Establishing Your Role In Your Child’s Future

Last updated on May 29, 2026

Few concerns weigh heavier on a parent than uncertainty about where their child will live and who will make important decisions for them. When relationships change, fear and confusion often follow. An experienced attorney understands that parents are not fighting to win but fighting to protect their children.

The Law Office of Kenneth J. Louie, based in Plantation, Florida, approaches every case with compassion, patience and a clear focus on securing arrangements that protect a child’s stability, safety and long-term well-being.

Florida Time-Sharing Versus Custody Terminology

In Florida, the term custody is no longer commonly used in court orders. Instead, courts refer to time-sharing and parental responsibility. Time-sharing addresses the schedule outlining when a child spends time with each parent. On the other hand, parental responsibility refers to decision-making authority over major issues such as education, health care and religious upbringing.

Parental responsibility may be shared by both parents or granted primarily to one parent in limited situations. Understanding these differences is critical when pursuing a parenting plan. As experienced attorneys, we can help ensure parents use the correct legal terminology and advocate effectively within Florida’s legal framework.

Experienced, Trustworthy Guidance

Child custody arrangements can come in all shapes and sizes. It is all unique to your family unit and what works best for you. When things cannot be solved amicably, we will do everything we can to represent not only you but also your child. Visitation schedules are similar in that they can be agreed upon without having to go in front of a judge. Simply put, this is the time set aside for the noncustodial parent to see their child. Again, it is unique to you.

Visitation schedules are very specific. They often name the date, time and location for the parent and child to meet. This is so that everyone is on the same page. It also helps clear up any confusion moving forward. In certain situations, supervised visitation can also be set up. Again, it is all unique to your needs. Our attorney can talk you through the options and help you decide what will work best for you and your family. It’s important to remember that modifications can always be made, should your needs change as time goes on.

What Factors Affect Child Custody?

Child custody is one of the most difficult and emotional battles that can play out in family court. If a child custody decision has to go to court, it is the responsibility of a family court judge to decide what is in a child’s best interests, so they will consider such factors as:

• A parent’s history of domestic abuse or violence
• A parent’s ability to provide for their child
• A parent’s overall fitness and health
• The relationship between a parent and their child
• The ability of each parent to work with the other
• A parent’s ability to give their child a stable upbringing
• The anticipated division of parental responsibilities after the litigation.
• The demonstrated capacity of each parent to provide a consistent routine, including discipline and daily schedules.
• Each parent’s ability to encourage and facilitate a close and continuing relationship between the child and the other parent.
• The child’s home, school and community record.
• The moral fitness of each parent as it impacts the child.
• The mental and physical health of the parents.
• The reasonable preference of the child, if the court finds the child mature enough.
• Each parent’s ability to provide a nurturing environment.

Even small details can influence the court’s decision. Judges carefully evaluate documentation, witness testimony and demonstrated parenting involvement. Because these factors directly shape your child’s future, working with a knowledgeable child custody attorney is essential to present strong evidence and protect your parental rights.

What Happens When Visitation Rules Are Not Being Met?

A court-ordered custody and visitation agreement clarifies what is expected from each parent. However, just because there is a court order, that does not mean a parent will follow the visitation rules. A parent could frequently miss days of visitation or deny the other parent their visitation rights.

If your child’s other parent violates your visitation agreement regularly, you need an attorney to address the matter and ask for the court’s help in enforcing the rules. In some cases, our attorneys can create a strategy that gives our clients more custody and visitation rights if their child’s other parent continues to violate the rules.

What Are Some Common Misconceptions People Have About Child Custody and Visitation?

Some of our clients come to us with concerns about information they were told or read online. Many of these issues are caused by misconceptions. Some myths include:

• Courts will always give mothers custody
• Fathers always have to pay child support
• Parents must always share custody
• A parent can withhold custody if the other parent does not pay child support

We want to nip these myths in the bud. Our child custody attorneys will answer any of your questions.

Custody Rights For Unmarried Parents

Unmarried parents must establish legal paternity before seeking time-sharing or parental responsibility. Once paternity is confirmed, both parents may pursue enforceable custody and parenting rights through the court.

If You Have Questions, Call Today

These cases must be handled with the utmost attention and care. Make sure you have a compassionate, aggressive attorney by your side. Call our office in Plantation at 954-546-7328 to schedule a consultation today. You can also fill out our contact form online.