A divorce between two spouses without children can be a battle. However, when children are involved, a divorce can become an all-out war. The family law courts in Florida are concerned about one thing in a child custody dispute and that is the best interest of the children. When he or she sees fit, the judge can order that one parent has sole custody of the children.
Sole custody does not always mean that one parent is prohibited from seeing his or her children. Sole custody can be applied to physical and legal custody. Sole physical custody is generally given when the other parent is deemed to be an unfit parent, possibly because of allegations or convictions for child abuse or drug offenses. Supervised visitation may be ordered in some cases.
Sole legal custody gives the custodial parent the right to make all decisions with regard to the children’s education, religious upbringing, medical care and more. Even when sole legal custody is given to the custodial parent, the non-custodial parent may still have visitation rights with his or her children.
There are benefits to sole custody. The custodial parent doesn’t need to consult with the other parent on decisions where his or her children are concerned. If you are planning to relocate, though, sole custody does not mean that you can move anywhere without getting the court’s permission.
Child custody cases can be very difficult, but an experienced family law attorney can help protect the rights of you and your children while still keeping the best interests of the children at the forefront.
Source: FindLaw, “Sole Custody” Nov. 05, 2014