Domestic Violence and Florida Family Court
Overview of how Florida family courts may consider domestic violence in custody and parenting decisions.
Florida Family Court and Domestic Violence
Decisions Made by Florida Family Courts
Florida family courts handle important matters involving children and parents. These decisions often include parental responsibility, which means deciding who makes key choices about the child’s care. The court also sets time-sharing schedules, often known as visitation or custody arrangements, which outline when each parent will spend time with the child. Additionally, family courts may order child support or other financial support to help with the child’s needs.
How Domestic Violence May Be Considered
When domestic violence is a concern, information such as allegations, court-issued injunctions (protection orders), and criminal records related to abuse can be shared with the family court. These details help the judge understand safety risks and other factors that may affect decisions about parenting and time-sharing.
Child-Focused Safety and Stability
Family courts in Florida aim to prioritize the child’s well-being. This means considering the child’s safety and stability when deciding parental responsibility and time-sharing. Courts look at the home environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, and whether any risk of harm exists.
How Abuse Concerns May Affect Court Decisions
If there are concerns about abuse or domestic violence, the court might limit time-sharing with the parent accused of abuse to protect the child and the other parent. This could mean reduced parenting time or restrictions on how and where contact can happen. Sometimes, the court requires that visits occur with supervision to ensure safety for everyone involved.
Supervised Time-Sharing and Safety Conditions
Supervised time-sharing means a trusted adult or agency is present when the parent and child are together. This arrangement can be temporary or longer term depending on the case. Courts may also include other safety conditions, such as exchanging children in neutral locations or requiring participation in counseling or parenting classes.
Remember, each family’s situation is unique. Survivors of domestic violence should consider speaking with a Florida family law attorney who can provide guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
Additional support options can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.