Settling Custody Disputes in Everyone’s Best Interests

When a marriage ends, clashes naturally arise. Even an amicable split can become heated. Nowhere is this truer than in the question of custody. And nowhere is there more to lose than when a custody dispute escalates into an all-out war.

“The Court’s utmost responsibility in a custody dispute is to determine what is in the best interest of the child. To that end, there are protections in place to ensure neither parent can undermine the other or unduly deny access to the children,” said Norman A. Green, Senior Partner at Green & Metcalf P.A. of Vero Beach, FL.

There are two types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody gives the parent basic decision-making rights, such as where they will attend school. Physical custody determines whom the child will live with. Parents can be awarded joint custody where these decisions are made together or sole custody with only one parent assuming primary care.

“In dire situations where an agreement cannot be reached between the parents or one parent believes the other unfit, the Court may choose to appoint a Child Advocate Attorney to determine what is in the best interest of the child. Assuming both parents are competent and willing to act on behalf of their child’s wellbeing, an equitable custody agreement can usually be reached through the help and guidance of a good family law attorney,” said Green.

Norman A. Green is the founder and a partner of Green & Metcalf P.A. He has over 40 years of experience in the practice fields of criminal defense and family law (divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, modifications of existing orders, prenuptial agreements and alimony cases).