When a Florida married couple with children decides to divorce, it sets off a series of life-changing events. Parents must resolve numerous issues regarding child custody before they can achieve a settlement and move on in life in separate directions. A parent who is considering whether requesting sole physical custody of his or her kids would be a best course of action will want to keep several things in mind.
Sole physical custody refers to the status of a parent who has custody of his or her children for more than 50% of the time after divorce. In such cases, the court may or may not grant the other parent visitation time. Many parents agree to sole custody arrangements because they believe it helps children develop a sense of normalcy and routine while coming to terms with the changes their parents’ divorce has prompted in their lives.
The court does not automatically grant sole physical custody to one parent or the other. A judge overseeing a specific case considers numerous factors while keeping children’s best interests in mind. He or she will rule on a case according to its own merits and when a determination occurs as to what would be best for the children in question.
While many parents believe having sole physical custody is best because it gives them a lot of control over the day-to-day routine of their children after divorce, others say there are some downsides to such an agreement, as well. For instance, a parent who becomes the primary custodial parent of children after divorce also carries the major portion of obligation and responsibility in providing for the children’s day-to-day needs. For a single parent, especially one who is working outside the home full-time, this can be stressful. A concerned Florida parent may consult a family law attorney before filing a petition for sole physical custody in divorce because such an attorney can review his or her particular case and make recommendations.