On behalf of The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A.
Two years ago, a Massachusetts boy was taken by his mother from his father’s residence. At the time, the boy’s father had just been granted full custody by the Massachusetts courts. The mother, Christina Hale, took her son to her mother’s house. When the father went to retrieve him, he was told that the boy and his mother had left.
The father filed a missing person report and plastered the local area with flyers and posters with his son’s face. Police did find the mother’s vehicle in Maine, but they did not find her or the boy.
The trail has been cold ever since, but a trip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children turned up a tip that led police to Florida. That was where they found the boy and his mother.
The child was removed from the home and reunited with his father, ending a two-year nightmare.
While we know this is an extreme case, this shows how nasty child custody battles can get. If you need a Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney, contact The Law Office Of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A.
Child Custody
There is often a bit of confusion when it comes to understanding the different types of child custody, so here is a brief explanation:
- Legal Custody: This has to do with which parent has the right to make important legal decisions on behalf of the child (medical, school, and other important decisions).
- Physical Custody: This deals with where the child will reside.
For both types, parents can be granted sole or joint custody. In the event of a separation, both types of custody must be determined, but they do not necessarily have to be the same. For example – one parent can have sole physical custody while there is joint legal custody shared by the parents. This is common when one parent lives far away. There can also be a time when one parent has sole legal custody but they both share physical custody.
Florida courts like to see that both parents remain a part of their child’s life in some way, as this is generally seen as being better for their continued emotional and psychological growth.
If sole custody is involved, you will likely need to work out a visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent if possible (barring any cases of abuse or other legal restriction).
After separation, there may be times with custody adjustments that need to be made. That is fine, as long as they are made through the family court system.
What Are Your Options?
We know that divorce is the last thing you thought would happen, but we also know you want to do what is best for your child. At The Law Office Of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A., we want to help you come to a resolution that is best for everyone involved. Sometimes that means joint custody, sometimes it means sole custody. Let us walk with you throughout this process. When you need a Fort Lauderdale child custody lawyer, you can contact us by clicking here or calling 954-533-2756 for a free consultation.
