Category Archives: Child Custody
The Talk: How To Tell Your Children About A Divorce Or Separation
Divorce and separation is a common part of life. As noted within data collected by the Pew Research Center, more than half of U.S. children have divorced or separated parents. Nonetheless, a parental separation can be challenging for children. Having “the talk” with your kids can be stressful—but there are proactive steps that you… Read More »
Parenting Plan: Your Guide To Florida Family Law Form 12.995(a)
Are you a parent going through a divorce or a separation in Florida? If so, you may be required to create a parenting plan with your former partner. A parenting plan is sometimes called a custody & visitation agreement. Florida law mandates that a parenting plan should be in place if parents are “time-sharing”… Read More »
Can I Stop My Former Partner From Getting A Child Custody Modification In Florida?
Going through a child custody dispute can be challenging. For a parent, it can bring a tremendous sense of relief to reach a final resolution. If you suddenly find out that your co-parent wants to change the terms of order/agreement, it is normal to be confused and even frustrated. In Florida, a parent may… Read More »
What Type of Time-Sharing Schedules are Used in Parenting Plans in Florida?
As described by the Florida Courts, a parenting plan is a legal document that governs the parenting-relationship after a divorce or a separation. In Florida, a parenting plan is required in all cases involved in the time-sharing of minor children—even if the parents are not locked in a dispute. To be effective, a parenting… Read More »
Parenting Plans in Florida: Communication Between the Parents
Also known as a ‘custody and visitation agreement’, parenting plans are designed to help make co-parenting easier. As the Florida Supreme Court explains, state law requires a parenting plan in all cases of time-sharing of minor children—even when parents are not actually in a dispute. Among many other things, a Florida parenting plan should… Read More »
Child Preference and Custody Rights: Your Guide to Florida Law
Child custody disputes are complicated, sensitive legal cases. It is normal for parents going through a custody case to feel frustrated and confused. We want to make sure that parents have all of the tools and information that they need to protect their rights. Nothing should come before your relationship with your children. Many… Read More »
Four Child Time-Sharing Tips to Help Parents Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Florida Department of Health warns that COVID-19 (coronavirus) is a dangerous and rapidly spreading respiratory disease. On March 25th, Pinellas County issued a ‘Stay-At-Home’ order, temporarily closing the physical non-essential businesses and requiring residents to shelter in place. Soon after the entire state was placed under a ‘Stay-at-Home’ order. Our state’s public health… Read More »
What You Need to Know About Step Parent Rights in Florida
Blended families are the norm in the United States. Based on comprehensive research, The Step Family Foundation observes that half nearly half of all U.S. families are either re-married or re-coupled. With approximately 60 million children living with a step parent, this raises an important question: What rights do step parents have? In Florida,… Read More »
Do Children Ever Testify in Child Custody Proceedings in Florida?
In Florida, courts are highly sensitive to the needs and well-being of young children. As a general rule, courts do not want children to testify in child custody cases or in other family law proceedings. However, there are certain limited circumstances in which a child’s testimony may be deemed necessary and appropriate. Here, our… Read More »
Supervised Time-sharing (formerly known as visitation): When is it Required in Florida?
Several years ago the Florida Legislature changed the legal terms related to custody and visitation. Though those terms are still generally used by the public they are no longer the legal terms used in a family law case. The term “time-sharing” is now used to describe what days a child goes with a specific… Read More »
