Child Time-Sharing in Fort Lauderdale: Does ‘Moral Fitness’ Matter?
Going through a breakup? Waking up to a partner’s poor judgment and questionable behavior or overall character may be the cause. Seeing them in this new light may make you want to cut off all contact, but this is not usually an option when children are involved.
Florida family laws generally encourage child time-sharing in cases where the parents are getting a divorce or are otherwise not living together. Our Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer provides the legal protection clients and their families need in these proceedings and explains how the moral fitness of each party is a factor in making a parenting plan.
How Moral Fitness Factors Into Fort Lauderdale Parenting Plans
The protection, care, and overall well-being of children is a primary concern in Florida family court proceedings. Ongoing contact with each parent is generally encouraged and considered in the child’s best interests. Florida parenting plans form the basis for child time-sharing arrangements in the event of a divorce or separation and in the aftermath of paternity proceedings.
While time-sharing is strongly encouraged, there are guidelines under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes that a judge will consider before issuing any final orders. These are issues that could put children at risk, and many fall under the category of ‘mortal fitness.’
Moral fitness concerns your character, sense of right and wrong, and the principles by which you live your life. It includes a wide range of attitudes and behaviors, which factor into Fort Lauderdale parenting plans. These include:
- Each party’s proven ability to put the child’s best interests above their own;
- Their likelihood of cooperating and adhering to court orders;
- Whether either party has a criminal record or a history of problems with the law;
- Issues such as alcoholism and drug abuse;
- Any propensity to expose the child to unhealthy or potentially dangerous situations;
- Any current or prior allegations of spousal or child abuse.
When Moral Fitness Is An Issue In Your Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Case
Moral fitness is a serious issue when making child time-sharing arrangements in Fort Lauderdale, one that can impact either parent’s rights. If the other party in your case is engaging in behavior that could put your child at risk, take the following steps:
- Discuss the situation with an experienced Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing lawyer;
- Keep a record of all interactions between you and the other parent;
- Gather evidence of bad behavior on their part or any issues that put your child at risk;
- Adhere to any court orders currently in place, as not doing so could jeopardize your own rights;
- If you feel your child is in imminent danger, notify the police right away.
Speak With Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer
Moral character is a major issue when creating a parenting plan in Fort Lauderdale. To protect yourself and your child’s best interests, get the law office of Vanessa L. Prieto on your side. Contact us today and request a consultation to speak with our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer.
Sources:
flcourts.gov/content/download/686031/file_pdf/995a.pdf
m.flsenate.gov/statutes/61.13
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
