Child Custody Attorney in Coconut Creek

A Former JAG Officer Fighting for Broward County Parents

Child custody is governed in Florida under the framework of parental responsibility and time-sharing. It is one of the most emotionally and legally demanding issues in a divorce or paternity case. The decisions made in Broward County Family Court can shape your child’s daily life for years.

Attorney Jonny Kousa is a former U.S. Army JAG officer who has represented hundreds of individuals in highly contested family law matters. That military legal training translates directly into courtroom discipline and strategic precision. It’s exactly what Coconut Creek parents need when custody is genuinely at stake. Our firm handles cases throughout Broward County and beyond.

At The Law Offices of Jonny Kousa, P.L., we work to protect your relationship with your child.

Call us today at (954) 626-8071 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a child custody attorney in Coconut Creek.

How Florida Defines Custody: Parental Responsibility & Time-Sharing

Florida statutes don’t use the terms “sole custody” or “joint custody.” Instead, courts work within a two-part framework: parental responsibility and time-sharing.

Parental responsibility governs a parent’s authority to make major decisions about a child’s health, education, and general welfare. Courts most commonly award shared parental responsibility but may grant sole decision-making authority to one parent when the child’s best interests require it. Time-sharing determines how the child’s physical time is divided between parents and is formalized in a court-approved parenting plan. The two components are addressed separately, and the outcome of one doesn’t automatically determine the other.

What Factors Does a Judge Consider?

Broward County judges apply the “best interests of the child” standard and weigh a broad set of circumstances. No single factor is controlling. Courts look at the full picture.

Factors commonly evaluated include:

• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, safe home environment
• History of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect
• The child’s health, emotional development, and continuity of care needs
• How well both parents can communicate and make decisions together
• Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent

A child’s preference may be considered when the child is of sufficient age and maturity to form a reasoned opinion about their own needs. The court weighs that preference alongside all other factors rather than treating it as controlling.

What Is a Parenting Plan in Florida?

In Florida, a “custody agreement” is called a parenting plan. It’s a binding legal document required in all Florida custody cases that governs the relationship between parents regarding decisions about their child. Florida’s custody laws are designed to serve the child’s best interests in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, and they require divorcing or separating parents to produce a parenting plan that addresses several specific elements.

A parenting plan must include:

• Shared responsibilities: How you and the other parent will share the daily tasks of raising your child
• A time-sharing schedule: A calendar showing how much time your child spends with each parent, covering weekdays, weekends, and holidays
• Healthcare and educational decisions: Who is responsible for medical care, school enrollment, and related activities, including which address is used for school-boundary purposes
• Communication with your child: The methods and frequency through which each parent communicates with the child, including phone calls, texts, and video calls

For more on parenting plans in Florida, read our blog: How to Create a Successful Co-Parenting Plan

What Makes a Parent Unfit Under Florida Law?

Florida courts determine custody based on the child’s best interests, which means accusations of unfitness are taken seriously and investigated formally. If one parent raises concerns about the other during custody proceedings, the court may appoint a professional evaluator to assess the child’s safety and well-being. Conduct during the case itself can affect the outcome, so it’s important to remain composed throughout the process.

A judge may find a parent unfit based on:

• A documented history of alcohol, substance abuse, or domestic violence
• Mental health conditions that impair the ability to fulfill a parenting role
• Evidence of neglect toward the child
• Inability to provide a safe and stable living environment

Behavior that appears vindictive or combative during proceedings can affect a parent’s time-sharing and visitation rights. Staying focused on your child’s well-being and away from conflict is both the right approach and the strategic one.

Custody Modification & Enforcement in Broward County

A court-approved parenting plan isn’t necessarily permanent. Under Florida Statute § 61.13, modification is permitted when there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Common triggers include a parent’s proposed relocation, a significant change in work schedule, or a shift in the child’s needs.

When one parent fails to follow a court-approved time-sharing order, the other may seek enforcement through Broward County Family Court. Remedies can include make-up time-sharing and an award of attorney’s fees against the non-compliant parent. Both enforcement and modification actions are heard at the same Broward County Family Division in Fort Lauderdale that issued the original order. We handle both types of proceedings for clients throughout Broward County.

Ready to discuss your parenting plan? Call our Coconut Creek child custody attorney at (954) 626-8071 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.

What to Expect During a Custody Case in Coconut Creek

All custody cases for Coconut Creek residents are heard at the Broward County Family Division, located within the Broward County Judicial Complex in Fort Lauderdale. Most cases follow a predictable path. After the initial filing, both parties participate in court-mandated mediation. It is a required step in most Broward County custody, visitation, and support cases designed to encourage resolution before reaching a judge. If mediation resolves all issues, the parties can submit an agreed parenting plan for court approval. If it doesn’t, the case proceeds to a family court judge who reviews evidence, considers testimony, and issues a final custody order based on the child’s best interests.

• Initial filing with an attorney familiar with local rules and the judges at the Broward County Courthouse
• Mandatory mediation aimed at reaching a parenting agreement outside of trial
• Pre-trial hearings where temporary arrangements may be ordered while the case is pending
• Final custody hearing before a judge with authority to establish long-term time-sharing and parental responsibility

We guide Coconut Creek families through each of these stages with clear, practical advice. Our goal is to make sure your voice is heard, your paperwork is complete, and you’re prepared for every step: from mediation to the courtroom.

How We Help Coconut Creek Parents

Every family situation is different. We take time to understand each client’s priorities and circumstances before building a case strategy, whether the matter is headed toward negotiation or a contested hearing before a Broward County judge. If your case involves a parent seeking to relocate, a petition for modifications to an existing plan, or a paternity action that raises custody questions, we handle the preparation and filing of the necessary petitions while keeping you informed at every turn. We also represent clients in matters involving grandparents’ rights.

Our services for parents navigating child custody include:

• Case strategy development based on your parenting goals and your family’s specific dynamics
• Document preparation for all filings required by Broward County Family Court
• Mediation negotiation focused on reaching a time-sharing arrangement that puts your child first
• Responsive communication throughout your case so you know where things stand

Talk to a Child Custody Attorney in Coconut Creek

Custody and time-sharing decisions aren’t simple, and the stakes are too high to navigate alone. Whether you’re entering a contested custody dispute, working through a proposed parenting plan, or dealing with a divorce that also involves child support, we’re here to protect your relationship with your child and keep you grounded in what matters most. Read what our clients say about working with us. Then reach out.

For additional reading on custody, visitation, and parenting plans, visit our blog:

• Best Practices for Using Social Media During Your Custody Case
• Child Custody 101: How to Deal With a Toxic Co-Parent

Fighting for custody of your child? Contact The Law Offices of Jonny Kousa, P.L. at (954) 626-8071 or online for a free consultation.