The divorce process is stressful, but it can be particularly challenging when there are children involved. There are a number of issues that must be resolved, including child custody and visitation rights. Hiring an experienced Pensacola Florida child custody lawyer can ensure that your rights and the best interests of your children are protected throughout the process.
Our firm provides compassionate yet strong representation in child custody matters and other family law cases. We can assist you in developing a parenting plan that addresses custody, visitation and decision-making authority. We can also represent you in court, presenting evidence and cross-examining witnesses to defend your parental rights. Additionally, we can assist you with modifying or enforcing existing court orders, if circumstances change.
In Florida, courts consider a wide variety of factors when making decisions regarding custody and visitation rights. These include the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s mental and physical health, any history of domestic violence, and whether the child is old enough to express a preference (if one exists).
Custody matters are complicated, but our firm can provide you with the strong advocacy that you need. We understand how important your children are to you, and we work hard to protect them. We can also assist you in navigating other aspects of your case, including the division of marital property and spousal support.
We can help you develop a comprehensive parenting plan that is likely to be approved by the court, or we can advocate for your rights in contested divorce proceedings. We will take into account the unique concerns that may affect service members stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola, or retirees and spouses with home bases in Navarre. Click here to contact the #1 Family Attorney in Pensacola, FL.
If necessary, we can assist you with child relocation matters as well. While the laws governing child custody vary from state to state, generally, a judge will look at the reason for the move; its probable effect on the child; the relationship between the child and the parent who would remain in Florida; and if either parent has a history of domestic violence.
Depending on the circumstances, a court might award sole or joint legal custody, or some other arrangement. In a joint legal custody arrangement, both parents retain all rights and responsibilities for the child and participate in decision-making, just as they do in an intact family. Each parent typically has the right to a regular, scheduled time with the child for holidays, summers and school-related activities. Our firm can advise you on the benefits and limitations of each type of custody arrangement, including those related to the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act. The law states that a parent who relocates a minor child out of state without the permission of the other parent must comply with certain requirements to avoid violating the act. Depending on the law of the state where the child is located, this might mean that a new court must assume jurisdiction over the case.