Sole Custody
"Sole custody" is an older term—still used in everyday speech and in other states—for one parent having primary control over a child after divorce. Florida no longer uses "custody" at all; instead it uses "parenting plan," "time-sharing," and "parental responsibility." The Florida concept closest to sole custody is "sole parental responsibility," where one parent makes major decisions, but courts grant it only when shared responsibility would be detrimental to the child.
Last updated June 21, 2026
Legal Definition
A historical/non-Florida term for one parent holding primary decision-making and physical control. Florida instead applies F.S. §61.13, presuming shared parental responsibility and ordering sole parental responsibility only when shared responsibility would be detrimental to the child.
Example
The client asked about "sole custody," so we explained that Florida instead considers sole parental responsibility and a time-sharing schedule.
Related Statutes
- 61.13
Related Terms
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