Couple placed in handcuffs while children removed from home
Knowing your parental rights can prevent potential issues with law enforcement. A recent story on Apple News from Aurora, Colorado shows how bad things can happen with parental rights. Loosing track of their child for a few minutes at a family picnic in a local park a passerby picked up the child and called the police. The family got their child back but later a visit from the police and child services turn the experience into a nightmare.
This incident highlighted in the book "Torn Apart" by Dorothy Roberts talks about how the child welfare system destroys black families. But it isn't just back family that need to understand their parental rights. It is all of us parents in Florida.
If you're a parent—or you're about to become one—then it's essential that you know about your parental rights when it comes to the custody of the child. Whether you have a contentious relationship with the mother or father of your child, or you merely want to get informed on what's legal and what isn't when it comes to co-parenting, knowing your rights is a must. Florida is the 4th ranking state for divorce.
Parental rights in Florida are specific to the sunshine state. Things like custody agreements, child support payments, and the rights of individual parents may differ from those in other locations. To learn more about custody rights in Florida, read on now.
What to Know About Parental Rights in Florida
In a child custody case in Florida, the judge will always consider the child's best interests when deciding how the parents will share the time with their child. The child comes first in a custody case. The judge must base their decision first and foremost on what's best for the child.
You should know that Florida law does not give any preference to either mothers or fathers when deciding on matters of child custody. If you're involved in a custody case in Florida, you're not required to have a custody attorney. However, it's usually advised you get yourself one.
Can a Judge Terminate Parental Rights to Custody of the Child in Florida?
In Florida, there are several specific situations in which parental rights can be terminated. Rights can be terminated if and when a parent abandons their child. Under this scope, if the authorities can't locate a parent for over 60 days, they can have their rights terminated by the court.
If the parent of a child becomes incarcerated or if they threaten the wellbeing of the child, then their rights may also get taken away. If the child has been adjudicated as dependent and the parent isn't complying with the terms, rights may be terminated here also.
Another case that can result in the termination of parental rights can be terminated is when a parent executes a written surrender. In other words, the parent is willingly waiving their rights in this example. This most often comes as a result of an adoption.
The above circumstances notwithstanding, the state of Florida usually tries not to terminate the rights of either parent. This means that even if you're unmarried, you will have the right to see your child in all but a few extreme cases. Men will need to establish paternity before they're entitled to any rights, however.
Your Custody Attorney in Pinellas County, Florida
If you're looking for more information on parental rights in Florida, then it could be a good idea to hire the services of an experienced attorney with expertise in this area. In a contentious situation, the custody of the child isn't something you want to take any risks with.
Get in touch with the Law Offices of Edward M. Panzica today for expert advice on custody agreements and the laws on child custody in Florida.