Child custody disputes can be incredibly stressful. After all, the outcome can dictate what life with your child will look like, dictating everything from the frequency with which you get to see your child to what your visitation with them will look like. While the court will be tasked with deciding what sort of custody arrangement is in your child’s best interests, it’s up to you to present persuasive arguments that advance what you think is right for your kid.
That said, there have been recent changes to Florida law that you need to be aware of as you head into your custody case. Let’s take a closer look so that you have a better idea of what you’ll need to address in your case to try to secure the custody arrangement that you want for your child.
Recent changes to Florida’s child custody laws
Florida’s child custody statues changed in a significant way last year. To start, the law now presumes that an even split, 50/50 parenting time arrangement is in the child’s best interests. While the court can deviate from this presumption, compelling evidence justifying such deviation must be shown to better support the child’s best interests. The purpose of this change in the law is to even the playing field for mothers and fathers, ensuring that they both come into a child custody case on even footing.
But that’s not the only change recently enacted into law. The statute on custody modification was also adjusted to remove the “unanticipated” nature of a substantial change in circumstances that must be shown to secure a modification. Now, you merely have to show that there’s been a material and substantial change in circumstances and that modification is in the child’s best interests.
Also, the law on custody modification related to parental relocation has changed. Previously, a parent who relocated nearer to the child still had to show a material change in circumstances to seek a custody modification. Now, though, a parent need only show that they’ve moved within 50 miles of the child to successfully establish that there’s been a change significant enough to warrant a modification request.
What does all of this mean for you?
These changes to the law mean that both parents are on more equal footing as they navigate a custody dispute. That may be beneficial to you, or it might put you in a position where you need to present strong evidence to protect the custody arrangement that’s in place. Either way, you need to be cognizant of these laws moving forward so that you can craft the persuasive legal arguments that may be necessary to protect your child’s best interests.
Competently navigate your child custody dispute
The outcome of your child custody dispute will shape the interactions you have with your child and your ability to build and maintain a relationship with them. Therefore, you have to know how to competently and confidently navigate the facts of your case in light of new applicable laws.
We understand that can be challenging to do when you’re coping with the emotional realties of your situation, but you can’t let the pressure of the situation get the best of you. So, if you think that you need help articulating your child custody arguments and advocating for the outcome that you think is in your child’s best interest, then now is the time to start gathering evidence and crafting your legal arguments.