Brandon Child Custody Lawyer
Advocating for Your Parental Rights in Florida
Matters involving child custody and visitation often present unique challenges for parents. At Barnett Gill, our child custody lawyers serving Brandon, FL, advocate for you and work to protect you and your child's best interests. From deciding time-sharing plans to parental responsibility, our team can walk you through every step, through negotiations all the way to a trial. Our Brandon child custody lawyers are committed to providing a high level of personalized attention that meets your needs.
What Type of Lawyer Handles Child Custody?
The type of lawyer that handles child custody are experienced family law attorneys. Child custody lawyers also study many other various areas of practice that are related to one another for representing clients. For example, a client in Brandon, who is going through a divorce, could also be dealing with custody arrangements, visitation, setting up child support, and dealing with alimony.
Do I Really Need A Lawyer For Child Custody in Florida?
While one or both parents may believe they are obviously the better parent, a Florida judge is not as likely to distinguish one parent as “good,” and the other as “bad.” If your spouse treats you like you are inferior and will not listen to your viewpoint, you will want to consider hiring a Brandon child custody attorney to protect your legal rights.
Contact Barnett Gill for a consultation with our child custody lawyers serving Brandon, FL!
How Is Custody Determined in Florida?
In Florida, child custody is commonly referred to as time-sharing and parental responsibility, with the city court granting parents with either a shared or sole role in raising the child. In most custody cases, courts in Brandon, FL prefer arrangements where both parents are allowed to spend time with their children unless such arrangements would be detrimental to the child.
Parents are encouraged to work together when creating time-sharing plans, otherwise a Florida judge will make a decision for you based on the best interests of your child.
Factors that can affect a custody determination:
- Each parent's physical and emotional health
- The stability of each parent's home
- Each parent's ability to care for a child's needs
- If a parent is likely to encourage contact with the other parent
- Whether there is any history of violence in the home
Legal vs. Physical Custody in Brandon
Having legal custody means that you’re are responsible for making decisions about your child’s upbringing, such as their education, physical care, and religion. Having physical custody refers to the time that each parent spends with the child. Both legal and physical custody and be joint or sole.
Can a Child Choose Which Parent To Live With in Brandon, Florida?
Florida courts may consider a child’s preferences when determining custody if the child is considered to be mature. However, it is not the only factor considered nor is it a frequent occurrence for judges in Brandon to bring children into court to state their wishes. Therefore, as long as the child is younger than 18, he or she will not be allowed to choose which parent to live with.
At What Age Can a Child Refuse Visitation Florida?
In Florida, a child under 18 cannot entirely deny visitation in most circumstances. However, the court can consider the child's preference in determining a time-sharing arrangement.
What Makes a Parent Unfit in Florida?
A parent in Brandon, Florida may be considered to be unfit if he or she abuses, abandons, or neglects the child:
- Abuse - Intentionally causing mental or physical harm for the child or encouraging someone else to do it.
- Abandonment - Leaving without making provision for the child’s support. It could also refer to not establishing a positive relationship with the child.
- Neglect - Failing to provide care and support the child’s mental and physical health. It could also apply to allowing someone else to abuse, neglect, or exploit the child.
What Rights Does a Father Have in Florida?
In Brandon, FL, an unmarried father has no legal rights to custody or visitation until paternity is legally established. Until then, the mother has legal and physical custody of the child.
For married parents going through a divorce, Florida law does not favor mothers' rights over those of the father. The court in Brandon will make a custody decision based on what is best for the child.
How Long Does a Child Custody Case Take in Florida?
The length of a child custody case in Florida can vary depending on several factors, including the case's complexity, the availability of the parties and witnesses, and the court's schedule. However, a child custody case can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more to resolve.
Both spouses can resolve the case quickly if the parties reach a custody agreement. However, if the parties cannot agree, the case may go to trial. A trial can take several months, and the court may not issue a final order until several weeks or months after the trial.
If you are mixed up in a child custody case, it is essential to be patient and understanding. The process can be long and complicated, but it is crucial to remember that the court's goal is to decide your child's best interests.
Call Our Brandon Child Custody Lawyers for an Initial Consultation
Custody issues should be resolved swiftly and amicably in order to minimize the trauma to children. At Barnett Gill, our child custody lawyers serving Brandon, FL strives to find efficient and effective solutions that work for your family. Our attorneys can steer you towards a sound parenting plan that is in your and your children's interests. Tell us more about your parenting goals today.
Call Barnett Gill at (813) 305-0353 to Speak With a Brandon Child Custody Attorney Today.
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