Orlando Child Custody Lawyer
Protecting Your Parental Rights in a Divorce or Paternity Lawsuit
Custody disputes can be one of the most contentious issues between parents of minor children.
When making a Custody and Visitation determine in Florida, the Judge is required to establish a Parenting Plan and Time-Sharing Schedule. The Parenting Plan will address all issues related to the care and upbringing of all of the minor children born of the relationship. Generally these issues can be summarized as all issues pertaining to your child or children's safety, health, education and general welfare. Visitation is now referred to as "time-sharing". The purpose of this change in language was calculated to clarify that when one parenting is spending time with the child, they are not necessarily just "visiting with the child", but rather, this time is that parent's time to care for the child and attend to parental responsibilities, and to further a meaningful relationship between the parent and child.
There is no "standard" time-sharing schedule. The Florida Courts are trending more towards "equal time-sharing" or rotating custody. Nevertheless, a competent attorney should evaluate the particular circumstances of your case pertaining to your child(ren) so it can be determined whether in fact a rotating time-sharing schedule is in the best interests of your children. In many cases, equal time-sharing is difficult to accomplish at best and in some cases it is simply detrimental to the interests of the children.
At the Law Offices of Christian D. Smed, P.A. in Winter Park, Florida, we work closely with parents to resolve the complicated custody issues. We will paint a clear picture of your legal options as we seek the best possible outcome for your family's particular needs.
To schedule a free initial consultation with Orlando Child Custody and Time-Sharing attorney Christian D. Smed, call us at 407-901-4750 or toll free at 888-750-5072.
An Experienced Florida Visitation Lawyer
Having represented many divorced mothers and fathers, we understand that 50/50 custody is not always in the best interest of children. In situations with poor communication between parents, it can actually be detrimental to the interests of the children. In fact, depending on the situation, it can be possible for a parent to maintain a meaningful relationship with his or her children without having 50/50 custody. Ultimately, the only factor that matters is what is in the best interests of the child.
The Effect Time-Sharing Has on Child Support
When a parent has forty percent (40%) of the overnights in any one year, child support payments will be calculated using a "stepped- up" or substantially shared time-sharing child support calculation. The "stepped-up" method considers that each parent will have more direct expenses for the child. Accordingly, this method may have the result of substantially reducing a parents' child support obligation. It is important to obtain a time-sharing arrangement that permits you to maintain a meaningful relationship with your child, and which includes a fair child support obligation that are consistent with Florida law.
Protect Your Rights - Contact Us Today
We look forward to helping you bring clarity to this often confusing and emotionally charged issue. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with Christian D. Smed.
