The end of a relationship — whether you were married or not — often comes with conflict over where your children will live and how to continue strong relationships. It is important to consult with an attorney who handles child custody issues in Florida.
At Meador & Johnson, P.A., we have extensive experience resolving parental responsibility and time-sharing issues for clients from Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Fort Walton Beach, Milton and surrounding Florida communities from the Gulf Coast to the Emerald Coast. Our respected attorneys can protect your parental rights while advocating for an outcome that is in the best interests of your children.
What Is Child Custody And Visitation?
Under Florida law, both parents share time with their children under a parenting plan that allows each to be involved in making decisions related to the child’s upbringing. It is the public policy of the state of Florida that both parents have frequent and continuing contact with their children after they separate or the marriage is dissolved and to encourage parents to share the rights, responsibilities and joys of child-rearing. There is no presumption for or against the father or mother or for or against any specific times-haring schedule when creating or modifying a visitation schedule for the child.
The best interest of the children is the guiding principle for parents and the court in making all decisions and rulings. As a parent, your past, present and future conduct will be evaluated to determine your ability to remain focused on your children’s best interests.
Parental Responsibility Agreements
Under section 61.13 of the Florida statutes, divorcing parents must have a plan specifying each parent’s rights and responsibilities. The plans address key components such as:
When each parent will spend time with the child
Who will provide transportation
How parents will communicate and resolve disputes
While it is possible to arrive at these plans amicably, many cases require litigation. We work to help our clients develop parenting plans that preserve the parent-child relationship during the divorce process and over the long term.
In addition to representing clients in parental responsibility and time-sharing matters, we can help with related child support calculations. Our lawyers are often asked for guidance following a divorce judgment when one parent refuses to comply or a modification is needed to facilitate a relocation for work or military orders or to be closer to family. Paternity actions and third-party custody are other issues we are familiar with resolving.
No Time To Waste
Every custody case is different, thus we never use a cookie-cutter approach. We will work to create a plan that meets your family’s unique needs.
Before disputes get any more heated, get in touch with one of our attorneys by calling 850-435-9919/toll free 800-785-4969 or sending us an email to schedule a consultation.
