Land O’Lakes Child Custody Lawyer
Any divorce case can be complex, but the stakes are even higher for couples who must address the needs of minor children. One of the most crucial issues is child custody under Florida law, which covers parents’ rights and responsibilities in the important decisions involved with raising the child. However, custody also impacts other crucial issues like visitation and child support. The relationship with other laws and emotional factors make custody much more complicated than simply determining where the child will live.
If you are contemplating divorce and have minor children, it is essential to retain a Land O’Lakes child custody lawyer as early on as possible. You may find it difficult to balance your parental rights and the needs of your child, but you can trust our team at The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane to tackle the challenges. Please contact us to schedule a consultation today. You might also benefit from reviewing some background information about custody and implications for your divorce case.
Overview of Florida Child Custody Laws
The concept of custody refers to parents’ rights and responsibilities with respect to important decision-making in raising the child. State law indicates a preference for parents to share in the child’s upbringing, though sole custody may be appropriate in cases involving violence, abuse, or other misconduct. In a joint custody arrangement, the child will typically reside with one parent for practical purposes; the nonresidential co-parenting will be able to exercise time-sharing, commonly known as visitation.
All determinations on custody and visitation must comply with Florida’s law on the child’s best interests. There are numerous factors listed in the statute, such as:
- Each parent’s ability to support the other and the parent-child relationship;
- The parents’ physical and mental health;
- The child’s connection to home, school, and the community;
- The child’s preference, if he or she is of an appropriate age and maturity level; and
- Many other factors, including a “catch-all” that allows a judge to use discretion in determining custody.
Options for Resolving Custody Issues
Parties are encouraged to develop an agreed-upon parenting plan that covers the details on child custody and visitation, and a court may order mediation to facilitate a compromise. If you cannot agree, you must go through a hearing to have the judge decide custody on the basis of the child’s best interests.
The Land O’Lakes child custody attorneys at The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane are ready to support you throughout the process. We are skilled negotiators in working out a custody agreement, and our team has extensive experience representing clients in mediation. However, we are prepared to apply our trial advocacy skills to fight for you in a child custody hearing.
Call Now to Speak to a Land O’Lakes Child Custody Attorney
For more information about your parental rights, please contact The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane at 352-567-0055 or via our website. Our firm serves clients throughout Pasco County in a wide range of family law and divorce matters, including child custody issues. We can set up a consultation to review your situation and determine next steps.
