Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Lawyer
Support for your custody case
Child custody is one of the most important and frequently contested issues in divorce proceedings. Custody cases can also arise from separations between unmarried parents. When your right to spend time with your child is at stake, it’s critical to protect your own interests – and those of your child – by working with a skilled lawyer who understands Florida family law inside and out.
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Comprehensive Child Custody Legal Services
Mark E. Sawicki, P.A. provides experienced child custody legal support.
How I Can Help
I am attorney Mark E. Sawicki, and I can partner with you to create a plan to ensure that your child will thrive. I work one-on-one with my clients to educate, advise and support them during child custody negotiations and trial, if it comes to that. I will fully invest in providing the advocacy you need at this critical time. From my offices in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach Gardens, I am available to clients throughout these communities and the surrounding areas. At my firm, you are not just treated like family; you are family.
What Is Child Custody?
Child custody is the legal and practical arrangement of a parent-child relationship. In a divorce proceeding, the issue of child custody will lead to decisions regarding which parent is primarily responsible for the child and what the other parent’s responsibilities and privileges are. This will also determine which parent the child will reside with and the conditions of the other parent’s time-sharing schedule, including how often they will see their child.
The same issues may apply to situations between unmarried parents who are separated or in the process of separating.
Why Hire Mark E. Sawicki, P.A., For Your Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Case?
Ease the process: Hiring me as your child custody attorney can ease some of the challenges that come with the process.
Personalized and supportive approach: I recognize that your situation is not a cookie-cutter version of someone else’s. Since I tailor my approach to adapt to the needs of my clients, you can feel heard and understood when you work with me.
Honest and clear communication: I also won’t sugarcoat the details of your situation. I want to make sure that you have a solid understanding of what outcomes are realistic based on your circumstances. That way, you can effectively prepare and handle any challenges that arise.
If you would like to discuss your situation at length, please contact me. I am happy to address any questions or concerns you have.
Types Of Custody Arrangements Available In Florida
The most mistaken public perception of child custody is that it takes the form of sole custody of the child. There are numerous other forms of child custody, including:
- Joint: Both parents have physical custody and legal authority over the child.
- Sole: One parent has physical custody and legal authority over the child.
- Split: One parent gets custody of some children, and the other gets custody of the others.
- Third-party custody: Someone other than the parents has custody of the children. This situation is rare.
Florida law presumes that joint custody and 50-50 shared parenting time are the starting points in every custody case. However, there may be many grounds for demonstrating that another arrangement is in the child’s best interests.
Steps To Take In A Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Case
- Document: Even before you see a lawyer, start keeping a log of all your interactions with your children. Also, keep notes on ways that you support them, such as making doctors’ appointments, communicating with their teachers and attending their extracurricular activities, such as sports games and dance recitals.
- Avoid making informal arrangements: While talking with your spouse about child-related matters is natural, be careful not to make promises about a parenting plan or get into an informal custody arrangement without getting legal counsel first. Otherwise, you may erode the strength of your position in the formal custody case.
- Consult an attorney: Please have an in-depth conversation with an attorney before you agree to any child custody arrangement.
I offer real-world advice and counsel as an experienced and award-winning attorney focusing solely on Florida family law. I will work hard to fight for your rights as a parent.
What Factors Are Used To Determine Child Custody?
The “best interests of the child” is the overarching standard in deciding child custody cases. What those interests are can depend on the circumstances. Here are a few things Florida family courts take into account when determining those interests:
- The financial and mental stability of each parent
- How involved each parent is in the child’s life
- Each parent’s schedule and how well it aligns with the child’s needs
- What the child prefers (this can often depend on their age)
- The proximity of each parent to the child’s school
- Each parent’s ability to provide extracurricular and educational support
- How willing each parent is to make needed accommodations for the child
These are just a few examples and can vary from family to family. If you have any specific questions or concerns about what to expect during your child custody dispute, I am here to address them.
Out-Of-State Custody Arrangements
Custody cases can get more complicated when the parents reside in different states. The Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act establishes a legal framework for deciding which state courts get to decide the custody case. In Florida, if a parent wishes to move out of state and share custody with a former spouse, they typically have to get approval from a state family court to do so. Getting this approval typically involves notifying the other parent of the move and getting consent from them. If the parent does not approve of the move, then the approval falls back on the court. In making these decisions, courts typically account for the child’s best interests in these decisions. What’s in the kids’ best interests can depend on various factors, which can look different for individual families.
If you have questions about your personal circumstances involving out-of-state custody arrangements, reach out today.
Get a Free 20-Minute Consultation with Mark
Facing divorce, custody, or family issues? Mark Sawicki offers compassionate, determined guidance to help you move forward.
What Makes Mark E. Sawicki, P.A. Different
At Mark E. Sawicki, P.A., we combine business-minded strategy with emotional intelligence to protect both your financial security and your family’s well-being. Unlike big firms where you’re just another case number, Sawicki Law offers:
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Mark E. Sawicki, P.A.
Personal attention & direct access to Mark
Fair and transparent billing – No Hidden Fees Ever
Licensed in 8 jurisdictions including the U.S. Supreme Court
Specialization in high-asset, complex, and LGBTQIA+ divorce
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Client Reviews
Hear from some of our clients.
Edler D.
Google Review
“Mr. Sawicki represented me in a complicated custody settlement and did an amazing job… fought for my rights… communication was on point… Thanks to Mark I was able to get my son back after 6 years…”
Christopher H.
Google Review
“My case involved custody and child support… Mark is a smart and well respected attorney who argues law over antics… you can rest assured you’re going to have your best shot when he gets in the courtroom…”
Jordo
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“Mark was very knowledgeable and answered any of my questions and concerns regarding divorce and child custody. Easy to talk to and honest…”
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody
Child custody matters are among the most emotional and important family law issues. Below are common questions people ask when seeking help from a child custody lawyer.
What is the biggest mistake in a custody battle?
One of the biggest mistakes is letting emotions drive decisions instead of focusing on the child’s best interests. Arguing about minor issues, using children as leverage, or failing to follow court orders can weaken your position. An experienced child custody lawyer helps you stay strategic and child-centered.
Who is most likely to win custody of a child?
There is no “automatic winner.” Florida courts base custody (parental responsibility and time-sharing) on the best interests of the child, including each parent’s ability to support the child’s stability, involvement in daily life, and a safe environment. A lawyer helps present evidence that supports your case under this standard.
What type of custody costs the most?
Cases with high conflict or extensive litigation tend to cost more — especially when custody is hotly contested and requires expert testimony, discovery, or multiple hearings. Mediation and negotiated agreements typically cost less than contested courtroom battles. A child custody lawyer helps you weigh legal options that balance cost and desired outcomes.
What is the best evidence for child custody?
Strong evidence may include:
- Documentation of daily caregiving routines
- School/medical records
- Communication records showing involvement
- Witness testimony (teachers, family members)
- Parenting evaluations or professional recommendations
A skilled child custody lawyer helps you gather and present evidence that aligns with what Florida courts prioritize in custody decisions.
Get A Free Case Evaluation
Your future deserves protection—and the right lawyer makes all the difference. Whether you are facing divorce, custody, or family law matters, Mark E. Sawicki, P.A. is here to guide you with compassion and determination.