Child custody decisions are the most consequential part of any Florida divorce involving children. Where your child lives, who makes decisions about their education and healthcare, and how much time each parent spends with them — all of it flows from the custody determination made in your case. Attorney Mindi Lasley has guided parents throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County through child custody disputes for years, building parenting plans that protect children’s stability while fighting for the time and rights each parent deserves.
How Florida Defines Child Custody
Florida law replaced the word “custody” with two distinct legal concepts: parental responsibility and time-sharing. Understanding both is essential before entering any negotiation or courtroom:
- Parental responsibility — The right and obligation to make major decisions about a child’s life, including education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. Courts in Hillsborough County default to shared parental responsibility unless one parent is unfit.
- Time-sharing — The actual schedule determining when the child is physically with each parent. Florida law does not favor mothers or fathers. What matters is the child’s best interests.
The Best Interests of the Child Standard
Every child custody decision in Florida — whether in Tampa, Hillsborough County, or anywhere in the state — is governed by the best interests of the child. Under Florida Statute 61.13, courts weigh more than 20 factors when determining a parenting plan. Key factors include:
| Factor | What the Court Examines |
|—|—|
| Parental capacity | Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s developmental and emotional needs |
| Moral fitness | Each parent’s conduct and character as it relates to the child |
| Mental and physical health | Each parent’s overall health and stability |
| Child’s school and community | Continuity of home, school, and community environment |
| Domestic violence | Any history of abuse, neglect, or family violence |
| Communication | Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent |
| Work schedules | Each parent’s availability to maintain a consistent parenting schedule |
| Child’s preference | The child’s preference, given appropriate weight based on maturity and age |
Types of Parenting Arrangements in Florida
Florida does not mandate a specific time-sharing split. Child custody arrangements vary widely based on individual circumstances. Common structures include:
- Equal time-sharing (50/50) — The child splits time evenly between both parents. Common in Tampa-area cases where both parents live nearby and are both actively involved.
- Primary residence with secondary time-sharing — The child lives primarily with one parent while having a structured schedule with the other, including overnight visits and vacation time.
- Sole parental responsibility — Rare. Reserved for cases where shared decision-making would be harmful to the child, such as when one parent has a history of domestic violence or substance abuse.
The Parenting Plan Requirement
Florida law requires every case involving children to have a formal, written parenting plan approved by the court. A properly drafted parenting plan addresses:
- Day-to-day living schedule and weeknight/weekend splits
- Holiday, school break, and summer vacation schedules
- How parents communicate with each other about the child
- How decisions about education, healthcare, and activities are made
- Transportation and exchange logistics
- Relocation restrictions and notification requirements
A poorly drafted parenting plan leads to ongoing conflict and expensive court proceedings later. Mindi Lasley, P.A. drafts parenting plans that are detailed, enforceable, and built to reduce future disputes — not create them.
Contested Child Custody Cases in Tampa
When parents cannot agree on time-sharing or parental responsibility, the case becomes contested and goes before a Hillsborough County family court judge. Contested child custody cases may involve:
- Custody evaluations — A court-appointed evaluator interviews both parents and the child and submits a recommendation to the judge.
- Guardian ad litem — An independent attorney appointed specifically to represent the child’s best interests in court.
- Expert witnesses — Psychologists, therapists, school counselors, or other professionals testifying about the child’s needs.
- Depositions and discovery — Each party’s history, conduct, and fitness as a parent examined under oath.
When a custody case is contested, preparation and courtroom experience are everything. Mindi Lasley, P.A. builds every case as if it will go to trial, giving clients the strongest possible position whether it resolves in mediation or before a judge.
Modifying Child Custody After Divorce
Life changes. A parent may relocate, remarry, change work schedules, or fall into circumstances that no longer serve the child’s best interests. Florida allows child custody modifications when:
- There has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order
- The proposed modification serves the best interests of the child
Courts in Hillsborough County take modification requests seriously. You need documented evidence and clear legal arguments. Mindi Lasley, P.A. handles both seeking modifications and defending against them.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|—|—|
| Does Florida favor mothers in child custody cases? | No. Florida law does not give preference to either parent based on gender. Both parents have equal standing under the law. |
| At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in Florida? | There is no set age. The court considers the child’s preference but weighs it based on the child’s maturity and the reasoning behind the preference. |
| What if my ex violates the parenting plan? | You can file a motion for contempt in Hillsborough County family court. Repeated violations can result in modification of time-sharing. |
| Can I relocate with my child after divorce? | Not without court approval or the other parent’s written consent if the move is more than 50 miles from the current home. |
| How long does a custody case take in Tampa? | Uncontested cases can resolve in weeks. Contested custody cases often take 6–18 months depending on complexity. |
| What is a Guardian Ad Litem? | An attorney appointed by the court to represent the child’s independent interests — not either parent’s position. |
Local Resources for Child Custody in Hillsborough County
| Resource | Description |
|—|—|
| Thirteenth Judicial Circuit — Family Law | Hillsborough County family court, local rules, and self-help resources |
| Hillsborough County Clerk of Court | File custody documents and access case records |
| Florida Bar — Child Custody Guide | Plain-language overview of Florida child custody law |
| Florida Attorney General | Consumer rights and legal resources for Florida families |
Protect Your Rights as a Parent — Start With Mindi Lasley, P.A.
Your relationship with your child is too important to leave to chance. Mindi Lasley, P.A. is a child custody attorney in Tampa who provides focused, experienced representation for parents in Hillsborough County. Whether you are establishing a new parenting plan or fighting to modify an existing one, we are ready to protect your parental rights. Call us at 813-873-9047 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.
About Mindi Lasley, P.A.: Mindi Lasley, P.A. is a Tampa-based family law firm serving parents and families throughout Hillsborough County. The firm focuses exclusively on divorce and family law, including child custody, time-sharing, parenting plan creation, and post-judgment modifications. Attorney Mindi Lasley brings personal attention and genuine advocacy to every case she handles.