Tag: Shared Parenting

As is the case in general when it comes to family law, courts are always concerned about what is in the best interest of the child when it comes to making custody and parenting/time-sharing arrangements. At the same time, courts, in general, also have to respect the Parental Rights Doctrine, which historically upheld parents’ fundamental right to raise children as they see fit.

Although a decision in 2000 opened the door for states to become more involved in what, exactly, that parental right entails, it is the public policy of Florida that each minor child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents after they separate, and encourage parents to share in their rights and responsibilities.

That being said, there are some circumstances under which a child’s biological father can be denied parental rights. It is crucial, therefore, that if you have a child born out of wedlock or are going through a divorce, you understand how Florida is different when it comes to the concepts of child custody.

Anyone who has gone through (or is currently going through) divorce and has children knows that one of the primary concerns is the well-being of their children and how they will get through it. Change can be especially harsh on children, especially during stages when routines are so important to their development. According to the experts, what type of response the child has can depend upon whether they are in childhood or adolescence; where divorce can sometimes increase a child’s dependence and regression, while increasing an adolescent’s independence and aggression.

That being said, there are actions you can take to help provide the support that children need during times of divorce, such as:

Communication

Encourage your children to be honest with you and articulate what they are feeling. Be a good listener and ask questions.

In addition, maintaining a good relationship with your ex and avoiding conflict can help avoid the stress that children sometimes internalize when they are exposed to that conflict, or when they feel pressured to pass messages back and forth. Children can also internalize hurt when they feel like they need to take sides and “pick” a parent’s side during times of conflict.