If you’re involved in a family legal case, it’s important to understand the various types of child custody that can be awarded. Explore the differences between sole and shared custody and learn how to get help from an attorney. 

Sole Custody In Tampa Explained 

Sole custody refers to both physical and legal custody of a child. Legal custody is the right to make important decisions for the child, such as where they will go to school, what pediatrician they see, what healthcare services they receive, and other red-tape matters. If a parent is awarded sole custody, this means that they have both legal and physical custody that is not shared with another party. 

Shared Custody In Tampa Explained 

Shared custody can be any mix of physical and legal custody between two parties. For example, a court may award both parents shared legal custody, but award only one parent physical custody. Or, a parent may be awarded physical custody but not legal if there is a situation where that parent is not able to make sound financial and educational decisions. 

In most cases, courts strive to give equal physical and legal custody to both parents when it’s safe and in the child’s best interests to do so. 

What You Need to Know About Sole Custody vs. Shared Custody

When it comes to deciding who will be the custodial parent, you may hear the terms sole custody and shared custody being thrown around. It’s important to understand the differences between the two types of custody, so let me explain what you need to know.

Sole custody is when one parent is awarded the legal right to make decisions about the upbringing and well-being of the child. This includes things like the child’s education, medical care, and their religious upbringing. This type of custody arrangement gives one parent the majority of time with the child. However, the non-custodial parent may be awarded visitation rights, allowing them to spend time with the child and have a role in their life.

It’s important to note that sole custody does not have to completely exclude the other parent from the child’s life. A court can still grant visitation rights and extend other parental rights to the non-custodial parent, just with the understanding that the custodial parent has the final say in parenting decisions. As such, sole custody is usually only granted in extreme cases, where there has been neglect or abuse.

If you’re considering a sole custody arrangement, keep in mind that it might not be the best option for your family. It’s important to think through all the consequences and weigh both the pros and cons of sole custody before you make a decision.

How Florida Courts Decide Child Custody 

There are many factors that a judge will consider before determining whether to award shared or sole custody, and how to divide physical and legal custody if needed. Here are several of the most frequently evaluated factors: 

• Where each parent lives, especially in relation to the child’s current school and/or activities 
• The age, physical health, and mental health of each parent 
• The income of each parent and their ability to provide financially for the child 
• The child’s relationship with each parent and which parent has been the primary caregiver up until the separation 
• The child’s wishes, if they are of an age considered to be mature enough to make such a decision 
• Any history of child abuse or domestic violence in the home, perpetrated or known about by either parent

When to Reach Out to an Experienced Tampa Family Lawyer 

Child custody cases are emotional, stressful and time-consuming for everyone involved. It’s important that you have the support and guidance of a seasoned family law attorney in Florida from the beginning of your case. Contact our office today for immediate help.