Ver en Español
Free Case Evaluation Call Now

The Ugly Side of Custody Battles

In today’s lexicon, you can hardly say the word “custody” without uttering “battle” in the same breath. And it’s easy to see why. Divorcing couples with children have a lot more at stake than just dissolving their marriage – their children’s futures are also on the line.

While undoubtedly every parent wants what’s best for their child, during divorce, it’s not up to the parents to decide what that is – it’s up to the courts. And that’s where even the most amicable of divorces can quickly turn ugly.

Drawing the battle lines

No matter the outcome of a custody case, children are in the mix, and it can be an emotionally painful process for them. As judges make decisions regarding custody, their priority remains on determining which outcome will be in the best interest of the child.

While “best interest” can be highly subjective, judges in Miami family court consider several factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • The children’s ages
  • The parent’s living situation
  • Each parent’s relationship with the children before the divorce
  • Children’s preferences
  • Continuity and stability

These and many other factors, including abuse or neglect, will be evaluated by judges as they make their ruling on child custody cases, and both the father and mother will be given equal consideration.

With the wellbeing of children front and center in a case, it’s easy to see why child custody can be one of the most contentious aspects of divorce. At Vasquez de Lara Law Group, we take our responsibility as advocates for our clients, their rights, and their family’s best interests to heart and give each case the attention and dedication it deserves. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your family law needs.

About the Author

Vanessa_Vasquez De Lara Divorce Attorney

Vanessa Vasquez de Lara is a Miami divorce lawyer, author, and legal commentator with more than 20 years of experience helping families navigate divorce, child custody disputes, and complex family law matters throughout Florida. She is the founder and managing partner of Vasquez de Lara Law Group, one of the largest family-law-only firms serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with a team of attorneys dedicated exclusively to divorce and family law.

A graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Vanessa has been recognized for her professional excellence by being named to the Super Lawyers list every year since 2016. She is also the author of the bestselling book “The Florida Man’s Guide to Getting Divorced” which provides practical insight into the legal, financial, and personal realities of divorce in Florida.

Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Vanessa is frequently invited to provide legal commentary on family law issues in national media, including appearances on NBC and Univision’s Despierta América.

Beyond her legal work, Vanessa is the founder of the Ricky Supreme Scholars Foundation, created in honor of her brother who lost his life to gun violence. Through the foundation, she provides scholarships to high school students to help them pursue higher education and build brighter futures.

Connect with Vanessa:
LinkedIn | Florida Bar Profile | Avvo