Practice Area

Child
Custody

When parents separate, questions about custody become the most emotionally charged part of the process. Who will make important decisions about your child's future? How much time will you each have together? At The Law Office of John P. Sherman, we understand that custody disputes aren't just legal matters, they're personal. Our role is to guide you through Florida's complex custody system with clarity, compassion, and strategic legal advocacy focused on protecting your parental rights.

Book a call
Child Custody
Legal Overview

How Does Child Custody Work

Florida courts approach custody, legally known as time-sharing, with the child’s best interests as the top priority. Judges evaluate each parent’s ability to provide stability, cooperation, and emotional support before approving a Parenting Plan. Below are key factors that define how custody works in Florida.

Parenting Plans

Each custody case begins with a Parenting Plan that outlines how decisions will be made and how time will be divided between parents. The plan must address schooling, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and holiday schedules, all centered on the child's well-being.

Shared vs. Sole Responsibility

Florida courts usually favor shared parental responsibility so both parents can make major decisions. Sole responsibility is only granted when one parent's actions, like neglect or abuse, threaten the child's safety.

Time-Sharing Schedules

Time-sharing determines where the child lives and how visitation is divided. Judges assess factors like school proximity, parents' work schedules, and the child's age to create a fair and practical schedule.

Modifications & Enforcement

Custody orders can change if there's a significant and unexpected shift in circumstances. When one parent violates the Parenting Plan, courts can enforce compliance through legal remedies.

Services / Approach

Legal Support for Child Custody Cases

Child custody cases are deeply personal and often emotionally charged. Our firm provides steady, strategic guidance from start to finish, ensuring you understand your rights, your options, and what to expect at every stage.

  • Filing or contesting custody petitions.
  • Requesting emergency or temporary custody orders.
  • Modifying or enforcing existing orders.
  • Protecting custody, housing, and parental rights.

"Our approach centers on protection and fairness, combining compassionate counsel with firm legal representation to resolve even the most high-stakes custody matters effectively."

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody

How do courts determine child custody in Florida?

Florida courts base custody (time-sharing) decisions on the child's best interests. Judges evaluate each parent's ability to provide stability, emotional support, and cooperation. They also consider factors like school continuity, home environment, and any history of abuse or neglect before finalizing a Parenting Plan.

Related Services

Explore Related Practice Areas

Divorce & Separation

View

Child Support

View

Alimony & Spousal Support

View

Domestic Violence

View
Insights & Resources

Related Articles

A man and woman standing in evening light outdoors
Family Law

Child Custody Agreement in Florida: How to Draft a Parenting Plan That Works

Creating a child custody agreement is one of the most important, and often emotionally charged, steps in any separation or divorce involving children. In Florida, this isn’t just a private arrangement between two parents. It’s a formal legal document, known as a parenting plan, that must be approved by a court and comply with detailed state requirements. And whether you're navigating a peaceful co-parenting split or a high-conflict situation, the structure and clarity of this agreement can shape your child’s future in lasting ways.

Feb 28, 2026 • 10 min read
Happy family with children together in park autum
Family Law

2025 Florida Child Support Guide

Get a clear overview of how child support works in Florida, who pays, how amounts are calculated, and what factors the court considers to ensure your child’s needs are met.

Feb 28, 2026 • 9 min read
Divorced couple coparenting their child.
Family Law

Co-Parenting in 2026: A Parent’s Guide to Peaceful Child-Raising After Separation

Co-parenting in 2025 comes with new challenges but also new tools and insights. This guide helps separated parents work together to raise emotionally healthy kids in a peaceful, cooperative way.

Feb 28, 2026 • 13 min read

If a child custody dispute is underway, your next step matters.

Whether you're seeking fair time-sharing or defending your parental rights, we're here to protect your family's future and secure the strongest possible outcome.

Schedule Consultation