Archive: January 2023
January 5, 2023
While marriages are happy unions, some married couples make the difficult decision to end their relationship. This feat could be challenging, and the ensuing stages can be difficult as well. This is why it is critical to find an experienced attorney. The importance of hiring a divorce lawyer is getting the legal representation you need throughout the divorce process according to the state laws you are in.
As you take on a divorce of your own, an effective strategy is to get the best attorney you can hire in able to move forward. Read on to discover how you can get the best Florida divorce lawyer.
Know the Responsibilities of a Divorce Lawyer
When considering divorce, you may wonder if you need an attorney. Because lawyers are expensive, it may be tough to justify hiring an attorney if you stand to lose a significant amount of money in your divorce.
The truth is that when you do not hire an attorney, you lose even more. You may agree to an unfavorable divorce result or fail to comply with procedural requirements that impair your case if you do not have legal representation.
Family law lawyers and divorce lawyers aim to establish a legal and equitable settlement that is in your best interests. With legal representation, you have a fighting chance to get the best out of your divorce.
Know Your Attorney’s Objectives and Experience
Speaking with various attorneys will assist you in selecting the best one. Once you are in this stage of choosing your lawyer, interview them and ask critical questions, such as previous cases, experience, background in Florida family law, and so on. Know the lawyer’s strategy and see how they fit the goals you want to achieve. After this stage, you can then compare their responses.
Beyond the interview, you must be able to determine the level of discretion the lawyer can provide you. For example, you should be able to tell the truth to your attorney. After all, your opening questions to an attorney will be determined by the facts of your case.
Skilled lawyers will notify you when extra documentation is required and what to expect as the procedure progresses. Once you’ve decided on a family lawyer, let them know your preferred method of contact so they can keep you updated. Multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers may be required before both parties reach an agreement.
Know What to Disclose with Your Divorce Lawyer
This part is all about getting personal. When you accept legal counsel, you are protected by the attorney-client privilege. This implies that everything you tell your attorney in confidence is protected by attorney-client privilege; a lawyer who abuses this privilege faces disbarment and criminal prosecution.
Even if you want to keep some information secret, supplying your divorce attorney with more information helps them build the best case. If you supply your divorce attorney with as much information as possible, you may be surprised at which details become valuable.
Ask Your Peers for Referrals
Asking for referrals from friends, family, and coworkers will help you find a divorce lawyer who exudes confidence and has a track record of success. However, you must remember that examining potential candidates means you do not limit your options based on what others say. Take into account your own instinct so as not to miss out on superior legal counsel.
Understand the Process of Divorce Proceedings
Divorce time varies according to separating couples’ willingness to cooperate, the complexity of their financial problems, and other factors. Such factors may also be influenced by Florida divorce laws. Moreover, when there are intricate financial issues in a divorce, or the parties are unwilling to discuss a compromise, litigation might endure for much longer than is expected.
Conclusion
Indeed, there are ways to ease divorce proceedings. With the best divorce lawyer on your side, you can lessen the stress of divorcing your spouse. Simply keep this guide in if the time comes when you are in search of reliable legal counsel.
If you’re ready to take on your divorce proceeding, seek help from our top Jacksonville attorneys at Dorsey Law JAX’s pool of reliable lawyers. Call us today at (904) 394-2865.
December 30, 2022
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a court-ordered payment made from one former spouse to the other upon the dissolution of a marriage. In Florida, the court can award alimony to either spouse upon divorce or legal separation. Here are some things you should know about spousal support in Florida.
The Court Considers Several Factors
The court considers several factors when deciding whether to award alimony and the amount of alimony to be paid. These factors include the length of the marriage, the ages of the spouses, the financial needs of each spouse, and the standard of living the couple enjoyed during the marriage.
The court also takes into account the ability of each spouse to pay spousal support. For example, if one spouse has more financial resources than the other, the court may award a larger amount of spousal support to the spouse with fewer resources.
Similarly, if the spouse with more resources is able to pay more, the court may award a larger amount of support.
There Are Different Types of Alimony
The different types of alimony that can be awarded in Florida include bridge-the-gap alimony, rehabilitative alimony, durational alimony, and permanent alimony.
Bridge-The-Gap Alimony
Bridge-the-gap alimony is meant to help the receiving spouse bridge the gap between the end of the marriage and the beginning of a new life and is not intended to be a long-term form of support. It is meant to cover the costs of things like relocation, job training, or other expenses related to becoming financially independent.
As such, it is typically not renewable and is not modifiable, meaning the amount and duration of the alimony cannot be changed, even if the receiving spouse’s financial situation changes.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is often used in cases where the receiving spouse is at a significant disadvantage in the job market, such as due to a lack of education or job experience. By providing the receiving spouse with financial support, they are able to focus on improving their skills and increasing their earning potential.
This type of alimony is also useful in cases where one spouse has been out of the workforce for an extended period of time, such as due to child care or caring for an elderly relative.
Durational Alimony
Durational alimony is a specific type of alimony that is designed to provide financial assistance for a set time rather than for an indefinite period of time.
The amount of alimony is usually based on the length of the marriage, the income of both parties, and the lifestyle that was established during the marriage. The duration of alimony is usually determined by the court but can be extended if necessary.
Permanent Alimony
Permanent alimony is a form of financial support intended to help a spouse maintain the same quality of life they enjoyed during the marriage. It is typically awarded when the receiving spouse is unable to become self-supporting and is paid until either the receiving spouse remarries or either spouse dies.
The Alimony Can Be Modified or Terminated
The alimony can be modified or terminated if there is a substantial change in circumstances. For example, if the receiving spouse remarries or the paying spouse loses their job, the alimony order may be modified or terminated.
The Alimony Is Considered Taxable Income
The alimony is considered taxable income to the receiving spouse, meaning that they are required to report it on their taxes and may be required to pay taxes on it. This is important to keep in mind when determining the amount of alimony to be paid or received.
Conclusion
It is important to understand the basics of spousal support in the state of Florida. Spousal support is intended to help an individual transition to a lifestyle that is more financially stable and independent. When making the decision to pursue alimony, the court considers several factors
When deciding on the amount and duration of spousal support, the court also takes into account the lifestyle of the parties during the marriage, the contributions of each spouse to the marriage, and whether there is any need for rehabilitation.
It is also important to remember that spousal support can be modified or terminated if the circumstances of either spouse change significantly. In any case, it is strongly advised to seek qualified legal assistance to ensure that the rights of both parties are protected.
Whether you are the one initiating the divorce or you are on the receiving end of it, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. If you are looking for an experienced attorney in Jacksonville, Florida, to help you through your divorce, Dorsey Law JAX is here to help. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Contact us today to get started!
December 15, 2022
Making decisions about custody-related issues is rarely simple. However, it might make the custody dispute much more difficult if one parent is ill-suited. That said, it may be in the child’s best interest for the other parent to receive exclusive custody if it can be proven that the other parent is unfit.
What Does it Mean to Be an Unfit Parent in Florida?
According to Florida Statute 751.05, the court must determine that a parent has neglected, mistreated, or abandoned a child in order to determine that the parent is unfit. If a parent struggles with mental illness or substance misuse, the parent may also be deemed unfit. The person may only now be experiencing these problems, or they may have a long history with the behavior or disease.
When it comes to mental illness and drug misuse, the court weighs all pertinent information to assess if leaving the child with the parent will put them in a position that could be harmful to them. If the judge grants the other parent or a guardian sole custody, the judge may order that the child has restricted or supervised visitation with the parent.
Factors That Could Result in a Decision of Being Unfit
Abuse or neglect is one of the most frequent grounds for declaring a parent unfit. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal in many different ways. A child who has been abused may suffer from various bodily wounds, but they may also experience emotional and psychological trauma that may affect them for the rest of their life.
In addition, neglect can take many various forms. This may also occur when a parent does not give their child enough food, clothing, or shelter. Living in a dangerous environment, for instance, might count as neglect. The court may conclude that a parent is ignoring their child if the home is full of pests or poses a health risk.
However, maintaining a filthy home could also lead to the conclusion that you are an unsuitable parent. Vermin, black mold, and other health risks that could come from a dirty home could result in major health issues or injury.
Being deemed unfit as a parent might also result from parental alienation. A child benefits when both parents participate actively in their child’s life and are in good physical and mental health. The child suffers the most when a parent consciously distances a child from the other parent.
A parent who has alienated their child from their family may result in long-term emotional suffering and mental trauma for the youngster. Due to parental estrangement, a child may also experience depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues.
Proving That a Parent Is Unfit
Despite what you may claim, a court may not solely reject your request for custody or visitation. The other parent’s unfitness must be proven to the court. Your accusations must be true, precise, and based on facts.
In such a case, you must present strong proof that your child’s other parent is unfit.
The pieces of evidence may consist of the following:
- Testimony from the child’s friends, relatives, teachers, and other acquaintances
- Testimony from experts such as doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, etc.
- Videos and pictures
- Medical and academic records
- Details of home inspections and visits
- If it supports your case, any proof pertaining to the parent’s behavior or condition that renders them unfit may be presented in court.
Conclusion
Overall, a family court would determine if a parent is unfit by looking at a number of factors. These factors can include the parent’s mental and physical health, ability to care for the child, their possible criminal history, and past behavior. The court will also consider the child’s needs and whether the parent is able to meet those needs. If the court finds that the parent is unfit, they may order that the child be removed from the parent’s care and placed in the care of another relative or guardian.
If you are looking for experienced practitioners who specialize in family law in Jacksonville, look no further than our expertise here at Dorsey Law JAX. Our services include all family law matters from short-term and emergency situations, such as injunctions against domestic violence to process a final divorce and post-judgment modifications of support and custody. Call us today, and let us help you with your current custody dilemma.
December 1, 2022
When two people get married, they often do so with the intention of staying together forever. However, the reality is that divorce happens, and it happens more often than many people realize. In fact, according to data from the American Psychological Association, the divorce rate in the United States is around 40%.
While getting divorced may not be something that people like to think about when they’re getting married, it’s important to be prepared for it just in case. One way to do this is to get a prenuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement, also known as a prenup, is a legally binding contract that is signed by two people before they get married.
The contract outlines each person’s rights and responsibilities in the event of a divorce. Prenuptial agreements are not just for the wealthy. In fact, they can be beneficial for anyone who is getting married, regardless of their financial situation.
Here are seven reasons why prenuptial agreements are important for engaged couples in Florida:
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Protect Your Assets
A prenuptial agreement can protect your assets and property in the event of a divorce. If you own a home, a business, or other valuable property, a prenuptial agreement can help ensure that these assets remain in your possession in the event of a divorce.
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Protect Your Business
If you own a business, a prenuptial agreement can help protect it in the event of a divorce. This is because the agreement can stipulate what will happen to your business in the event of a divorce. For example, you can specify that your business will go to your business partner or other family members in the event of a divorce.
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Avoid Arguments About Money
Money is one of the most common reasons couples fight. If you have a prenuptial agreement, you can avoid arguments about money by specifying how your finances will be handled in the event of a divorce. For example, you can specify who will pay what bills in the event of a divorce.
If you have children from a previous marriage, you may want to use a prenuptial agreement to protect their inheritance in the event of your death. By including provisions in your prenup that designate how your assets will be divided in the event of your death, you can ensure that your children receive their fair share.
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Protect Your From Debt
If you or your future spouse have significant debt, you may want to consider a prenuptial agreement to protect yourself from being responsible for your spouse’s debt. By including provisions in your prenup that designate how debt will be handled in the event of a divorce, you can protect yourself from being saddled with debt that you did not incur.
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Protect Your Privacy
If you are concerned about your privacy, a prenuptial agreement can help protect your information. By including provisions in your prenup that designate what information will be considered confidential, you can help ensure that your private information remains private.
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Protect Your Rights
If you are concerned about your rights in the event of a divorce, a prenuptial agreement can help protect you. By including provisions in your prenup that designate how your assets will be divided in the event of a divorce, you can help ensure that you receive your fair share.
Conclusion
Prenuptial agreements can be very beneficial for couples in Florida who are getting married. They can help to protect each other financially in the event of a divorce, and can also make it easier to divide property and assets if the marriage does not work out.
If you are considering a prenuptial agreement, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of such an agreement. You should also make sure that you and your future spouse are on the same page about the agreement, and that you both understand the terms and conditions.
If you’re ready to make decisive steps to place safety nets on your marriage, seek help from our top Jacksonville attorneys at Dorsey Law JAX’s pool of reliable lawyers. Call us now at (904) 394-2865.
November 4, 2022
Divorce is difficult on everyone involved, but sometimes people don’t handle it as well as they could. It’s understandable if a divorce makes someone act differently, but both parties should still be honest and respectful.
Some people might engage in dishonest conduct during a divorce by hiding or failing to disclose assets. There are reasons why someone might do this, such as wanting to get more out of the divorce or financially harming their ex.
Concealing assets during a divorce is illegal because it goes against the mandatory disclosure requirements. When a divorce begins, both spouses must share financial information, like bank statements, pay stubs, deeds, tax returns, etc. They are also required to file a financial affidavit, which under the penalty of perjury, attests to information such as a spouse’s assets, debts, income, and expenses.
If your spouse is hiding assets during your divorce, it can create serious legal problems. You may not be able to get a fair share of the assets if your spouse is not disclosing everything. It is important to consult with a family attorney if you think your spouse is hiding assets.
Read on to find out more about this complexity during a divorce:
Signs Your Spouse Could Be Hiding Assets from You
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to speak with your attorney about what to do next:
- Your spouse is suddenly very protective of their financial information.
- Your spouse starts making large, unexplained withdrawals from joint accounts.
- Your spouse starts making large purchases without your knowledge.
- Your spouse starts transferring assets to a trust.
What You Can Do If You Have Reason to Believe Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets
If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets, there are a few things you can do to investigate. First, check for unusual activity in your joint bank accounts or credit cards. If you see any large withdrawals or transfers, you don’t recognize, this could signify that your spouse is trying to hide money.
Next, take a look at your joint tax returns. If you notice any discrepancies between what you reported and what your spouse reported, this could be another sign that assets are being hidden. Finally, you can ask your spouse about any assets you suspect they are hiding. If your spouse is unwilling to discuss the issue or is evasive in their answers, this could signify that there is something to hide.
If you believe your spouse is hiding assets, it’s vital to take action to protect your interests. You may want to consult with a lawyer to discuss your options and to help you gather evidence to support your case. Taking steps to uncover hidden assets can be complex and time-consuming, but it’s essential to do what you can to protect your financial interests.
Conclusion
Discovering that your spouse is hiding assets during your divorce can be devastating. This can lead to several problems, including a lack of financial stability and a feeling of betrayal. If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets, you must speak to a divorce lawyer who can help you investigate the matter.
Dorsey Law JAX offers you the services of reliable Jacksonville family attorneys who can help you with your divorce, especially if you’re dealing with complications like a spouse hiding assets. Schedule your legal consultation with Dorsey Law JAX today!
October 21, 2022
In Florida, unmarried parents have the same custody rights as married parents. However, there are some key differences that unmarried parents should be aware of regarding custody laws in Florida.
First, unmarried parents will need to establish paternity before seeking any custody arrangement. It can be done through a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or DNA testing. Once paternity has been established, the next step is to create a parenting plan.
A parenting plan is a document that outlines how the child will be raised, who will make decisions on behalf of the child, and how parenting time will be divided between the parents. Parenting plans are not legally binding, but they can help establish a custody arrangement that works for both parents.
Once a parenting plan has been created, the next step is to file a petition with the court. The court will then review the parenting plan and decide on custody. If the parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court will decide based on the child’s best interests.
It is important to note that custody laws in Florida are constantly changing. As such, you must consult an experienced attorney to ensure you are up-to-date on the latest changes.
Determining the Custody
While unmarried parents have the same rights and responsibilities as married parents when it comes to child custody and visitation, if the parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will make the decision based on what is in the child’s best interests.
There are a few factors that the court will consider when deciding on child custody, including:
- The ability of each parent to provide a stable and loving home
- The child’s relationship with each parent and other family members
- The child’s preference (if the child is old enough to express a preference)
- The child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community
- The mental and physical health of each parent
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- The ability of each parent to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent
- The distance between the homes of the two parents
- The work schedules of each parent
- The age and developmental needs of the child and any special needs
The court will also consider other factors relevant to the child’s best interests, such as:
- The child’s age
- The child’s health
- The child’s emotional needs
- The parents’ drug and alcohol use
- The parents’ criminal history
- Any domestic violence or child abuse in the home
Suppose you are an unmarried parent in Florida seeking child custody or visitation. In that case, you must consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.
Conclusion
Unmarried parents in Florida have the same custody rights as married parents. They can have joint legal and physical custody, or one parent can have sole custody. To determine custody, the court will consider what is in the child’s best interests. That includes factors such as the child’s age, health, and relationship with each parent.
If you find yourself in this situation and need to determine child custody in Florida, Dorsey Law JAX can help. Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys will provide you with the best possible representation, ensuring your rights are protected at every step. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
October 21, 2022
However, Florida is not one of those states. Florida law actually encourages the use of prenuptial agreements. This is because prenuptial agreements can help prevent a lot of the fighting and arguing that often lead to divorce. If you and your future spouse can agree on the terms of your marriage ahead of time, it can make your marriage much more likely to succeed.
A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into by two people before marriage. The agreement typically outlines how assets will be divided in the event of a divorce. Prenuptial agreements can be used to protect both parties’ interests and help prevent arguments and disagreements in the event of a divorce.
What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a contract between two people who are getting ready to enter into marriage with one another. The goal of this agreement is to make it easier if the marriage does not work out. This agreement can outline how assets will be divided in the event of a divorce and determine how alimony will be handled. Prenuptial agreements can also waive a person’s right to spousal support in the event of a divorce.
This agreement is designed to help couples handle several difficult financial issues, such as property division and alimony payments. By creating this contract, the couple only agrees to enter the marriage under the specific financial terms and conditions laid out in the agreement.
Why Get a Prenuptial Agreement
Some couples may use a prenuptial agreement to protect themselves financially in the event of a divorce. In contrast, others may use it to define their roles and responsibilities within the marriage. Some couples use a prenuptial agreement to outline their financial goals and objectives for the marriage.
Some want to ensure that their children, not their spouses, inherit their assets. This could be because they have children from a previous relationship or want to protect their future children’s inheritance.
A prenuptial agreement can be used to protect a business that someone has built before getting married. The business has its own assets, and the business owner wants to ensure that the assets are protected in case of a divorce. They may also want to protect their spouse from the debt incurred by the business.
If a couple believes their financial situation will change significantly soon, they may want to include a provision in their divorce agreement specifying who will pay alimony or spousal support. This can help to avoid potential conflict down the road.
A prenuptial agreement is a contract that two people sign before marriage. This contract outlines what would happen to the couple’s assets and property if they were to divorce. Every couple has different needs and wants, so it is important to talk to an attorney to ensure that the prenuptial agreement is properly structured.
Conclusion
Prenuptial agreements are legally binding contracts between two people who are planning to marry. The agreement typically outlines each person’s financial rights and responsibilities during the marriage and what will happen to their assets if the marriage ends in divorce.
Prenuptial agreements can be a useful tool for protecting your assets and ensuring financial stability in the event of a divorce. However, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney to ensure that your agreement is valid and enforceable under Florida law.
Dorsey Law JAX specializes in a wide range of family law issues. We provide all services under family law, from injunctions against domestic violence to divorce processes. We work to negotiate settlements but will fearlessly take a case to trial when necessary. If you are looking for a family lawyer in Jacksonville, Florida, we are more than willing to help. Get in touch with us today and let’s talk!
October 3, 2022
In Florida, unwed mothers and fathers have certain rights when it comes to their children. If you are an unwed parent in Florida, it is important to know what your rights are so that you can make informed decisions about your child’s future.
Why Does the Mother Get Sole Custody?
Under Florida law, the mother of a child is automatically given sole legal and physical custody of the child if the child is born out of wedlock. The father has no legal rights to the child unless he establishes paternity.
Some people believe that unmarried parents’ custody laws are unjust because the mother automatically receives sole custody after the child is born. In these situations, the father has no legal right to visit the kid, which many fathers find unfair. However, the same legislation prohibits unmarried women from requesting child support from fathers without a paternity test. As a result, if a father wants visitation rights, joint custody, or any influence over the child’s upbringing, he must take a paternity test to address the problem and move on with custody arrangements.
Unwed Parent Rights in Florida
Here are some facts that you need to know about your rights as an unwed parent in Florida:
1. You Have the Right to Establish Paternity for Your Child
If you are an unwed father, you have the right to establish paternity for your child. This can be done through a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or through a court order. Once paternity is established, you will have the legal right to seek child support, visitation, and custody of your child.
2. You Have the Responsibility to Support Your Child
As an unwed parent in Florida, you have the legal responsibility to support your child financially. This includes providing for your child’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare. If you are unable to support your child, you may be required to pay child support to the other parent or the state.
3. You Have the Right to Visitation with Your Child
If you are an unwed parent in Florida, you have the legal right to visitation with your child. This means that you can spend time with your child regularly and have a relationship with them. However, you do not have the right to custody of your child unless you establish paternity or obtain a court order.
4. You Have the Right to Object to the Adoption of Your Child
If you are an unwed father, you have the right to object to the adoption of your child. You can object to the adoption in writing or in court. You can also object to the adoption if you can prove that you are the child’s father and that you have been paying child support.
5. You Have the Right to Receive Child Support from the Other Parent
If you are an unwed mother, you have the right to receive child support from the other parent. You can get child support from the other parent by going to court or by asking the other parent to sign a voluntary child support agreement.
Conclusion
It is important to know your rights as an unwed parent in Florida. If you are not married to the child’s other parent, you may not have the same legal rights as a married parent would have. However, you can take steps to protect your rights and ensure that you are able to play an active role in your child’s life.
If you want to ensure you’re not missing out on your rights as an unwed parent, seek help from our top Jacksonville attorneys at Dorsey Law JAX’s pool of reliable lawyers. Call us now at (904) 394-2865.
September 16, 2022
Child custody laws vary from state to state, but there are two general custody arrangements: physical and legal. A parent can have both physical and legal custody of their child, or they can have one or the other.
In today’s article, let’s look at child custody in Florida. Here’s what you need to know:
Child Custody in Florida
Time-Sharing
Florida recently changed the terminology it uses to refer to child custody. The state now uses the term “time-sharing” to refer to what was previously known as child custody.
The change in terminology is part of a larger effort by the state to reduce conflict between parents and promote cooperative parenting. The new time-sharing arrangement is designed to give parents equal time with their children.
Under the old child custody arrangement, one parent would typically be designated as the primary custodial parent, while the other would have visitation rights. This often led to conflict between the parents, as the custodial parent would feel they were not getting enough time with their children.
Parenting Plan
In the state of Florida, child custody is determined by what is in the child’s best interests. There are many factors that a court will consider when making this determination, but the most important factor is always the child’s safety. In some cases, the court may find that it is in the child’s best interests to be placed with one parent, while in other cases, the court may find that it is in the best interests of the child to be placed with both parents.
When the court is deciding about child custody, they will first look at the parenting plan that the parents have created. The parenting plan should be created with the child’s best interests in mind and should be created by both parents. The parenting plan should include a schedule of when the child will be with each parent and a plan for how the parents will make decisions about the child’s upbringing.
Equal Time-Sharing
It’s important to note that the state favors equal time-sharing between parents when possible. This means the child will spend approximately the same time with each parent.
The court will try to make a decision that is in the child’s best interests. They will look at things like the child’s age, relationship with each parent, and each parent’s work schedule to make their decision.
The court will also consider any history of domestic violence or abuse when deciding on child custody. If there is a history of abuse, the court will not award joint custody to the abusive parent.
The Bottom Line
Deciding who will have primary custody of a child or children following a divorce or other legal separation can be difficult, but the main goal is to ensure the child’s well-being. In Florida, new changes have been made to reach this goal better. If you are going through a divorce or child custody proceeding in Florida, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
If you need professional law advice and services, we are here to help you. Dorsey Law JAX is a law firm that specializes in family law, criminal law, and personal injury. We can help you get what you deserve. Feel free to contact us anytime.
September 9, 2022
Parents living more than 50 miles apart are considered to be sharing long-distance custody in Florida. It makes no difference whether the distance is within the state or if one parent lives out of state. Floridians must use the Long-Distance Parenting Plan to manage long-distance child custody.
Read on as we discuss more long-distance parenting plans and what you need to consider.
What Is a Long-Distance Parenting Plan?
A long-distance parenting plan is a detailed agreement between the parents outlining how they will continue co-parenting their children even though they live in different cities or states. Here, both parents agree on a schedule for when the child will be with each parent.
This is important because it provides stability and certainty for the child, who would otherwise have to adjust to a constantly changing schedule. This allows the child to maintain relationships with both parents.
Finally, a long-distance parenting plan can help reduce conflict between the parents. If the parents can agree on a schedule, they are less likely to argue about custody arrangements. This can provide some peace of mind for both parents and the child.
What Are the Things to Consider in a Long-Distance Parenting Plan?
1. Communication
As a long-distance parent, you must be proactive about communication. You can’t just rely on chance encounters or spontaneous phone calls. It is vital to set up a regular communication schedule. This will help ensure that both parents can stay up-to-date on what is going on in the child’s life. You should also decide which method of communication you will use.
It is also important to decide what information you will share. Will you share school grades? Medical information? Daily activities? You need to be sure that both parents are comfortable with the level of communication that will take place.
2. Decision Making
Decision-making can be difficult when you are a long-distance parent. You may not be there for every little decision your child makes, but you can still have a say in the big decisions. There are a few things that you can do to make sure that you are involved in the decision-making process.
A parenting plan will give you and the other parent an outline of what decisions need to be completed and who will be responsible for making them. If possible, try to agree on major decisions before they need to be made. This way, there will be no surprises, and everyone will know what is expected of them.
3. Scheduling and Holidays
Scheduling and holidays can be tough to navigate when you have a long-distance custody parenting plan. Here are some tips to make the process a little easier:
- Talk to your co-parent about your holiday plans well in advance. This will give you time to plan and ensure you’re on the same page.
- Be flexible with your schedule. You may not be able to celebrate every holiday together, but try to be flexible and work with your co-parent to devise a plan that works for both of you.
Conclusion
Long-distance child custody in Florida can be challenging to manage, but it is possible with proper planning and communication. If you are a parent facing this situation, contact an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
If you need a good family lawyer, contact Dorsey Law JAX. Top Jacksonville Attorneys specializing in family law, criminal law, and personal injury are available. Call us to schedule a consultation today!
