Boca Raton, FL Child Custody Attorneys

Kid’s Say in Custody Disputes

Custody disputes can be a very challenging problem. Obviously both parents will want to maintain contact with their children, and in many cases both parents are interested in being the child’s primary caregiver. When making decisions about custody, a judge must consider many complicated factors, including the mental and physical health of each parent and the stability of each parent’s household.


In Florida, the child’s personal opinion can also be a factor in the judge’s decision. Some people understand this to mean that the child can choose with which parent they prefer to live, and the judge will support them. The truth is a little more complex than that.


First, it is up to the judge to decide whether the child is able to have a fully informed opinion of this important matter. The judge will consider the child’s age, maturity level, and experience with each parents when making this decision. Florida law allows a judge to make this determination based on his or her own information about and opinion of the child. It is a very subjective question, but judges are careful to gather as much relevant information as they can and thoroughly consider their answers.


Even if a judge determines that the child is mature enough to have a say in the custody dispute, it does not mean the child will automatically get the results he or she wants. The judge will consider the child’s opinion along with all of the other factors relevant to a child custody hearing. He or she will then make the best decision they can.


If you are getting or anticipating a divorce, you will need an aggressive and determined custody lawyer to protect your legal rights. contact Boca Raton, FL child custody attorneys Eric Klein & Associates at (561) 353-2800.