Child Custody

Florida law recognizes the importance of children maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents after a divorce and strongly encourages co-parenting. Each parent has equal rights when it comes to custody and raising their children. In all custody matters, the court’s primary concern is the child’s best interests. Judges evaluate factors such as each parent’s ability to support the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs, as well as their moral fitness, the child’s age, and the stability of the home environment. A parent’s custody rights may be limited if there is evidence of domestic violence, substance abuse, or criminal activity. A Parenting Plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time with their minor children. When both parties agree on a plan that serves the child’s best interests, it is submitted to the court for approval as part of the final divorce order. If the parents cannot agree, the court will establish a plan, taking into account the circumstances of the case, with or without input from the parents.

Parenting Plans Typically Address

• The child’s primary residence and a regular timesharing schedule
• Holiday, school break, and travel arrangements between households
• Allocation of expenses for education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and childcare
• Which parent will handle major decisions related to schooling and medical care
• Methods of communication between parents and with the child
• Procedures for resolving disputes or modifying the plan when necessary

Types of Parenting Plans in Florida

Parenting plans are designed to reflect each family’s unique situation:

• A basic parenting plan works well for parents who generally agree on responsibilities, live within close proximity (typically within 50 miles), and can communicate effectively. This option is not appropriate where there is a history of abuse or substance misuse.
• A long-distance parenting plan applies when parents live more than 50 miles apart and includes additional provisions for travel and maintaining regular communication with the child.
• A highly structured parenting plan is suited for parents who struggle to communicate or frequently disagree. It establishes clear, detailed rules for decision-making and timesharing in high-conflict situations without a history of abuse.
• A safety-focused parenting plan is used when there are concerns about domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, or criminal behavior. It may involve supervised visitation, restrictions on overnight stays, or, in serious cases, denial of timesharing altogether, along with strict safeguards regarding safety and conduct.

Experienced Guidance for Custody Matters

With more than 40 years of combined experience in family law, Boudreau Law Firm provides attentive and compassionate representation in child custody cases. Attorneys Gayle Boudreau and Robert A. Sandow prioritize the well-being of the child and work with parents to develop practical, effective parenting plans that support a child’s growth and stability. The firm assists with creating, negotiating, and implementing custody arrangements, as well as seeking modifications when significant life changes affect the child’s best interests. To speak with a knowledgeable family law attorney, contact the Lake City office at 386-961-8001. The firm serves clients throughout Florida’s Third Judicial Circuit. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering an opportunity to review your situation and determine the best path forward.