a parent and avoid costly mistakes.

Work With an Experienced Melbourne, Florida Child Custody Lawyer 

A child custody battle is a difficult and frustrating process. This is worse when there is animosity between you and the other parent. A Melbourne lawyer that specializes in this area can help to explain the entire process of the child custody battle and can help to make a positive impact on your case whether they mediate the arrangement or defend one party.

Hire a dedicated and passionate child custody attorney in Melbourne, Florida.  Your chances of  seeing a custody agreement and visitation rights that are favorable for you will be much more likely. If you’re looking to hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you understand your rights as a parent, you’ve come to the right place.

The attorneys we connect people with can increase your chances of getting the arrangement you seek, even in complex cases. Connect with an experienced lawyer in your area today. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Florida state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.