Fort Myers Child Custody Lawyer
Fighting for your parental rights in a divorce? Call (239) 970-6844!
In Florida, family law courts no longer use the term “custody”, but prefer to use the term “parental responsibility” in divorce proceedings. This parental responsibility can be an either sole or shared arrangement. In a sole parental responsibility case, where just one parent makes decisions concerning the child, the court will still create a timesharing arrangement that allows both parents to continue their relationships with the child.
4 Reasons to Call Our Fort Myers Child Custody Attorney
- We put over 70 years’ collective experience on your side
- Our firm is known for tireless advocacy
- An attorney from our team will work directly with you throughout
- We develop a customized legal strategy for each client
If you are currently involved in a divorce, talk to a qualified child custody attorney in Fort Myers about your situation. At Your Advocates, we are compassionate professionals who will be with you throughout the entire legal process. We will never pass you off to a paralegal or assistant; you will work directly with one of our experienced attorneys.
Call (239) 970-6844 or submit out our online contact form to schedule your free initial consultation with our Fort Myers child custody attorney! Se habla Español.
Child Custody Decisions in Florida
In Florida, the judge will prioritize the child's best interests above all else when making parenting responsibility choices. This can include factors ranging from the physical health of the parents to the child's own preference if he or she is old enough. In general, the court wants the child to be in a nurturing, healthy, committed environment where he or she can flourish mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Some factors the courts will explore when making decisions about custody include:
- Evidence that the parents can provide a structured routine for the child
- Willingness of each parent to support and encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent
- Cooperation between parents regarding timesharing, communication about the child's welfare, and understanding when changes take place
- Ability of each parent to be actively involved in the child's daily life (e.g., schooling, friendships, medical care,
activities, etc.) - Living conditions at each parent's home
- Any history of domestic violence, child neglect, sexual abuse, or similar crimes
Types of Child Custody in Florida
There are two basic ways that child custody can be arranged in Florida. If custody is given to one parent, it is considered sole custody. If both parents share responsibility, it is joint custody. In some cases, one parent will be awarded legal custody while the other parent receives primary physical custody.
Legal custody allows the parent to make the important decisions for the child’s life, such as the following:
- Education
- Religion
- Medical
- Disciplinary methods
The parent with physical custody will have the child live with him or her.
Who pays attorney fees in child custody cases?
Generally speaking, each parent or party is accountable for their own legal and attorneys’ fees during a child custody dispute; however, some courts may make an exception if one parent’s financial circumstances are such that he or she is able to pay the fees in full. This is not typical, though.
Experienced Fort Myers Child Custody Lawyer on Your Side
Before your parental responsibility hearing, you should collect as much information as you can to assist the judge in evaluating all these factors. You will want to be fair and honest about yourself and the child's other parent.
A qualified child custody lawyer in Fort Myers can help you gather the right form of supporting evidence and present it in the best way possible for your own benefit, and for the well-being of your child. Let us advise you throughout your divorce process so that you have as many options as possible.
Set your case in motion today with a free case evaluation with our Fort Myers child custody lawyer. Or contact us today to learn more about your legal rights & options. We offer services in Spanish!
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