When Florida parents are heading toward divorce, the situation can become difficult for everyone involved. Even if the parents do not want to be together anymore, it is usually beneficial for both parents to play an active role in their children’s lives. However, there are cases where one parent may wish to seek full custody of the children, especially if the other parent is abusive, neglectful or otherwise incapable of caring for the children on his or her own.
Parents who are seeking full custody should keep a paper trail to back up their claims. Keeping a log of when the parents have the kids in their custody, records of financial assistance and other pertinent information, like police reports, could provide much-needed proof. In the meantime, parents seeking full custody should avoid criticizing the other parent or taking the kids without telling the other parent because unnecessary confrontations could cause the court to look poorly on both parents.
Finally, parents seeking full custody should be prioritizing their relationship with the children even before the custody agreement is finalized. Because the judge wants to make decisions that are in the best interests of the children, showing the judge that the parent prioritizes the children above all else can help his or her case.
While both parents usually want to have as much time with the children as possible following a divorce, there are cases where one parent may be better able to provide proper care than the other parent. In these cases, a family law attorney may assist during the child custody proceedings with gathering documentation and evidence to prove that the parent seeking full custody has a strong relationship with the children and has played a vital role in their care. The attorney may also be able to show evidence that shows that the other parent is neglectful, abusive or unable to care for the children.
