Child Custody Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL

Dynamic Legal Representation Making Your Child the Top Priority

After divorce, child custody is possibly the most antagonistic area of family law. Each parent wants custody of and access to their child and is willing to do almost anything to gain it. That’s why having a child custody attorney in your corner is critical.

Understanding the different aspects of custody is the first step to earning a favorable child custody arrangement. Our highly skilled child custody lawyer in Jacksonville, FL has years of experience in handling such an important aspect of your child’s life.

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    Should I Hire A Child Custody Attorney in Jacksonville?

    Essentially, you need to keep in mind the goal of a child custody hearing is to serve the best interests of the child by identifying the most proper child custody arrangement.

    Normally, parents are advised to work with child custody lawyers when facing difficult or intricate child custody issues in Jacksonville, FL

    Suppose you are a parent preparing divorce proceedings for your children’s other parent. In that case, it’s simply natural to want to secure as many child custody and visitation rights as you possibly can.

    Unfortunately, it’s easy for some divorcing parents to slip into the trap of using custody as leverage, and this tactic rarely works out in any positive manner.

    Nevertheless, the right custody lawyer can help you remain focused on what is most meaningful in your divorce and build a solid case for guardianship of your children.

    Just a few of the factors considered when determining what is in the child’s best interests include:

    • Proposed and current living arrangements of the child
    • History of parental involvement in the child’s life
    • The child’s educational environment and development
    • Each parent’s current financial situation
    • Quality of the parental plan
    • Willingness to adapt for the good of a child or co-parent’s changing needs
    • Presence of domestic violence

    Child Custody Solutions in Jacksonville, FL

    First and foremost, child custody lays out the rights and obligations of both parents in regards to their children after some aspect of the parental relationship has changed, such as a legal separation, divorce, or paternity decree.

    The courts will be addressing two different types of custody:

    • Physical custody - determines where the child lives, and
    • Legal custody - outlines a parent’s rights to make decisions about education, medical care, religion, and overall welfare

    Each of these types of custody may be sole, primary, or joint custody. Generally speaking, one parent will be designated as the primary custodial parent with whom the child will live, and the other parent will have a visitation schedule in Florida.

    Understanding Sole Custody for Fathers in Florida

    On rare occasions, either parent would gain sole responsibility and custody in Florida. Nevertheless, it is not impossible. For a father to have full custody in Florida, he must show evidence to the court that any parental responsibility given to the mother would damage the children involved. A family law attorney can help gather and present the necessary evidence.

     

    FAQs: Should I Hire A Child Custody Attorney in Jacksonville?

    1. Why should I consider hiring a child custody attorney in Jacksonville?
    Hiring a child custody attorney can help protect your rights and navigate complex custody issues. An attorney can guide you toward an arrangement that supports your child's best interests, while also avoiding potential conflicts or disputes that could arise.

    2. What factors does the court consider in a child custody case?
    The court considers several factors to determine the child's best interests, including each parent’s current living situation, financial stability, involvement in the child’s life, and any history of domestic violence.

    3. What is the difference between physical and legal custody?
    Physical custody determines where the child will live, while legal custody gives a parent the right to make decisions regarding the child’s education, medical care, and overall welfare. Either type can be sole, primary, or joint custody.

    4. Can one parent get sole custody in Florida?
    Yes, but it is rare. Sole custody is usually granted only if one parent can show that the other parent’s involvement would be harmful to the child. Evidence of this is necessary, and a family law attorney can help build a case.

    5. How does Florida define joint custody?
    Joint custody in Florida generally involves both parents sharing legal or physical custody responsibilities, which may include shared decision-making on major aspects of the child's life.

    6. How is a parenting plan developed in Florida?
    Florida courts require a parenting plan that outlines each parent’s responsibilities, including time-sharing schedules, decision-making protocols, and methods for communication. This is often crafted with input from both parents and their attorneys.

    7. Can a custody agreement be modified if circumstances change?
    Yes, custody arrangements can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as relocation, job changes, or changes in the child's needs. An attorney can help you request a modification through the court.

    8. What role does a child’s preference play in custody decisions?
    While Florida courts may consider a child's preference, the child’s age, maturity, and specific situation will impact how much weight is given to their wishes.

    9. How can a custody attorney help if the other parent and I agree on custody terms?
    Even if you agree on terms, an attorney can help formalize the agreement to avoid misunderstandings and ensure all legal requirements are met, providing stability for your custody arrangement.

    Contact Our Jacksonville Custody Attorneys for Support

    At Zisser Frazier Family Law, you can rest assured that you will receive the attentive, personalized care that you and your family need. Our Jacksonville family law firm is proud to give clients the benefit of our extensive experience providing legal counsel for family law matters.

    Contact Zisser Frazier Family Law

    Hire an attorney who knows the field and knows how to help you.
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