Archive: August 2022
August 29, 2022
In Florida, marital property is any asset acquired by either partner during the marriage. It includes both assets and debts. Generally, marital property is divided equally between the spouses in a divorce. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
In a divorce, the judge will look at all marital property and divide it equally between the two parties. However, there are some things that the court cannot divide, such as non-marital property.
In a high asset separation, spouses must determine what property is marital and what is separate. Florida law guides how to divide assets, but the court has the final say. According to the 61.075 statutes, the following are considered marital property.
Property Acquired during the Marriage
Assets acquired after the wedding day are considered marital property, regardless of who purchased them or whose name is on the title. It includes things like houses, cars, and investment income.
If an asset was bought during the marriage, it is most likely considered marital property. However, sometimes an investment is bought with money acquired before marriage, which is regarded as a separate asset.
Asset Appreciation and Enhancement
Suppose an asset that one spouse owned before the marriage increases in value during the marriage. The difference in value may be considered marital property. This appreciation can happen if the asset is improved with marital funds or through the efforts of either spouse.
If one spouse purchases a house before marriage, that spouse’s name appears on the mortgage and title of the house. The house is considered separate property belonging only to the purchasing spouse. If both spouses make improvements to the home during the marriage, the house’s increased value (the “enhancement”) would be considered marital property.
Spousal Gift
When one spouse gives a gift to the other, it is still considered a part of the marital property because the courts want to ensure an equal distribution of assets between both spouses. It can be seen as unfair to the spouse who received the gift, but it is done to ensure fairness overall.
The law prevents one spouse from receiving a significant asset, like a car, while the other spouse is left with nothing. The law still sees it as marital property if the vehicle is purchased with joint money or put in the wife’s name. The wife may be able to keep the car, but only if some other asset offsets the vehicle’s value.
Retirement Benefits
When a married couple saves for retirement, they usually do so, intending to continue to live together in retirement. However, if the couple gets divorced, any retirement savings are considered part of the marital property and will be divided between the two spouses. It is to ensure that both spouses have some retirement savings, even if only one of them contributed to the account.
Retirement benefits, rights, and funds that have not yet accrued value during the marriage are non-marital property. These items include 401(k) contributions that have not yet been vested or pensions that have not yet begun to pay out.
Conclusion
Marital property in Florida is any property acquired by either spouse during the marriage. It includes both real property (e.g., homes, land) and personal property (e.g., vehicles, furniture, jewelry). Florida is an equitable distribution state, which means that the court will divide marital property fairly and honestly, taking into account several factors such as each spouse’s contribution to the marriage and each spouse’s need for the property.
If you are in the process of separating, you might have questions about your assets. If so, kindly contact Dorsey Law JAX. We will help you through these difficult circumstances and ensure your rights are protected, so book a consultation now!
July 29, 2022
Child custody mediation is a process that allows divorcing parents to come to an agreement about custody and visitation outside of court. In mediation, both parents, their lawyers, and a neutral third party (the mediator) meet in an office setting. The mediator helps the parents communicate with each other and work towards a custody agreement that is in the best interests of the child. Mediation is often less expensive and less stressful than traditional custody litigation, which often pits one parent against the other.
The Benefits of Child Custody Mediation: What to Know
1 – Decreases Stress on the Children
No matter how amicable the divorce may be, it will still be a major change in the lives of your children. Mediation can help reduce the stress and anxiety that your children feel during the divorce process.
2 – Creates a More Amicable Relationship Between Parents
During mediation, you will have to communicate with your spouse about your children. This communication can help improve the relationship between you and your spouse. This can be beneficial for your children because it can make it easier for you to co-parent.
3 – Reduces the Cost of the Divorce
Mediation can save you money on the cost of your divorce. Mediation is typically less expensive than going to court. You will also save money on attorney’s fees.
4 – Allows You to Create a Parenting Plan That Works for Your Family
During mediation, you and your spouse will create a parenting plan. This parenting plan will be created specifically for your family. This is beneficial because you can create a plan that works for your family.
5 – Helps You to Communicate With Your Spouse
Mediation can help you to communicate with your spouse. This communication can be beneficial for you and your spouse. This communication can also be beneficial for your children.
6 – Saves Time
Mediation is a process that can help you resolve disputes without going to court. It can be faster and cheaper than going to court, and it can also help you preserve relationships. In mediation, a neutral third party called a mediator helps you and the other person or group involved in the dispute to communicate and try to reach an agreement.
7 – Helps You to Be in Control
Mediation can help you to be in control of your own divorce. You will be able to make your own decisions about your divorce. You will not have to rely on a judge to make these decisions for you.
8 – Encourages Positive Conversation
While you can create a parenting plan on your own, many couples find it helpful to work with a mediator. A mediator is a neutral third party who can help you and your spouse communicate and come to an agreement on the terms of your parenting plan.
Conclusion
Mediation is an alternative to a traditional divorce. It is a way for you to get divorced without going to court. Mediation is not right for everyone. You should talk to a lawyer to see if mediation is right for you.
Should you be in need of a good family lawyer, contact Dorsey Law JAX. We have top Jacksonville Attorneys specializing in family law, criminal law, and personal injury.
May 6, 2022
Divorce can be rather difficult to navigate. This is understandable as it can be a grueling process. Luckily, there are things you can do to make it more manageable. A good divorce attorney will have a detailed understanding of the law and an ability to provide legal representation for their clients. They will also be able to offer advice to people who are going through similar situations with previous clients. Now, if you still aren’t convinced of the benefits of working with a divorce attorney then we’ve got just the thing for you. Here are four notable advantages of working with an experienced divorce attorney.
They Are Experienced
Great lawyers have seen a lot of divorces, and they’ve learned how to handle them. They see the same issues that you do, but they also deal with other cases that you haven’t yet encountered. Is there a disagreement over child custody? Do you want the house, or
does your former partner want it? Maybe the two of you can’t agree on anything that comes up during the divorce proceedings. A great lawyer knows these situations and will find a way to help you both work things out.
They Can Make Everything More Manageable
Divorce is wrought with emotional turbulence. You’re likely to experience a variety of emotions throughout the divorce process, and your lawyer can help you work through them. For example, you may be upset about the custody arrangement your former partner proposed. If this upsets you, your divorce lawyer can help you draft a counterclaim to challenge their reasoning. With legal guidance and support, you’ll feel more confident in the divorce terms, and you’ll be able to handle the emotional aspects of divorce.
They Help Level the Playing Field
If your partner has a divorce attorney, it’s crucial that you work with one too. Without your own lawyer there to represent you and your interests, you may end up getting the short end of the stick. This could lead to you agreeing to something without knowing what it means as you may feel pressured to agree to things that you don’t want without understanding their consequences.
They Help Save You Time
The divorce process can be slow and drawn-out, taking months or even years to complete. However, hiring a divorce attorney can speed up the process significantly. By laying out the documents for your signature, scheduling sessions with your soon-to-be-ex, and keeping you apprised of the entire procedure, the divorce lawyer can shorten the amount of time that you have to spend on this matter. To add to this, getting through the process as quickly as possible will also end up saving you money in the long run.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you gain a better understanding of working with a divorce attorney. While divorce may seem difficult, having someone to help you through the process will be extremely helpful. Be sure to keep everything you’ve learned here in mind so that you can make the most informed decisions possible when it comes to working with a divorce attorney.
As you can see, attorneys are invaluable when you’re going through a divorce. If you need the advice and services of Jacksonville attorneys specializing in family law, contact Dorsey Law JAX.
March 27, 2022
In Florida, child support orders may start for children when they are fairly young, and continue for years after their birth. A person’s life may change dramatically over the years; they might get a different job, earn promotions or raises, make less money if life changes such as injuries or other ailments prevent them from being able to work. When these changes occur, the child support order may no longer reflect the current life circumstances of the parents. Now, it’s important to note that these can only be changed in court.
The amount of child support paid may be too high or too low, depending on the circumstances. The child support order may be changed in these instances. However, not every change in the circumstances will result in a change in the child support order. Changes must be substantial and permanent in order to change the order.
So when can child support orders be changed? If you want to learn more about this, then we’ve got just the thing for you. Here’s a brief breakdown of what you need to know when it comes to modifying child support orders.
What Are the Requirements for Child Support Modifications?
If a substantial change in the circumstances results in a change of at least 15% of the child support order if the modification is requested within three years after the original order was made, or 10% of the child support order if the modification is requested after three years, it can be said that there has been a substantial change in the circumstances.
A substantial change in custody is a large, permanent change to an arrangement. These large shifts in living situations must be changes that will last longer than six months. Permanent changes to living arrangements generally need to be involuntary changes that occurred because of something that was out of a parent’s control, like a business downturn, or a significant raise for the other parent.
How Do You Make Child Support Modifications Official?
Parents can reach their own agreements on child support, but anyone can ask the court to change the order. The person who wants to change the amount needs to file a petition with the court and have a hearing where they present evidence. If one parent doesn’t follow this process, then the court will enforce the original order.
Most states have procedures for modifying child support orders. For example, to change your child support agreement you may need to fill out the proper forms and submit them to the court. If a judge agrees that the modification of the agreement is appropriate, the court will usually approve it based on your application alone, without a court hearing.
When parents can’t agree on a child support modification, they’ll have to appear in court to argue their case. A judge will listen to their arguments and decide whether a change in child support will be granted. This means more time and money wasted on court fees and legal expenses.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you better understand the process of changing child support orders. While this process may seem daunting, it’s not something that you won’t be able to do as long as you’ve got good foundational knowledge on the subject. If you need more help with this, we suggest working with a legal professional.
We understand if this is a little too complicated to handle on your own. Luckily, there is something you can do to make handling this process infinitely easier. If you need the advice and services of Jacksonville attorneys specializing in family law, contact Dorsey Law JAX.
March 11, 2022
So, you’re about to get married, but you and your partner have decided to get into a prenuptial agreement. There is a certain stigma that swirls around this topic, so you may not be all too familiar with many of its aspects.
Of course, it’s still a perfectly valid agreement to get into before tying the knot. It’s simply in the best interests of you and your partner to figure out the purpose and details of your prenup and what it really entails.
What Is a Prenup?
A prenuptial agreement is basically a legally binding contract between you and your spouse-to-be. It’s mainly a long-term arrangement that outlines how your separate assets will be handled in case of a divorce or death.
Additionally, a prenuptial agreement can ensure that your spouse will not receive any inheritance from your parents or any members from your side of the family, should that be stipulated. So, there are a lot of legal aspects and implications to consider, but it can also be a nice gesture of openness and honesty between you and your partner.
Why You May Want a Prenup
A prenuptial agreement is something that you and your partner should approach with an open mind. It’s also not something you should just jump right into lightly. So, you should take some time to consider your reasons for pursuing it.
There are a few pretty common reasons to consider this route.
One significant reason is to protect the assets you already have. It’s simply good to be aware that the split will be fair and that it will be handled in a way that could benefit both you and your partner.
The other reason is to prevent future assets from entering the marriage. These assets could be inheritances or money that your parents leave you down the line. You might not want that money to go to your spouse or bring any conflict, so it’s a good idea to set some rules and boundaries surrounding these assets.
This agreement will also define the separation of assets from each individual before entering into a marriage. This way, you can more easily distribute funds and responsibilities from earnings in the marriage, separate from the assets you each already have personally.
How Long a Prenup Lasts
There are a few different ways to approach the length of your prenup.
One is to keep the agreement in place for the full duration of your marriage. In this sense, it acts more like a legal document that outlines the goals of your marriage and how everything will be handled.
Another option is to have it expire after a certain amount of time. In this case, you can say you want it to be in effect for a few years or until a certain age or event has been reached. In the end, it’s up to you and your partner to decide how long you want the agreement to last.
Conclusion
Getting married is an exciting and big step. However, you may be wondering whether you and your partner should get a prenuptial agreement in place. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your partner to decide if you want one. If you know the criteria and stipulations that come with it, you can make a more informed decision.
If you’re looking for the top Jacksonville attorneys specializing in family law, reach out to the Dorsey Law firm. With over 35 years of experience, we can provide you with help with your prenup and more. Contact us today at (904) 394-2865 for a consultation.
February 3, 2022
Custody battles happen all the time. Usually, they are between two parents wanting full custody, joint custody, or at least visitation rights to their child. But grandparents can fight for custody rights as well. If you’re a grandparent seeking custody or visitation rights to your grandchild, here’s what you need to know.
Child Custody in Florida
Under Florida’s “Best Interests of the Child” statute (Florida Statute 61.13), the court looks at the child’s best interest in all decisions involving custody. Whether or not it’s a parent or a grandparent, who gets custody depends on the circumstances of every case.
Who Is Entitled to Child Custody?
The court has the following options when awarding custody:
- The child has one parent. The court may award custody to the child’s parent.
- The child has two parents, but one parent has died or is not involved in the child’s life. The court may award custody to the child’s parent.
- The child has one parent and one grandparent. The court may award custody to the child’s parent or the grandparent.
- The child has two parents and no grandparents. The court may award custody to the child’s parents.
- The child has one parent and one grandparent, and one parent is deceased. The court may award custody to the grandparent or the parent who is alive.
- The child has two parents, but the children are in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF). The court may award custody to the child’s parents, or a relative or non-relative.
- The child is in the custody of DCF and has no parents, but has a grandparent. The court can award custody to the grandparent or a relative or nonrelative.
The court has other options not described above. For example, the court may award custody to a stepparent, a close relative, or a nonrelative.
When Is Grandparent Custody Granted?
Grandparent custody is relatively rare in Florida. This is because grandparents usually do not have a close relationship with the child. But a close relationship can be established, especially when a child is in need of stability. When the child’s parents are not able to provide stability, a court may award custody to a grandparent.
What Are a Grandparent’s Rights to Their Grandchild?
In Florida, grandparents have the following rights to their grandchildren:
Visitation: A grandparent can ask the court for visitation rights to their grandchildren. The court may award visitation for any reason. In other words, the court does not have to believe the grandparent’s allegations that the parent is unfit. But if the court finds the allegations of unfitness true, the court may limit the visitation of the unfaithful parent.
Child Support: A grandparent can ask the court to order the parent to make periodic child support payments to the grandparent.
Custody: A grandparent can ask the court to order the parent to turn over the care, custody, and control of a child to the grandparent.
Final Thoughts
In Florida, grandparent custody is not common. But it does happen in some situations. If you’re a grandparent seeking custody, you should talk to a Florida family law attorney. Misunderstandings and arguments can easily occur. You want to be sure you make your case effectively.
Enforce your grandparents’ rights with the help of Dorsey Law JAX. The Dorsey Firm has been representing clients in grandparents’ rights cases for over 35 years and is committed to providing competent and aggressive representation for our clients. Get in touch with us today!
September 23, 2021
There have been numerous studies on why married people get divorced. Most causes are intertwined and linked together. Money, infidelity, and substance abuse are common reasons for a divorce. However, a new study suggests that social media plays a massive role in the end of many marital relations.
A study published in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that people who use Facebook are more likely to encounter Facebook-related conflicts with their romantic partners. The conflict then leads to a possibility of a breakup or a divorce.
Researchers backed the claim by surveying 205 Facebook users aged 18 to 82. 79 percent of the respondents reported being in a romantic relationship. But why is Facebook, a seemingly harmless social media platform, a reason for divorce?
1. Commitment Issues
85 percent of people state lack of commitment as their primary reason for a divorce. However, it is a reason that is challenging to prove. The outward signs point to extramarital affairs, such as not being communicative or not working towards a shared financial goal. Therefore, people might state lack of commitment as the primary issue as it is an underlying cause of more obvious problems.
2. Growing Apart
Next to lack of commitment, people who divorced stated that “we grew apart” or “we drifted apart” as the primary reason for their decision. The concept of incompatibility could conclude other reasons that may come up, such as lack of shared values, marrying too young, sexual difficulties, and religious differences. Although many couples can work through their differences, some differences might not be reconcilable.
3. Extramarital Affairs
Surprisingly, infidelity or adultery is not the top reason for divorce. Although it’s an answer that always came up during surveys, it’s not as often as lack of commitment or growing apart. More often than not, extramarital affairs happen because there were already problems in the marriage. It could be an unconscious way of provoking the other spouse to call an end to the union.
4. Financial Incompatibility
In several studies, 40 percent of people stated financial problems—complaints about how their ex-spouse handled money—were primary reasons they divorced. Any serious excuse to fight over money can be referred to as “financial incompatibility.” Most studies show that financial incompatibility is a primary reason for divorce among couples with lower incomes. When there is less to go around, there are more fights on how people handle money.
5. Facebook
Russell B. Clayton, the researcher, hypothesized that more frequent social media use and monitoring of one’s partner could lead to misunderstandings and feelings of jealousy. The study has proved that hypothesis by noting a strong correlation between Facebook use and relationship stability.
The correlation is a result of jealousy and arguments about past partners related to social media snooping. Although social media aims to connect people wherever they may be, reconnecting with past lovers may lead to emotional and physical cheating.
Conclusion
We’ve seen the usual reasons why married couples file for divorce. However, as social media grows as part of our culture, it might soon be part of why people choose to end their marriage. But if you want to save the relationship from failing, it’s best to communicate with your partners and set boundaries of what they can control on your social media accounts. After all, being in a relationship is all about trust and commitment to the person you are with.
Dorsey Law Firm brings over 35 years of experience in handling cases in Jacksonville. We are committed to achieving the absolute best outcome while providing expert representation and keeping our clients involved at all times. If you need an experienced Jacksonville trial lawyer, come to us, and we’ll help you out.
August 19, 2021
For a parent in Florida seeking a divorce, there are many key processes one must go through to ensure the smoothest transition possible. The parent’s priority is staying in touch with your children and always maintaining your presence in their lives with available means.
Florida has a more liberal approach for those looking to legally separate from their spouses. Thanks to advances in the state’s legislation and guidelines for family law, it’s much easier for parents to protect their children and their parental interests.
As you secure parental rights over your children and protect them and your rights, you will run into various legal terminologies that you need to be especially aware of when seeking legal protections:
- Parenting Plan;
- Timesharing Schedule; and
- Shared Parental Responsibility.
These terms are often mentioned and grouped together in existing reference materials, so you might be wondering what sets them apart from one another. They sound vaguely similar, but they are all different concepts that the state’s laws recognize as individual forms of custodial protections.
To help you tell the difference between these three key terms, Dorsey Law JAX’s professionals have put this guide together on everything you need to know for telling them apart (and later on using them to your advantage):
Parenting Plan
Every final judgment of divorce and paternity that involves children must include a parenting plan. The parenting plan establishes which parent is responsible for certain activities or rights of their children until they are of legal age. Additionally, this concept outlines whether parents can maintain equal or unequal parenting over their children, follow a staggered approach, or have one partner handle all needs and obligations.
Time Sharing
In the context of Florida law, time sharing refers to the plan that parents develop with one another regarding how much time their kids should spend with each of them. Time sharing is a particularly important concept because the courts seek to maintain and enforce the ability of both parents to maintain continuing relationships with their children.
Shared Parental Responsibility
In legal terms, parental responsibility dictates how important decisions will be made on behalf of children. This particular concept refers to choices encompassing a dependent’s educational, medical, and religious needs.
Florida courts most often order shared parental responsibility to both parents for the child’s best interests. But if one parent is unfit to provide for the child’s best interests and welfare due to detrimental circumstances (drug or alcohol addiction, domestic violence, among others), sole parental responsibility may be imposed depending on the circumstances.
To best understand what you can attain through these legal concepts, you must consult with a legal expert like Dorsey Law JAX to map out your options!
Conclusion
As a parent looking to secure the role you have in your child’s life, you must become familiar with the concepts of shared parental responsibility, parenting plan and time sharing in Florida. Once you are more familiar with these law concepts and understand what they entail, you can easily circumvent any problems that may come about during your divorce.
When going through legal disputes, it’s essential to have a respected lawyer stand by your side and give you the best legal advice possible. Finding an experienced and knowledgeable trial attorney will mean that all of your needs are met. Contact our experts at Dorsey Law JAX today!
July 15, 2021
Out of all the states in America with their respective legal intricacies and unique law-based mechanisms, Florida has a unique approach to family law matters.
In legal situations wherein families or spouses dispute over the long-term care of shared children, The Sunshine State’s courts have specific regulations to establish desired outcomes. For the most part, judges prefer to have disputing parties reach their own agreements about how divorce and custodial matters will be structured. These regulations cover the following:
- Sharing time with children
- Dividing property
- Raising children
- Establishing child support payment schedules and amounts
The methods that Florida’s judges uphold can be difficult to follow. Some recommended measures can be very costly, too. However, reaching an agreement with your spouse or ex-spouse over custodial matters doesn’t necessarily mean subjecting yourself to an arduous trial process. This is where family law mediation can help.
Defining Family Law Mediation
In recent years, the process in question has helped remedy the most complex cases in an effective manner. Through mediation, one party can come to an agreement with another. It is a solution that can resolve issues relating to all aspects of family law in a controlled and organized manner.
Generally, mediation is carried out by a certified mediator who manages discussions and helps find a resolution in a controlled manner. Often, meditation is critical to disputes because it provides solutions for separation or divorce-related matters and remedying custodial issues.
Not too many people know about family law mediation, and we are here to impart everything you need to know about this important process. Whether you’re finding a solution for parenting, support, or property division issues, scheduling mediation will allow you to iron out matters smoothly before further complications arise.
Why Mediation is So Effective
You may be wondering what makes family mediation with a professional like Dorsey Law JAX a more desirable method for resolving your custodial concerns. Let’s look at the various advantages that are well worth taking into consideration:
Advantage #1: You Can Solve Matters Privately
With family law mediation, you won’t have to worry about having your sensitive family issues be subject to the discussion of unwelcome ears and mouths. It is a private process held behind closed doors. Your situation is one that delves into matters you wouldn’t tell a stranger about, so privacy is a tremendous advantage offered by mediation.
Advantage #2: You Won’t Have to Go through Litigation
The process of settling family disputes or matters in court can be a complicated matter. Going through a trial can further sour relationships, leading to severe or unjust decisions. Through family law mediation, you can reach a plausible solution without the need for court dates or litigation fees. Experienced mediators will establish and force a civilized discussion for amicable settlements.
Advantage #3: You Can Reduce Legal Costs
Settling custodial disputes in court means spending a lot of money on lawyer’s fees, consultations, and arraignments. Fortunately, you won’t have to go through great, costly lengths to solve your issues because a mediator will help you establish more productive solutions at a fraction of the expected cost!
Conclusion
As troublesome or complicated as it may be to settle family matters and custody disputes in the court of law, things will not be so difficult if you opt for family law mediation. Through this process, you’ll be able to handle complex matters in a more cost-effective, private, and efficient manner.
When going through legal disputes, it’s essential to have a respected lawyer stand by your side and give you the best legal advice possible. Finding an experienced and knowledgeable trial attorney will mean that all of your needs are met. Contact our experts at Dorsey Law JAX today!
May 27, 2021
The dissolution of a marriage is never easy, but it’s even more difficult when you have children together. The other person will always be in your life as your co-parent, which means that you relationship with each other must evolve accordingly to continue supporting your child. Instead of being romantic partners or spouses, you are now partners in raising your children to the best of your abilities. Part of this task is to make sure your children enjoy a healthy relationship with each parent.
Suppose the end of your romantic relationship was heated and bitter. In that case, you may be wondering if it’s worth investing in your children’s future relationship with your former spouse and ensuring they get the support they need. Due to the nature of your relationship with your former spouse, you may believe that person does not deserve to spend time with your children or that person cannot care for your children as well as you can. Here’s what you need to know:
Why You Should Involve The Other Parent in Your Child’s Life
Every child deserves to have two loving parents who can give them the care they need to thrive and grow into themselves. Strong parent-child relationships are essential to your children’s health, as they’ll learn what healthy, secure attachments look like, teaching them how to form them with other people in their lives. They will also learn how to regulate their emotions properly, manage stress, and grow to be self-sufficient and independent.
Florida especially understands the importance of keeping both parents in children’s lives as much as possible, which is why it is important to support your children’s relationship with their other parent. It is in the child’s best interest, which the court considers when determining time-sharing and parental responsibility. The court will also account for each parent’s willingness to support these ties when establishing a parenting plan.
How to Support A Relationship Between Your Child and Co-Parent
According to the Florida Statutes, each parent must demonstrate a capacity to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the parent and child. Each parent must also honor the time-sharing schedule and be agreeable to reasonable changes when they are necessary.
It’s important to note that facilitating a good relationship between your children and the other parent doesn’t mean that you’ll give the other parent free rein over your children, allowing them unlimited time and parenting without limits. It means that you must be willing to follow the time-sharing schedule dictated by the court to allow equal time for your children to develop a strong relationship with each parent.
However, while respecting the schedule is crucial, you must also be flexible when the situation arises. For example, when the other parent suddenly needs to attend to a work emergency on the night they were supposed to spend with the children, it would be reasonable to agree to swap nights. On the other hand, if you believe that the other parent is taking advantage of your agreeableness, you will need to document these instances and bring them with you to court.
If you believe that your children are in genuine danger when they are with their other parent, such as being exposed to alcohol or drug abuse, it’s essential to notify the court of this. While children must still have the opportunity to get to be with their other parent, they must be exposed to a harmful environment or neglect.
Conclusion
Facilitating a close, healthy parent-child relationship is crucial to your children’s developmental growth and success as a mature adult. By following our guide, you will ensure that your children can get to know their other parent in healthy circumstances and understand that you and your partner still love them even though you are no longer together.
The Dorsey Law Firm of Jacksonville is home to lawyers with an extensive background in family law, criminal law, and serious personal injury. We take pride in aggressively representing our clients in all family law matters, whether emergencies, injunctions against domestic violence, or the dissolution of a marriage. Contact us today to speak with an attorney!
