The parent’s gender is not a consideration of the court when it comes to visitation and child custody (time-sharing). For instance, custody or majority time-sharing will not be automatically awarded to the mother simply because she’s the mother. The best interest of the child is the focus of the judge.
Shared parental responsibility is a requirement of Florida divorce (unless a parent can show some harm to the child if the parents make joint decisions). In other words, both parents usually have an equal say on how the child should be raised. Both parties have to be consulted on the child’s health, religion, education and discipline. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement on these vital issues, the final decision may be made by the judge.
Questions of child custody and time-sharing are often the most contentious in a divorce. For assistance with your child custody case in the greater Tampa Bay area, please call Brandon Legal Group. Your initial consultation is free.