Child custody disputes can be among the most emotionally and legally complex issues in a divorce. If you are going through a divorce with children, you should have an experienced lawyer who will fight for your rights in this matter. A qualified Child Custody Lawyer in Pensacola Florida can help you resolve your case quickly and fairly.
The court’s primary concern in custody cases is the best interests of the children involved. In many states, including Florida, courts will not interfere with parents in deciding how to best raise their children unless there is clear evidence that the parent cannot meet this standard. For example, if there is significant evidence of abuse or neglect, the court will usually not allow the parent to remain in custody. Abuse can include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse or even neglect which is defined as the failure to provide adequate care, supervision, or support.
In most cases, the judge will decide on a custody and visitation plan after examining all relevant factors. This includes the parents’ wishes, the child’s age and preference, any history of domestic violence or substance abuse by either party, the ability of the parents to care for the child, and other relevant facts that affect a child’s well-being. In some cases, the court will award sole or joint legal custody. In this arrangement, both parents have access to the child’s medical records and information, but one parent has primary decision-making authority for major life decisions such as education, religion, extracurricular activities, and health care.
A good Child Custody Lawyer in Pensacola can help you establish a parenting plan that is workable for your family. Our office can assist you in negotiating a time-sharing schedule or parental responsibility agreement with the other parent or, if necessary, we will represent you in a court battle for a custody or visitation order.
Our office can also help you determine whether or not spousal support (alimony) should be part of your settlement agreement. This is often paid to the lower earning spouse in long-term marriages with children. Alimony can be awarded if there is a significant income disparity or if the non-earning spouse has substantial childcare responsibilities.
Our firm can also assist you in modifying a court-ordered custody or visitation plan as circumstances change. If your former spouse is violating the terms of an existing order, our firm can file a request to modify the order and present evidence at trial. In addition, our firm can help you establish paternity through DNA testing and assist fathers in registering on the putative father registry. Our team can explain this process to you and handle all aspects of your case. Contact us today for a free telephone consultation. We will treat your case with the urgency and attentiveness that you deserve. Our office is located in Pensacola, Florida and we have over 38 years of experience helping families like yours through tough times. We look forward to hearing from you soon.