When a divorce occurs, one of the most difficult and emotionally-charged issues that can arise is child custody. Florida law supports both parents having frequent and continuing contact with their children following a dissolution of marriage, unless there is a valid reason why that should not happen. However, a number of factors can complicate matters, including disagreements between the parents and the need to determine time-sharing (parenting schedule) and parental responsibility (decision-making authority).
A Child Custody Lawyer in Pensacola Florida can help ensure that your rights and interests are fully represented throughout the process, from filing for custody to finalizing an agreement. Our attorneys are well versed in family law, and we will work tirelessly to provide you with a solid plan that is likely to be approved by the courts. We will guide you through the process and make sure that your case is presented in a positive light.
The Best Child Custody Lawyer in Pensacola Will Help You Propose a Parenting Plan
In many cases, couples can come to an agreement on their parenting arrangement by mutual consent. If this is possible, it can be much more cost-effective and less stressful than a trial. However, if you and your spouse cannot agree on the terms of a custody agreement, court intervention is required. A judge will then enact a parenting plan based on the child’s best interest.
The judge will consider the child’s present living situation, the home environment in which they are currently living, the school that the child attends, the medical treatment that they receive, and a variety of other issues. The judge will also evaluate the physical and mental health of each parent, and may take into account issues such as a history of domestic violence or drug abuse by one of the parents.
Both parents have a right to make decisions regarding their child’s education, religion, healthcare, and other issues that directly affect the child’s life. In some cases, the judge may award sole decision-making authority to one parent. This will be done if the court believes that it would be in the child’s best interest to do so, or if the parent has not shown an ability to cooperate and communicate with the other parent.
When it comes to determining parenting arrangements, the court will attempt to balance the parents’ rights and responsibilities with the child’s needs. The wishes of the child are always considered, but they will not be given as much weight as other factors. For example, the preferences of a four or five-year-old will not be given as much weight as the desires of a teenager.
Once a parenting plan is established, it will remain in effect until the parents reach an alternative agreement or until a court orders a change in custody due to a significant change in circumstances. In the event of a dispute, an experienced Child Custody Attorney in Pensacola can be instrumental in helping you obtain a favorable outcome to your case.
Leave a Reply