Blog Posts - Child custody
Top Five Factors the Court Considers When Determining Custody
Prominent custody factors include the child’s age, health, and safety. Before they approve custody settlements, judges must ensure that the provisions are consistent with relevant portions of Florida law, such as the co-parenting law. In the old days, children “lived” with one parent and “visited” the other one. Now, the...
read moreWhat is a Parenting Plan?
Parenting plans determine where children of unmarried parents spend their time. A parenting plan is the new, preferred term for child custody. Florida no longer has a joint custody law, which classifies parents as managing and possessory conservators. Instead, Florida, like most other states, now has a co-parenting law. Absolute...
read moreHow Does a Sarasota Parent Lose Custody?
Several family law proceedings could result in the loss of child custody. A parent could lose custody of a child if a court determines that this move is in the child’s best interests. Judges consider a number of factors when making this determination, such as the child’s wishes, the parent’s...
read moreHelp! I Did Not Show Up for a Custody Hearing!
If a necessary party does not appear at a civil hearing, the court could enter a default judgment in favor of the other party. “Default” has an air of finality, but in most cases, that is not true, especially in child custody matters. Unlike contracts and other civil cases, custody...
read moreWhat You Need to Know About Child Custody and Time-Sharing Schedules in Brandon
If you’re a single parent or going through the process of getting a divorce in Hillsborough County, one of your primary concerns is making sure your child is provided for properly. In Florida, child time-sharing arrangements are generally encouraged and allow both parents to remain active and involved in the...
read moreWhen One Parent Wants to Make Changes to Child Time-Sharing Arrangements in Brandon
Child time-sharing arrangements are one of the most potentially sensitive and contentious types of legal matters dealt with by the Florida family courts. Negotiating with the other parent often proves problematic and your primary concerns are protecting your own rights and the well-being of your child. Once a child time-sharing...
read moreCan a Child Testify During a Custody Case
Family law proceedings involving child custody matters are always emotionally charged and anxiety-inducing. Many parents wonder if their child can express their preferences to the judge or if their child’s testimony will hold any weight during a child custody case. Our Brandon family law attorneys at Carman & Finegan, P.A.,...
read moreHow Often are Children Split Up During Custody Battles?
For parents with multiple children, the mere thought of being separated from their children due to a custody battle can be overwhelming. One of the most challenging things you can face in these situations is the possibility of the court separating siblings. If you are a parent who is considering...
read moreWhat is Time-Sharing in Florida?
When a relationship ends, determining how best to continue raising children is an essential part of the separation or divorce process. For parents in Florida, this often involves navigating the concept of time-sharing, which is an essential aspect of the state’s family law system. You might need to schedule a...
read moreHow Old Does a Child Have to be to Refuse Visitation in FL?
Child custody cases in Florida can get complicated, especially when children try to refuse to spend time with one parent or show a particular preference for time-sharing with a specific parent. In general, Florida courts will want to ensure that both parents play a role in their child’s life and...
read moreConcurrent Custody in Florida
Even among caring and able parents who offer nothing but the best for their child, there comes a time in life they may seek help from a relative or another person to help take care of the child. In many cases, this may be as simple as asking a relative...
read moreWill Family Courts Always Favor the Mother When Awarding Child Custody?
Are you an apprehensive father facing a custody case and worrying that the courts in Florida might favor their mother just because she is a woman? Many fathers assume that the courts are bound to grant mothers automatic primary child custody, which is called parenting and time-sharing in Florida law....
read moreSteps to Modifying Time-sharing Plans in FL
It is common for a child time-sharing plan put into place years before to no longer work for you and your child. Maybe you or your child have schedule or activity changes that make the current plan impractical or impossible to follow. Perhaps you have more serious concerns for your...
read moreCan Custody be Revoked for Not Wearing a Mask During the Pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic has created many unique and complicated issues for parents – especially those sharing custody of their children. When parents split up, they often will divide timesharing and parental responsibilities for their children, which means they both have the right to spend time with their child and make...
read moreCan an Arrest Impact Your Custody Rights?
Florida courts make custody determinations (called time-sharing and parenting determinations under Florida law) based on what the judge finds is in the best interests of the child. Many factors should be examined and considered when making custody decisions, including the criminal history of each parent. Many parents wonder whether or...
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