Jacksonville Divorce Attorney Blog
In 2016, Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt after he got into an altercation with his son Maddox on a plane that resulted in an FBI investigation. You may have heard about the custody battle with their six children that has ensued. Recently, a judge apparently ordered “new restrictions” regarding Angelina’s participation in how Brad interacts with the children.
The Judge wrote, “[The children] not having a relationship with their father is harmful to them. It is critical that each of them have a healthy and strong relationship with their father and mother.” The Judge also state, “If the minor children remain closed down to their father and depending on the circumstances surrounding this condition, it may result in a reduction of the time they spend with [Jolie] and may result in the Court ordering primary physical custody to [Pitt].” The Judge created a visitation schedule for Brad to see his children over the summer with the children continuing to receive therapy.
It seems the Judge is trying to prevent parental alienation. Parental alienation is the psychological manipulation of a child into showing unwarranted fear, disrespect or hostility towards a parent and/or other family members. Check out 9 warning signs that parental alienation might be present here.
In Florida, to determine child custody, the court is concerned with what is in the best interest of the child. Under F.S. 61.13(3), some factors the courts consider are the child’s school and home history; the parents’ mental, physical and moral status; permanence of the proposed home; continuity of the child’s situation; parent’s ability to provide; domestic violence (if there is any); whether the parent will cooperate and encourage contact with the other parent; whether the parent will be reasonable in accommodating any changes that need to be made; whether the parent will honor the time-sharing schedule; the involvement of each parent with the child’s life; the ability of the parents to meet the child’s developmental needs; and how parental responsibilities will be divided up after the proceeding is over, including how much of the parental responsibilities will be performed by someone else.
It is imperative that the children are encouraged to have a relationship with both parents. If you have questions regarding a child custody case, you need a Jacksonville child custody attorney who is experienced in this area of law. Contact the Law Office of David M. Goldman, PLLC for a consultation.