child custody / timesharing

         When a married (or unmarried) couple decides to end a marriage (or relationship) and children are involved, the parents must determine where the children will reside and how much time the children will be allowed to spend with each parent. This is known as timesharing.  In some cases, timesharing issues are simple and handled amicably though mediation. In other, more complex cases, timesharing issues must be addressed in court so that a judge can determine what is in the best interest of the child. Child custody issues can also affect parents dealing with factors such as relocation, modification of a divorce agreement, non-parental issues, and more.  We understand that the health and well-being of your children are of the utmost importance to you. If you are contemplating divorce and would like legal guidance to protect your child’s future, then please give us a call.

       In the State of Florida, a child's residential schedule and other parental rights and responsibilities are typically addressed in a court order called a "Parenting Plan." The Parenting Plan is determined by agreement or by the court, typically with the guidance of a Florida licensed divorce attorney or child custody lawyer. Under the law, it is the court's responsibility to ensure that the Parenting Plan arrangements serve the best interests of the child.  Frequently, each parents  retains his or her parental rights under the parenting plan, which often includes information availability (such as medical records or school records) residential time and decision making, regardless of which party has overnights.  It is important to keep in mind that parental rights are determined based on parent-child relationships, as well as legal findings such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, or any other factors which can negatively impact the best interests of the child.

Understanding Grandparent Custody And Non-Parental Custody      

        In the State of Florida, grandparents do not have rights to timesharing. Sometimes, however, it is typical to have increased restrictions on parental rights if the court finds the parent unfit or unwilling to meet parental responsibilities. This is more prevalent in dependency matters. In such cases, courts will often award rights to the petitioner, who is typically a family member, such as a grandparent.

       Whether in a divorce, paternity or dependency matter, we are experienced in handling cases involving parenting plans, residential schedules, and child custody. Over the years, we have successfully represented hundreds of clients in divorces and other family law actions involving both contested and uncontested timesharing and parenting plan matters. We understand that these cases are often highly emotional and can be profoundly consequential to our clients and their children, so we work diligently to help our clients make informed and safe decisions.
       If you are thinking about filing a divorce, parenting plan modification, non-parental custody action, paternity case, or other family law action involving child custody, we invite you to contact us. For almost two decades, our firm has built a legacy of success in representing clients involved in Florida state divorce and family law matters, particularly in cases involving child custody.