Category Archives: Child Custody
Does Adultery Affect Divorce in Florida?
Under local law, Florida is a “no-fault” divorce state. This means that either spouse may seek a divorce from the court without having to prove any particular reason as to why the marriage failed except that it is “irretrievably broken”. However, if one of the parties committed adultery this fact may affect other aspects… Read More »
Fathers’ Rights to Child Time Sharing in Florida
Under Florida law, the term “custody” is not used, nor is there a primary or secondary residential parent designation in the statutes. Conversely, state law grants both parents the rights to “time sharing” with their children. This means that a court will order a time-sharing schedule whose purpose is to serve the best interest… Read More »
Mother of Malnourished Child Arraigned in Child Custody Case
The foster parents of a malnourished seven-month-old child released pictures that show that the infant is gaining weight and looking healthy. The mother had her child taken from her custody last month by state authorities after she absconded with the child after a well-being check by the Department of Child Protective Services. Jessica McCreery,… Read More »
When to Not Have Equal Shared Parental Responsibility
Florida law describes child custody as “shared parental responsibility,” and the main purpose of the concept is to ensure that the child of a divorce has constant, frequent contact with both parents. The family courts in Florida presume that shared parental responsibility should exist in every child custody case; however, there are times when… Read More »
Florida Woman $24,000 Behind in Child Support
A Florida woman is facing prison time after she admitted to being more than $24,000 behind in child support payments for her two children. Kathleen Zweeres, 37, of Davenport was charged with four counts of nonsupport of dependents and she pled guilty last week to two of those charges. In exchange for the guilty… Read More »
Gay Marriage and Divorce Now Legal in Florida
Last August, a court ruled that Florida’s ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional, and ever since then men and women of the same sex have been allowed to get married in the state. However, this ruling also means that same-sex divorce, never recognized before in the state, is now also an option for gay… Read More »
Violating Visitation Rights in Child Custody Cases
Child custody agreements are set by the court during divorce proceedings. Florida family courts presume that there should be shared custody among the parents unless there is substantial proof showing otherwise. If one parent is given custody of the child, the other parent can still be awarded visitation rights. These rights detail when, where,… Read More »
Domestic Violence and Child Custody
Judges in family court understand the effect that domestic violence can have on a child, and as a result they are often hesitant to give custody to a parent or guardian that has a history of abusive behavior. Research has shown that the biggest risk factor for family violence to pass from one generation… Read More »
Missing Girl Found in Mexico with Non-Custodial Father
After nearly five years of living under an assumed name in a remote region of Mexico, authorities have found twelve year old Cara Cox. Taken from her mother during a visitation weekend with her father when she was only eight years old, Aaron Cox, 55, has been arrested in conjunction with finding Cara for… Read More »
Grounds to Terminate Parental Rights in Florida
Being a parent is arguably the biggest responsibility that a person will ever take on in their life. Most parents perform this role well and serve as the protector, caretaker, and role model for their child. However, some parents do not live up to their responsibilities, and Florida law provides the means to terminate… Read More »