Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney

Compassionate Assistance for Your Child's Best Interest

Divorce can be a stressful time, and when children are involved, it can be even more stressful. The Law Offices of Lorri K. Fishman understands what you are going through and works hard to represent the best interests of both you and your child throughout any custody proceeding.

Call the Fort Lauderdale child custody lawyer today for a free phone consultation.

Understanding Florida's Child Custody Laws

• Florida recognizes the word “custody” as indicative of possession. As such, the state legislature has enforced new terminology to define custody-related matters. When addressing your case, you may hear the following terms used to describe the options available to you:

• Shared parental responsibility: This is the default option in the state of Florida. In a shared parental responsibility agreement, both parents share the duties associated with raising the child and make all parenting-related decisions together. Shared parental responsibility is similar to joint custody, but the two are not identical. In a shared parental responsibility agreement, equal time sharing is encouraged, but an even, 50/50 split is still not the norm. Rather, both parents keep all of their decision-making rights and consult with one another on all major decisions related to the upbringing of their child.
• Sole parental responsibility: When sole parental responsibility is awarded, one parent makes all decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. In a sole parental responsibility agreement, the decision-making parent does not need to consult with the other parent before making a final decision. A time-sharing arrangement will still be enforced by the judge, so long as it can be done in a manner that protects the safety and wellbeing of the child.

The judge presiding over your case will take many factors into consideration when determining a time-sharing arrangement. Ultimately, decisions involving shared vs. sole parental responsibly will be based on what’s believed to be in the child’s best interests.

What Are My Rights as a Parent?

Whether you are the mother or father, divorce can be an unsettling process because there are many decisions that need to be made involving your family, your assets, and your future. When it comes to your child, making an informed decision is important, even in the most contentious circumstances. Understanding Florida laws, particularly as they apply to your rights as a parent, can be a difficult. The Fort Lauderdale family law attorney at the Law Offices of Lorri K. Fishman is here to help.

The firm is run by a parent who understands what you are going through. The small firm knows the importance of communication and works hard to walk you through the divorce process step by step. Not all family law attorneys have actually gone through divorce and the process of determining parental responsibility. She has! Lorri is available whenever you need her support. Call the Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney today at (954) 371-0229.

Whether your case involves a complex family-related legal issue, a divorce, or a criminal arrest, results matter. Fort Lauderdale Attorney Lorri K. Fishman is committed to protecting your rights and interests when times get tough. The firm is prepared to tirelessly pursue the outcome you need. Call now for a free phone consultation.