Child custody disputes place real pressure on parents and families. In Florida, parenting plans and time-sharing drive your child’s day-to-day life, so getting it right matters a lot. At Kofsky Law, led by attorney Martin Kofsky, we act quickly and carefully to protect your parental rights.
We handle straightforward schedules and the hard cases that involve relocation, parental alienation claims, or major assets. Our approach is steady, clear, and focused on results that fit your child’s needs and your rights. If you want strong guidance with real care for your family, we are ready to step in.
Key Aspects of Florida Child Custody
Florida courts look to the best interests of the child. Parenting plans and time-sharing schedules reflect that standard and set the daily rules for school, healthcare, holidays, and exchanges.
Shared parental responsibility is common, unless evidence shows it would harm the child’s well-being. Every case needs a parenting plan that lays out decision-making, time-sharing, and communication.
Relocation is handled under Florida Statute § 61.13001. A move of more than 50 miles needs written agreement by both parents or a court petition with proper notice and proof.
Here are core custody points you should know before moving forward:
- Parenting plans are mandatory in Florida and become enforceable court orders.
- Time-sharing focuses on steady routines and meaningful contact with both parents, when safe.
- Shared parental responsibility keeps both parents involved in major decisions, unless doing so harms the child.
- Relocation beyond 50 miles needs consent or a judge’s approval under § 61.13001.
The basics below give a quick view of common custody topics and how they work in Florida courts.
Florida Custody Basics: What Parents Should Know
| Topic | What It Means | Why It Matters |
| Parenting Plan | A written, court-approved plan for time-sharing, decision-making, and communication. | Sets daily rules, reduces conflict, and is enforceable if someone ignores it. |
| Time-Sharing | The schedule for where the child lives on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and breaks. | Promotes stability and steady contact that fits school and family life. |
| Shared Parental Responsibility | Both parents have a say in major life choices for the child. | Supports balanced input on health, education, and activities. |
| Relocation | Moves over 50 miles require consent or a court order under § 61.13001. | Protects the child’s bonds and access to both parents when safe and appropriate. |
| Modification | Changes to an order need a substantial, lasting change in circumstances. | Lets parents fix plans when life changes in a meaningful way. |
With the legal framework in mind, the next step is having a plan that fits the facts of your family and your goals for your child.
How Kofsky Law Office Supports You
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We start by listening. We look at your child’s needs, each parent’s caregiving history, school and activities, and any safety issues such as domestic violence or substance abuse.
Our team maps out immediate concerns, like temporary schedules or exchanges. We then set clear priorities for long-term stability.
Tailored Legal Strategy
We build a plan to reach your goals through negotiation, mediation, or a hearing. Evidence matters a lot, and we prepare it carefully, from school records to witnesses who truly help your case.
Here is how a typical custody case moves with our firm:
- Intake and goal-setting that focus on your child’s needs and your rights.
- Evidence planning, including documents, messages, and helpful witnesses.
- Drafting and filing with precise requests that comply with Florida law.
- Negotiation or mediation to seek fair terms without dragging things out.
- Hearing or trial, if needed, then final orders that are clear and enforceable.
We adjust as facts change and keep you informed at every turn. You will always know what to expect next.
Advocacy in Negotiations and Court
We speak for you firmly in talks with the other parent and their lawyer. If settlement is not possible, we present a focused case that shows your bond with your child and your consistent caregiving.
Our courtroom work highlights what helps your child thrive, supported by records, calm testimony, and credible witnesses. We push back on weak claims and protect your parental rights.
Guidance on Parenting Plans and Time-Sharing
We draft detailed parenting plans that cover exchanges, holidays, school breaks, travel, decision-making, and communication rules. Clear plans reduce friction and protect your time.
We also make sure the plan fits Florida law and your child’s routine. The goal is stability, fewer disputes, and a schedule that truly works.
Some custody matters call for extra muscle, and that is where our firm brings added value for families under pressure.
Addressing Complex Child Custody Scenarios
We handle relocation requests, modifications to existing orders, and parental alienation claims. These disputes often turn on detailed records and careful witness work.
High-conflict cases can spill into every part of life. We set boundaries, focus on the issues, and stand steady for you and your child.
Our firm also handles custody in high-net-worth divorce. We align parenting plans with business schedules, travel demands, and privacy needs without losing sight of the child’s day-to-day life.
Building on that foundation, it helps to know what Florida judges often look at when setting time-sharing.
Important Considerations in Florida Custody Cases
Courts consider many factors when determining time-sharing and responsibility. Your daily choices can help or hurt your case, often more than parents expect.
- Ability to provide a safe, stable home and a predictable routine for the child.
- Support for schooling, healthcare, and activities, with on-time attendance and homework follow-through.
- Willingness to foster a healthy bond with the other parent, when safe and appropriate.
- History of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect, if any.
- Work schedules, transportation, and the child’s age and needs.
- Social media and messages can be used as evidence of conduct.
Avoid negative talk about the other parent in front of your child. Judges watch for cooperation and follow through on court orders.
Parents often ask the same questions at the start, so here are direct answers to the most common ones.
Questions About Florida Child Custody
What is a parenting plan, and why is it important?
A parenting plan is a required document that explains how parents will share time and make decisions after a split. It covers the weekly schedule, holidays, travel approvals, medical and school decisions, communication methods, and dispute handling.
Once approved, the plan becomes a court order. If someone ignores it, the other parent can seek enforcement and, in some cases, fees or makeup time.
At what age can a child decide which parent to live with in Florida?
There is no set age at which a child chooses a parent in Florida. A judge can weigh a child’s preference if the child is mature enough to give a reasoned view.
The child’s wishes are one factor among many. Safety, schooling, and day-to-day care often carry more weight.
What factors does a Florida court consider when determining child custody?
Courts review education and school location, current and proposed living setups, each parent’s finances and caregiving history, and the soundness of the proposed parenting plan. The physical and mental health of each parent can be reviewed, along with any proven domestic violence.
No single factor controls the outcome. Judges aim for arrangements that help the child grow, learn, and feel secure.
If you are ready to talk next steps, we are here to listen and act.
Reach Out to Kofsky Law for Guidance
Your child’s future deserves focused attention and steady advocacy. Feel free to contact us to discuss your goals and the road ahead, even if the situation feels messy right now. Call 561-407-0703 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. We welcome your questions and will work hard to protect your time with your child, from the first call to the final order.