Category Archives: child custody
FAQs About Stepparent Adoption in Florida
Family units are about more than just legal bonds. They are about love, support, security, and commitment. Today, stepparent adoptions are a wonderful example of this and bring many blessings for the entire family. If you are thinking about adopting your stepchild, you likely have many questions. Below, our Tampa stepparent adoption attorney provides… Read More »
When Can a Child State a Preference for Child Custody In Florida?
Child custody issues are some of the most difficult and emotional in family law. This is particularly true when a child prefers to live with one parent over the other. In Florida custody issues, the priority is always the child’s best interests. Determining if a child can state a preference in custody cases is… Read More »
What Does “Best Interests of the Child” Mean in Florida?
In Florida, the courts will use the ‘best interests of the child’ standard as their guiding principle when making child custody decisions. The courts will not consider the preferences of the parents or any other factors other than what is in the child’s best interests. Parents can agree to their own parenting plan but… Read More »
When Does Child Visitation End in Florida?
When two parents get a divorce, decisions must be made about child custody. The courts strive to award joint custody, or an equal amount of time-sharing, to each parent, as it is presumed that this is in the child’s best interests. Once a decision has been made, the court will issue an order that… Read More »
What is the Right of First Refusal in Parenting Plans?
When two parents get a divorce, they may spend more time with their children one-on-one than they did during the marriage. While this is great quality time, many parents still feel as though they do not have enough time with their child, regardless of how fair their parenting plan is. This is one reason… Read More »
Are There Different Types of Child Custody in Florida?
When people think of child custody, they often first think of physical custody. That is, how much time each parent will spend with the child. While this is certainly one type of child custody in Florida, it is not the only one. In Florida, one or both parents can also obtain legal custody, which… Read More »
What is the Difference Between Parental Responsibility and Time-Sharing in Florida?
Many people think that time-sharing and parental responsibility are one and the same. However, in Florida, they are two very different concepts. If you are getting a divorce, have a paternity dispute, or other child custody conflict, it is important to know what these terms mean and how to uphold your rights. Below, one… Read More »
What Factors Should Be Considered in Florida Child Custody Decisions?
During a child custody dispute, the court will make all decisions based on the best interests of the child. The family law courts in Florida start all child custody disputes with the presumption that it is in the best interests of the child to have frequent and continuing contact with each parent. In total,… Read More »
How to Enforce a Child Custody or Support Order in Florida
Once a divorce is finalized, a family law judge in Florida issues orders pertaining to the terms involved in the case. Two of the most contentious terms in any divorce case involving children are those regarding child custody and child support. There are many reasons parents violate these orders but regardless of what those… Read More »
Do Fathers Have the Same Rights as Mothers in Florida Custody Cases?
If you are a father and are going through a child custody or paternity case, you may wonder if you have any rights during the proceedings. The concern is natural. Historically, the family law courts in Florida did favor women in custody hearings. Fortunately, that is no longer the case and today, fathers have… Read More »
