The family courts in places like Lake, Sumter, Hernando, Marion and Orange proceed from the judicial philosophy that a child's interests are best served when both parents are involved. It is rare that the court will decide to give sole custody to one parent without guaranteeing the other parent liberal visitation. Furthermore, regardless of the custody arrangement, both parents will normally be allowed to have a say in the child's upbringing with regard to schools, residence, religion, and medical decisions. In other words, both parties will be allowed to co-parent the child. It is important to note that parental rights are not extended automatically to both parties.
