The connection between you and your child is one of life’s most meaningful relationships. When you experience marital issues, this bond can be affected, especially during child custody disputes. These situations are often the most challenging aspects of family law.
If you’re dealing with a conflict over child custody, it’s important to seek guidance. A Tampa Child Custody lawyer from Melone Hatley, P.C., is here to support you every step of the way.
At Melone Hatley, P.C., we’re committed to protecting your family, your finances, and your future. Trust a Tampa family lawyer to provide the support and advocacy you need during this difficult time.
Why You Need a Tampa Child Custody Lawyer
Disagreements over child custody, also known as time-sharing, are the most difficult aspects of family law. When parents can’t seem to agree, it’s important to have strong support to guide you through the process. That’s where our lawyers can help.
Our Tampa child custody attorneys are dedicated to protecting your child’s well-being and your family’s future.
We will help you by doing the following:
- Create a parenting plan that keeps your child’s safety, health, and happiness at the forefront.
- Promote peaceful resolutions through mediation and other non-adversarial methods.
- Manage all discussions and negotiations with the other parent’s legal team.
- Represent you in court, making sure your voice is heard before a judge.
Our lawyers are here to support you through each minute detail, working to achieve the best outcome for your family.
Understanding Florida’s “Best Interests of the Children” Principle
In Florida, the “Best Interests of the Children” principle guides all decisions related to children during a divorce.
While the term “custody” is no longer used in Florida, the focus is on creating parenting plans and determining time-sharing arrangements that prioritize your child’s well-being.
When determining legal custody and child support, Florida courts consider several factors, including:
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment and maintain a routine for their child
- The needs of your child and each parent’s ability to meet those needs
- Each parent’s ability and willingness to maintain a close relationship with their child and participate in their extracurricular activities
- The child’s record of activities at home, school, and within the community
- Each parent’s ability and willingness to prioritize their child’s needs over their own
- The location of each parent and how travel impacts the parenting plan
- Each parent’s “moral fitness,” along with their mental and physical health
- Each parent’s ability to stay informed about their child’s day-to-day life
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- The child’s preference, if the court believes the child is mature enough to express it
- Each parent’s ability to keep the other parent informed and collaborate on matters involving their child
In most cases, parents are expected to share responsibility for significant decisions affecting their children unless there’s a compelling reason otherwise.
Discussing your situation during an initial consultation will help clarify these responsibilities.
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Understanding a Parenting Plan
In the state of Florida, parents who share custody of minor children are required to create a parenting plan. This formal document outlines how time-sharing, parental responsibility, transportation, communication, and travel with the children will be managed after a divorce.
In Florida, courts refer to terms like parenting plan, time-sharing, and parental responsibility when handling custody and visitation issues.
If you’re divorcing in Tampa and have minor children, a finalized parenting plan is necessary for the judge to approve your petition.
The plan should include:
- Which parent or parents will have legal and physical custody
- A time-sharing agreement detailing how your children will split their time between parents
- Clear guidelines that reflect the best interests of your children
Why a Parenting Plan Matters
The goal is simple: stay out of court. A solid parenting plan allows for flexibility as life changes without needing to return to court, saving you time, money, and stress.
Working with Tampa child custody attorneys will help you develop legal strategies that cover all necessary details, ensuring your family’s peace of mind.
How Time-Sharing Schedules Work
Time-sharing schedules outline how children will divide their time between parents after a divorce. These arrangements will be detailed down to the minute or more flexible, depending on the family’s goals.
There are two common types of time-sharing schedules: equal time-sharing and majority/minority time-sharing. In equal time-sharing, both parents have almost equal physical custody of their child.
For example:
- Alternating weeks: Your child spends one week with each parent, creating a balanced 50/50 schedule.
- 3-4-4-3 schedule: Your child spends three days with one parent, followed by four days with the other, then switches the following week.
For families where sole custody is awarded to one parent, a majority/minority time-sharing schedule is often used. In these cases, your child lives primarily with the custodial parent, while the other parent has regular visitation.
Examples are as follows:
- Your child stays with one parent on weekdays and with the other on weekends.
- During the school year, your child lives with one parent and spends the summer with the other.
When establishing time-sharing schedules, it’s important to consider all aspects of your child’s life, including holidays and vacations, to create a plan that supports their well-being and stability.
Consider Parenting Classes During Your Divorce
If you’re filing for divorce in Florida and have minor children, attending a parenting class is required. This course helps you prepare for the changes divorce brings. Your Tampa family law attorney will handle filing your completion certificate.
Throughout the process, focus on your children’s well-being. Maintain their routines and avoid speaking negatively about the other parent. A stable environment is key to their emotional health.
If domestic violence is involved, it’s imperative to protect your parental rights and your children’s safety. A Tampa child custody lawyer will guide you through these sensitive issues while protecting your family’s well-being.
Relocating Your Child Out of Florida
If you’re planning to move more than 50 miles away with your children, Florida law requires you to get written permission from your spouse or approval from a judge. You’ll need to demonstrate that the move is in the best interests of your child, considering various factors.
The court focuses on how parental relocation impacts parental responsibility and your children’s relationship with the non-relocating parent. Maintaining a consistent visitation schedule is important, and Florida judges often require a hearing for relocation cases due to frequent disagreements between parents.
Relocation is challenging, especially if the non-relocating parent has a strong bond with your children. Having skilled legal representation from a law firm that provides personalized attention will make a significant difference in your case.
Trust Melone Hatley, P.C. for Your Family Law Needs
When it comes to child custody arrangements, having the right legal support is essential. A Tampa child custody lawyer will guide you through the legal process, helping to secure an outcome that supports your family’s best interests.
At Melone Hatley, P.C., our team brings extensive experience in family law, offering you the guidance and support needed during this challenging time. We understand the importance of protecting your parental rights and making sure your voice is heard.
With Melone Hatley, P.C., you can trust that we protect your family, your finances, and your future. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore how we will help you reach a fair and supportive custody agreement.
