Orlando Child Custody Lawyer
Florida law recognizes that parents have certain rights and responsibilities when it comes to minor children, which is why child custody issues will come up in divorce or paternity proceedings. Unlike the traditional assumption that custodial obligations will only apply to one person, the relevant statutes demonstrate a clear preference that both parents share in child custody.
As such, you have interests to protect and responsibilities to uphold in connection with child custody issues. Our attorneys at the Arwani Law Firm are prepared to assist with the challenges you may face, as we have extensive experience representing clients throughout Central Florida. Please contact us to speak with an Orlando child custody lawyer right away. You might also find it helpful to review some of the basic legal concepts.
Overview of Florida’s Child Custody Laws
Despite the terminology and traditional notion of what it means to have custody, state statutes are more directed at the parental responsibilities associated with raising the child. The key is the authority to make decisions regarding important aspects of the child’s life, such as education, health care, extracurricular activities, religion, and others. Decisions about daily care and routines are also part of custody.
Shared custody is the preference to allow the child to have a solid relationship with each parent. For logistical reasons, the child will usually live with one parent on a regular basis, an arrangement often referred to as residential custody. The non-residential parent will have parenting time, familiarly known as visitation.
Legal Proceedings Regarding Child Custody
Florida law encourages parties to come together and agree upon a parenting plan to cover decision-making and parenting time. When they cannot agree, it may be necessary to have the court make a determination after a child custody hearing. Either way, the key is how the arrangement meets the best interests of the child. Our child custody attorneys at the Arwani Law Firm can explain the details, but a few of the child’s best interests factors include:
- Each parent’s moral, medical, and physical fitness;
- The preferences of the child, if age-appropriate;
- How well the parents can get along in terms of honoring a parenting plan and schedule;
- Any history or threat of domestic violence by one parent against the child and/or the other parent;
- The child’s connection to family and community;
- An interest in maintaining the child’s status quo;
- The developmental stages and needs of the child and parents’ abilities to meet them;
- The demonstrated ability of each parent to put the child’s needs before his or her own interests; and,
- Many other factors that the court may want to consider in its own discretion.
Modifying Child Custody Agreements
Child custody arrangements are not always set in stone. Life circumstances can change, and what was in the best interests of the child at the time of the initial custody order may no longer apply. Florida law allows for modifications to custody agreements if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a parent’s relocation, changes in the child’s needs, or a parent’s inability to comply with the existing arrangement. Our attorneys at the Arwani Law Firm can assist you in petitioning the court for a modification or defending your current arrangement if the other parent seeks changes. Whether it’s adjusting parenting time or altering decision-making responsibilities, we will guide you through the legal process to ensure the child’s best interests remain the priority.
Contact an Orlando, FL Child Custody Lawyer for Legal Help
While this information may help you understand the general concepts, it’s important to obtain specific details regarding your child custody issues. Our team at the Arwani Law Firm can offer personalized advice after reviewing your circumstances, so please contact our office today to speak with our Orlando child custody attorneys. We can set up a consultation to answer your questions and discuss your concerns.