When parents separate in Florida, one of the most critical and emotionally charged issues is child custody, legally termed time-sharing in Florida. In Sarasota and elsewhere in Florida, understanding how the courts decide on custody is essential if you want to protect your child’s best interests and your relationship with them.
In this post, Bragg Family Law breaks down:
- Key factors courts consider
- Types of custody (time-sharing vs. parental responsibility)
- Strategies to strengthen your custody case
- How our firm can help
1. The Legal Standard: Best Interests of the Child
Florida law instructs judges to decide custody based on the best interests of the child. There is no presumption for one parent or the other. Among the many factors the court weighs are:
- The mental and physical health of each parent
- The child’s relationship with each parent and siblings
- The child’s ability to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents
- Each parent’s ability to facilitate a continuing relationship with the other parent
- The home stability and the child’s adjustment to school, community, and home
These criteria are laid out in Florida Statutes section 61.13.
2. Types of Custody / Time-Sharing Arrangements
In Florida, custody is separated into two domains:
- Parental responsibility: Decision-making power over major life issues (education, health, religion)
- Time-sharing: The schedule that determines when the child lives with each parent
You might hear “shared parental responsibility” or “sole parental responsibility with time-sharing,” depending on the arrangement.
Courts often prefer shared parental responsibility, unless evidence justifies otherwise.
3. What Influences the Outcome: Key Considerations
Some practical factors that can impact your case:
- Evidence & testimony (school records, medical, mental health evaluations)
- Stability of environment (keeping children in the same school, community)
- Parent behavior (cooperation, communication, willingness to foster the other parent’s relationship)
- Child preference (if mature enough)
- Prior court orders (if modifying an existing custody order)
If you are seeking a modification of custody / time-sharing, your ability to show a “substantial change in circumstances” is critical.
4. Tips for Sarasota Parents Navigating Custody Disputes
- Document your involvement: maintain logs of time spent, communications, etc.
- Avoid disparaging the other parent in front of the child
- Attend co-parenting classes or mediation if offered
- Act consistently with your requests—if you ask for more time, be reliable
5. How Bragg Family Law Can Assist You
At Bragg Family Law, our Sarasota attorneys specialize in child custody / time-sharing and understand the nuances of Florida family law. We can help with:
- Custody case evaluations
- Preparing evidence & witness development
- Drafting parenting plans
- Representing you in mediation or court
If you’re facing a custody dispute or considering modifying an existing arrangement, contact us today to schedule a consultation.