Grayson's Law: A Powerful Change for Family Law in Florida

When it comes to child safety in family law, the stakes couldn't be higher. And yet, for many years, Florida's legal system left dangerous gaps—especially in cases where one parent was clearly escalating in harmful behavior, but had not yet directly harmed the child. That changed with the tragic loss of 4-year-old Grayson, and the resulting legislation now known as Grayson's Law.

Here's what Florida families need to know.

The Tragedy That Sparked a Movement

In 2021, a Florida mother did everything in her power to protect her child. She filed reports. She sought help from the court. She warned everyone who would listen that the father of her child was unstable, threatening, and dangerous. But because many of his threats were aimed at her—not at the child directly—those red flags were not considered by the court in time-sharing decisions.

Her worst fears were realized when the father killed their son in a murder-suicide.

That horrific event shook the legal community and led to a groundswell of support for change. In 2023, Grayson's Law was passed, bringing long-overdue updates to how family law judges are allowed to evaluate custody and time-sharing in Florida.

What Did the Law Change?

Before Grayson's Law, judges were legally restricted from considering threats or harassment directed at the other parent when deciding custody or time-sharing. That meant a parent could be escalating in behavior—making threats, engaging in stalking, violating boundaries—but unless the child was specifically targeted, the court's hands were often tied.

Now, under Grayson's Law, courts can consider:

• Harassment
• Stalking
• Threats of violence
  …even when these are directed at the other parent, not just the child.

This expands the tools available to judges to make protective, informed decisions—before it's too late.

How It Impacts Custody and Time-Sharing Decisions

Grayson's Law affects two critical areas:

1. Restraining Orders (Injunctions): A parent now has a stronger basis to seek protection when the other parent is engaging in threatening behavior—even if the child hasn't been harmed yet.
2. Time-Sharing and Parenting Plans: Judges can weigh this behavior when determining whether a parent should have supervised visitation, limited contact, or no time-sharing at all.

This matters deeply in high-conflict custody cases, especially when emotional or psychological abuse is present.

Why This Matters for You

At Family Matters Law Group, P.A., we've seen how often survivors of abuse are forced to fight twice—once against their abuser and again to be heard in court. Grayson's Law gives survivors, and the attorneys who advocate for them, a stronger voice.

If you are experiencing threats, harassment, or any form of escalating behavior from your co-parent, don't wait. You now have the legal right to ask the court to consider that behavior when determining what is truly in your child's best interest.

Let's Use the Law to Protect What Matters Most

We are attorneys, mediators, and guardians ad litem who understand both the law and the emotional toll these cases take. If you believe your current parenting plan puts your child—or yourself—at risk, we are here to help.

Grayson's Law may be new, but its purpose is timeless: to protect children, honor the voices of survivors, and prevent tragedies before they happen.

Contact Family Matters Law Group, P.A. today to schedule a consultation. Let's make sure your story is heard—and your family is safe.