.jpg)
Being a parent is a challenging job. Parents all over the world do everything in their power to provide the best for their children, but sometimes things can go wrong, and the outcome can be tragic. One of the most heart-wrenching things that can happen to parents is losing custody of their children. There are a wide range of reasons why parents in Florida can lose custody of their children.
In this blog post, we will discuss five of the most common reasons that parents in Florida lose custody of their children.
5 Common Reasons Parents in Florida Lose Custody of Their Kids
Child custody is a serious matter and parents need to be aware of the factors that can lead to the loss of custody in Florida. The following are five of the most common reasons parents in Florida lose custody of their children:
- Abuse or Neglect – One of the most common reasons why parents lose custody of their children in Florida is abuse or neglect. Child neglect is the failure of a parent or caregiver to provide for the child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, or medical attention. Child abuse involves intentionally harming or endangering the child. In Florida, child protective services may take custody of a child if they have reason to believe that the child is being abused or neglected. The parent may lose custody temporarily or permanently depending on the severity of the abuse or neglect.
- Substance Abuse – Florida courts take substance abuse very seriously, and it can be a factor in losing child custody. If a parent abuses drugs or alcohol, it can affect their ability to care for their children. Substance abuse can also put the child’s safety at risk. If a parent is struggling with substance abuse, they should seek help immediately. They may be able to maintain custody if they enter a treatment program and demonstrate a commitment to sobriety.
- Criminal Activity – Criminal activity can also lead to a parent losing custody of their children in Florida. If a parent is involved in criminal activity that puts their children in danger, such as domestic violence or drug dealing, they may lose custody. In some cases, a parent’s criminal activity may also reflect poorly on their ability to provide a safe and stable environment for their children.
- Mental Health Issues – Mental health issues can also lead to the loss of child custody in Florida. If a parent’s mental health issues prevent them from caring for their children properly, child protective services may become involved. Examples may include untreated or severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
- Parental Alienation – Parental alienation occurs when one parent tries to turn the child against the other parent. This can be a form of emotional abuse and can result in the loss of custody of the child if the behavior is sustained and serious. The courts view parents who use their children as pawns in a custody dispute unfavorably. Courts are more likely to rule in favor of parents that are more supportive of their child’s relationship with the other parent.
Parents who are struggling with any of these issues should seek help immediately and work towards resolving these issues for the well-being of their children.
Are you facing a child custody dispute and don't know where to turn? Look no further than Orshan, Spann & Fernandez-Mesa. Our team of experienced child custody lawyers in Miami-Dade are here to help. Give us a call at (305) 853-9161 or simply fill out our online contact form to set up your consultation today. And if you want to learn more about what our clients have to say about us, check out our reviews.
