Child Custody THE ROAD TO RESOLUTION STARTS HERE AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION WHEN YOU NEED IT THE MOST

Lakeland Child Custody Lawyer

Client-Focused Advocacy Inside & Outside of Court in Polk and Bartow Counties

Child custody is often one of the most contentious parts of a divorce settlement. There are two aspects of child custody in Polk County, FL: legal and physical. Legal custody dictates who is responsible for making decisions about the children's education, medical issues, and discipline. Physical custody means that the parent is granted the right to have the child reside with him or her. In some circumstances, joint physical/legal custody can also be granted, meaning both parents take part in physical custody and/or decision-making.

Because I know how important your children are to you, deciding on child custody usually gets very heated for both parties. At Advocate Law Firm, P.A., my legal team and I will make sure we listen to your situation and understand your unique needs and desires. I know how much your family's future means to you, and I will do everything I can to uphold your rights. No matter what, my Polk County divorce firm is committed to your best interests!

Protect your parental rights and your child's future. Speak with a dedicated Lakeland child custody lawyer today. Call (863) 644-5566or contact us onlinefor a free consultation.

Why Choose Us for Your Florida Child Custody Needs?

Choosing the right child custody attorney in Lakeland means entrusting your case to someone with a deep understanding of family law dynamics and a commitment to client-focused representation. At Advocate Law Firm, P.A., we leverage over 20 years of child custody law knowledge to provide tailored solutions specific to each client's situation. Our approach combines compassionate guidance with strong advocacy to ensure that our client's rights and interests are well represented.

What sets our firm apart is our dedication to communication and accessibility. We navigate legal proceedings with a thoroughness that leaves no detail unexplored because we understand that the stakes in custody battles are high. By offering services in both English and Spanish, we enhance accessibility and emphasize our commitment to serving a diverse clientele in Bartow. Contact us to benefit from our skills and discuss your child custody concerns at length with professionals who care about your family's future.

Joint Legal & Physical Custody

While Florida no longer uses terms such as custody or primary residence when dealing with children and divorce or paternity cases, courts can award parents shared parental responsibility or sole parental responsibility to one of the parents.

Shared parental responsibility is a situation in which both parents keep full parental rights and responsibilities regarding their child and the parents confer with one another when it comes to making major decisions about the child’s welfare.

Speak with a Lakeland divorce lawyer to learn how my firm can advise you during this difficult time. I bring a wealth of experience and compassionate counsel to every case and can help you determine how best to achieve your goals.

How Is Custody Determined in Polk County, Florida?

Factors that the Polk County court will consider before awarding custody include the economic situation and stability of both parents, as well as each parent's caretaking abilities, availability, and place of residence. The Polk County court will also take into consideration whether one parent will be more effective at sharing parenting time.

The FL court also decides child custody arrangements by looking at:

Each parent's ability to place the children’s needs before their own.
Each parent's moral fitness.
Each parent's mental and physical health.
The ability of each parent to provide a good routine for the child.
The child's preference (depending on his/her maturity).
Whether there is any history of domestic violence, sexual violence, or child abuse by either party.

Additionally, the court evaluates the willingness of each parent to foster a positive and nurturing relationship with the other parent. Demonstrating a track record of supporting open communication and cooperation between both parties can significantly influence custody outcomes. Advocate Law Firm, P.A. provides strategic guidance to help you highlight your strengths and present a compelling case to the court that prioritizes your child’s best interests.

Protecting Your Child's Best Interests

When it comes to child custody matters, the well-being and best interests of your child should always be the top priority. Our experienced child custody attorneys at Advocate Law Firm, P.A. in Lakeland, FL, are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of custody arrangements with compassion and expertise.

Whether you are going through a divorce, separation, or need to modify an existing custody agreement, our team will work tirelessly to ensure that your child's needs are met and that their voice is heard throughout the legal process.

Our child custody services include:

Legal representation in court proceedings
Negotiation and mediation for amicable resolutions
Assistance in creating detailed parenting plans
Enforcement of custody orders
Modification of existing custody agreements

Rest assured that Advocate Law Firm, P.A. will provide you with the personalized attention and advocacy you deserve to protect your child's future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you navigate the complexities of child custody law.

Our firm believes in empowering our clients with knowledge and support throughout the legal process. We provide resources and workshops that inform parents about their rights and responsibilities, equipping them with the tools needed to make informed decisions. This educational approach underscores our commitment to supporting families during difficult transitions.

Serving All Couples in Florida: Contact Us Today!

My legal team and I are proud to represent both heterosexual and same-sex couples across Florida. If you would like to receive seasoned legal counsel regarding your unique child custody issues, I encourage you to contact Advocate Law Firm, P.A. and schedule a free consultation directly with me today. Our lawyers offer legal services in English and Spanish.

Benefit from my 20+ years of family law experience by contacting us online or calling(863) 644-5566now! Let’s begin with a free case evaluation.

What is a Parenting Plan?

Creating a parenting plan is an essential part of the child custody process in Florida. A parenting plan outlines the responsibilities and time-sharing arrangements for each parent, as well as how decisions regarding the child's upbringing will be made. Our experienced child custody lawyers at Advocate Law Firm, P.A. can help you navigate the complexities of creating a comprehensive parenting plan that serves the best interests of your child.

It's important to understand that a well-crafted parenting plan must be customized to meet the specific needs of all parties involved. This includes considering the child’s routine, special needs, and the logistical realities of both parents' lives. Legal guidance ensures that the plan addresses all necessary aspects, including holidays, vacations, and any potential changes in circumstances. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your plan is not only legally sound but practical and sustainable for long-term co-parenting success.

Key components of a parenting plan may include:

Time-sharing schedule
Designation of parental responsibility
Methods for resolving disputes
Communication guidelines
Education and healthcare decisions

By working with our dedicated legal team, you can ensure that your parenting plan is thorough, fair, and legally sound. Contact us today to get the guidance and support you need to create a parenting plan that works for your family.

How to Create a Parenting Plan in Florida?

During the divorce, you will have to create a parenting plan with your spouse for your minor children. A parenting plan will cover duties and functions, such as:

Where will your kids live and when?
What will the visitation schedule be?
How will you and your spouse make decisions about your children?

A successful parenting plan requires setting clear objectives and expectations for both parties. Engage in open and collaborative discussions to consider alternative solutions that meet your long-term goals. Legal professionals from Advocate Law Firm, P.A. can assist in mediating these discussions to facilitate agreements that prioritize the well-being of your children. It's also helpful to regularly review and update the plan to accommodate shifts in circumstances, ensuring it remains an effective tool for co-parenting.

Navigating Custody Relocation Cases in Florida

Relocating with a child after a custody arrangement is a significant legal hurdle in Bartow. Advocate Law Firm, P.A. understands the emotional and logistical complexities of these cases. Florida law requires a parent who intends to move 50 miles or more from their current residence to notify and obtain either written consent from the other parent or seek a court order. This is to ensure that relocation aligns with the child's best interests and maintains stability in their life.

Relocation cases often involve evaluating several factors like the reasons for moving, the impact on the child's education and relationships, and the feasibility of preserving ongoing contact between the child and the non-relocating parent. Our legal team methodically prepares for these cases, presenting solid arguments and evidence to support our client's wishes while prioritizing the child's welfare. Whether you're seeking to relocate or contesting a proposed relocation, we offer comprehensive legal advice and representation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody in Florida

At What Age Can a Child Choose to Live With a Parent in Florida?

There is no set age in Florida for a child to choose which parent to live with. The Florida court will consider the child's wishes, but they are not the only factor in custody decisions. The court will also consider the child's best interests, including factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, the stability of each parent's home, and the child's educational and extracurricular needs.

The older the child is, the more weight the court will give their wishes. However, the court will always consider the child's best interests, even if their wishes are not in their best interests.

If you are going through a divorce or separation in Florida, speaking with an attorney who can help you understand the custody process and protect your rights is crucial.

The Florida Statutes state that the court shall contemplate the child's wishes "if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to express a preference." The court will also consider the child's "emotional ties with each parent," the "child's adjustment to his or her home, school, and community," and the "mental and physical health of all parties involved."

It’s also important to understand that the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests, especially in contentious or complex situations. This legal advocate provides an independent analysis of what custody arrangements would serve the best interests of the child, adding another layer of consideration in the court's decision-making process.

How Is Child Custody Evaluated Differently in Florida?

Child custody evaluation in Florida involves a comprehensive review of each parent's ability and willingness to care for their child. Florida courts focus primarily on the child's best interests, considering factors like the emotional relationship the child shares with each parent, each parent's capacity to provide a stable environment, and their ability to meet the child's developmental needs. Additionally, Florida law encourages the involvement of both parents in their child's life, unless it's detrimental to the child's well-being.

Can I Modify a Custody Order in Florida?

Yes, custody orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued. This means demonstrating that the change affects the child's welfare significantly enough to justify a different custody arrangement. Changes might include relocation, changes in a parent's lifestyle, or new evidence concerning the child's safety. Advocate Law Firm, P.A. is adept at handling modifications, ensuring all legal grounds are thoroughly presented and advocated for, striving for resolutions that genuinely benefit the child.

Is Mediation Required for Child Custody Disputes?

In Florida, mediation is often a mandatory step before custody disputes proceed to trial. This alternative dispute resolution method provides parents an opportunity to discuss and negotiate custody arrangements amicably, avoiding the adversarial nature of court proceedings. Mediation aims to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement, reducing court time and costs. However, if mediation fails, the case may proceed to litigation. Our attorneys prepare diligently for both settings to protect our client's rights and objectives effectively.

What Happens if the Other Parent Violates a Custody Order?

If a custody order is violated, remedies can include filing a motion for enforcement or asking the court for a modification of the custody agreement. The court may hold the violating parent in contempt, impose fines, or modify custody terms to prevent future violations. Understanding your rights and the legal recourses available is crucial. At Advocate Law Firm, P.A., we assist clients in enforcing custody orders, advocating for their parental rights, and ensuring compliance with legally binding agreements.

What Resources Are Available for Custody Disputes in Polk County?

Polk County offers numerous resources to assist families with custody disputes. Organizations like the Polk County Clerk of Courts provide access to legal forms and procedural guides. Family counseling services and mediation programs are also available to support parents during emotionally challenging times. Additionally, local family law workshops can offer insights into navigating the legal landscape. Advocate Law Firm, P.A. can help connect you to these resources while providing strong legal representation to ensure a favorable outcome in your custody dispute.

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