At what age in Florida can a child choose to live with one parent?

At what age in Florida can a child choose to live with one parent?

18-years-old

Is Florida a mother’s right state?

Under Florida law, the mother is the natural guardian of a child born out of wedlock. The unwed mother has legal custody of the child automatically. Naming the father on a birth certificate does not grant them any rights in the State of Florida.

What happens when a child doesn’t want to visit the other parent?

A parent who refuses to allow the other parent to see the child or fails to follow the terms of a custody order could face contempt charges. The parent missing out on visitation can file an Order to Show Cause with the court stating that the other parent is preventing visits.

Do I have to force my child to visit with the other parent?

You do have to physically take the child to the place of handover as ordered by the Court. If the child says they do not want to go, you have a positive obligation to encourage the child to spend time with the other parent.

Can the court force my son to see his dad?

In most cases the courts view contact as being in the best interests of the child, and see both parents involvement as a benefit to the child’s welfare, and will only refuse to make an order in exceptional circumstances.

Will a judge split up siblings?

A judge typically won’t separate siblings simply because it suits one parent or the other. However, if breaking up the band truly does serve the children’s best interests, it can happen. For instance, if a brother and sister are unable to safely live in the same place, a judge may separate siblings.

What is the best way to split custody?

50/50 schedules work best when:

  1. The parents live fairly close to each other, so exchanges are easier.
  2. The parents are able to communicate with each other about the child without fighting.
  3. The child is able to handle switching between parents’ homes.
  4. Both parents are committed to putting the child’s best interest first.

What are my rights as a parent with joint custody?

Joint legal custody means that both parents have the legal authority to make major decisions for the child. 1 These include decisions regarding education, religion, and health care. In other words, it is possible for co-parents to share legal custody but not share physical custody.