Types of Child Custody in Jacksonville, FL
Finding a Parenting Plan that is Right for You
When a couple has made the decision to legally end their marriage in Jacksonville, FL, there are several important factors that must be sorted out before they will have the chance to move on separately. This includes making decisions about property division, debt allocation and child custody.
Making decisions about these contentious issues is usually never easy, especially if the couple is not divorcing amicably, so a substantial number of couples choose to resolve the matter of their divorce in court. In doing so, however, both parties must trust in a judge to make the right decision about a future parenting plan.
If you are currently going through a divorce, it is important to ensure that your rights as a parent are upheld. Although the court system is required to look after the best interests of your child, a judge may not necessarily take your concerns into consideration.
For this reason, it is highly recommended that you resolve the matters of your separation with a lawyer by your side. My firm will fight aggressively for the type of child custody arrangement that is right for you – whether you are looking to obtain sole custody or even just visitation rights – so do not hesitate to give me a call today.
The Difference Between Physical & Legal Custody
In Florida, there are two different types of child custody, physical and legal, that subsequently dictate a parent's rights. Physical custody simply refers a parent's responsibility to house their child and make decisions on their behalf on a day-to-day basis. This means that either one or both parents would be responsible for providing protection, a suitable home environment and any necessary amenities. In Florida, a judge will typically rule in favor of shared physical custody so that each parent would have the opportunity to spend time with their child on a regular basis.
In regard to legal custody, however, it is a parent's ability to make major life decisions that differentiates the two. Legal custody simply refers to a parent's right to make decisions about their child's well-being. For example, having legal custody would give a parent the freedom to make choices about their child's education, religious practices and medical treatment – regardless of whether or not they were concurrently afforded physical custody. Being able to make such decisions is an elemental part of being a parent, so it is important that you fight for the legal rights that you deserve.
The Difference Between Sole & Joint Custody
When determining who will be primarily responsible for a child, the judge can choose to grant one parent sole custody or divide the custody jointly. If, for example, it was decided that sole custody would better serve the best interests of the child, the judge may also allow the other parent to devise a suitable visitation schedule.
In most cases, however, the court will rule in favor of a joint custody arrangement – unless, of course, there is a valid reason to assume that the child would be safer and/or more reasonably cared for under the custody of just one parent.
- Even so, there are four different types of custody that could be awarded, including:
- Sole Physical Custody
- Joint Physical Custody
- Sole Legal Custody
- Joint Legal Custody
Consult a Lawyer at Charles E. Willmott, P.A.
If you are interested in devising a parenting plan that would be beneficial for all parties involved, it is important that you enlist the help of an experienced legal professional early on in the process. When you obtain the help of an attorney from my firm, you can rest easier knowing that your best interests would be looked after, as well as your child's. For this reason, I encourage you to get in touch with the firm as soon as possible to discuss your case.
Call now at (904) 849-5183 to get started.