Category Archives: child custody

How Does Hurricane Season Impact Child Custody in Florida?
Tampa is known for its warm weather and beautiful beaches but anyone who lives here knows that it is famous for something else, too – hurricanes. Hurricanes have a major effect on many aspects of life. When a dangerous storm hits or is approaching, plans can change very quickly and people need to change… Read More »

How Can I Establish Paternity in Florida if One Party Does Not Consent?
There are a number of ways to establish paternity in Florida. When a married heterosexual couple has a child together in Florida, it is presumed that the man is the legal father. In these cases, there is no need to establish paternity. It can become more complex when an unmarried couple has a child… Read More »

Things to Know About Child Custody Modification Hearings in Tampa
In Florida, child custody orders are known as parenting plans. Parents can agree to these plans if they end their relationship with each other. When parents cannot agree, the court will determine a parenting plan. In either case, the court must issue an order and these are final and legally binding. It is expected… Read More »

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Shared Custody in Florida?
The Florida courts make decisions regarding child custody, known as time-sharing in the state, according to the child’s best interests. Although the courts sometimes have to make these decisions, the parents can also agree to a time-sharing plan. Generally speaking, the courts favor shared custody arrangements, which allows each parent to spend time with… Read More »

Are Drug Tests Required in Florida Child Custody Cases?
There are many issues that can arise in child custody cases. One of the most serious is the matter of parental drug use. If a parent is struggling with misusing drugs or addiction, it can significantly impact a child custody case. If you believe that your former partner has a problem with drugs, proving… Read More »

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?
Navigating Child Custody in Florida: Understanding the “Best Interests of the Child” Standard Divorce and separation are challenging enough for adults, but when children are involved, the complexities multiply. For parents in Florida, one of the most significant hurdles to overcome is determining child custody. It’s a process often fraught with emotion, but understanding… 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 »