Going through a divorce can be a difficult time, especially with children involved in this situation. If you’re going through the divorce process in Florida, domestic violence allegations can further complicate divorce proceedings.
Factors a court considers after domestic violence allegations
Understandably, courts aren’t going to only take another parent’s word that domestic violence is happening. In heated divorces, it’s not uncommon for one person to make false allegations against another individual. Instead, the courts typically look at a combination of things, including:
• If the alleged abuser currently poses a threat to a domestic partner or their child
• Pending criminal cases involving the alleged abuser
• Physical evidence of domestic violence
• Police reports showing that domestic violence occurred
How does domestic violence impact child custody?
Domestic violence has a major impact on many family law matters. Not only will this situation have an impact on child custody, but it can also affect visitation rights.
It’s possible for the court to either temporarily or permanently revoke a parent’s right to visit their child if they suspect domestic violence is taking place. Another option is for the court to order the offending parent to undergo supervised visits with their children.
The court might also order the accused parent to attend either parenting classes, anger management classes, or domestic violence counseling. To protect the other parent or their child, the court can also issue an order of protection or restraining order against the accused parent.
Domestic violence is a situation that courts take seriously, especially when children are in the picture. If the court has sufficient evidence that one parent is guilty of domestic violence, it can have a major impact on how they’re able to interact with their children in the future.