Domestic violence is a serious issue that can have long-lasting impacts on victims and their families. When it comes to child custody rights, domestic violence may affect how the court decides who will be the primary custodian of the children.
It’s important to understand how domestic violence affects child custody rights in Tampa FL and how to protect yourself if you are a victim of abuse.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is defined as physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse between family members or intimate partners. This type of abuse is often used by one partner to maintain power and control over the other partner through fear.
Domestic violence can take many forms including:
- Verbal abuse
- Threats
- Stalking
- Physical abuse
- Sexual assault
- Financial exploitation
- And more
It’s important to understand that anyone can be a victim of domestic violence regardless of gender or relationship status.
How Does Domestic Violence Affect Child Custody Rights?
If you are filing for divorce and there has been a history of domestic violence in your relationship then it may affect the court’s decision regarding child custody rights. The courts want to ensure that both parties are fit parents who can provide a safe home environment for the children involved in the divorce proceedings.
If there has been evidence of domestic violence then this could sway the court’s decision in favor of granting sole custody or supervised visitation rights to one parent instead of joint custody arrangements.
The courts also consider whether or not there has been an active restraining order against either party. If so then this could also have an impact on the decision about which parent should be granted primary custodianship over the children involved in the divorce proceedings.
Additionally, if either parent has been convicted of any type of domestic violence-related crime then this could also be taken into consideration when determining custody arrangements as well as visitation rights and even child support payments if applicable.
