Child Custody And Child Support

The outcome of a divorce shapes many factors surrounding a child’s life, and it is our role as parents to pursue the outcome they deserve. Some of the most contentious areas of divorce include child custody and support. Whether you want to work together with your spouse to resolve and finalize your divorce or you need to fight for your children’s needs in court, a skilled lawyer can help you pursue the outcome your family deserves.

At Grossman Family Law Firm LLC, attorney Tamara Grossman has been representing clients throughout Florida for years, and she is ready to offer her services to you. She knows how delicate these cases are and strives to resolve them as promptly as possible.

How Is Child Custody Calculated In Florida?

Florida family courts make child custody decisions based on the best interests of the child. They consider various factors, including:

  • Child’s age and health
  • Child’s emotional ties with each parent
  • Each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment

The process involves creating a parenting plan that outlines how parents will share responsibilities and decision-making for the child. This plan must include details, such as the time-sharing schedule and which parent will handle medical, school-related and extracurricular activities.

Courts also evaluate each parent’s willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent, ensuring a cooperative co-parenting environment. These guidelines help ensure that courts handle child custody matters fairly and in the best interests of the child.

How Is Custody Determined When Florida Parents Are Not Married?

When parents are not married, child custody arrangements generally default to equal time sharing as long as paternity has been established. The 2023 law, “Shared Parental Responsibility After Establishment of Paternity,” has significantly impacted this process.

This new law allows either parent to request determinations regarding parental responsibility and the creation of a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule. It specifies that both the mother and the established father are natural guardians of the child and share equal rights and responsibilities.

This change gives unwed fathers the same parental rights as mothers, provided paternity is established.

How Can Parents Pay Their Child Support Obligations In Florida?

Making child support payments is relatively straightforward through the Florida State Disbursement Unit. Parents can make these payments online via the Florida Child Support ePay website, where you can pay with electronic checks, debit or credit cards.

Additionally, payments can be made in person at Walmart Money Centers or by mail through the postal system. Florida strives to ensure payments are processed efficiently and accurately, but it is wise to calculate your support obligations periodically to ensure you are not underpaying or overpaying.

Getting The Support You Need

Attorney Grossman has a deep understanding of Florida’s child custody and visitation laws. She takes the time to review the details of your family law case to present the factors judges consider, including:

  • The relationship the children have with their parents
  • The special needs of the children
  • Any dangers a parent may present to their children
  • What kind of living space each parent offers
  • The children’s preferences
  • The medical conditions of everyone involved

In addition to gathering the information you need to bolster your case, Tamara can also assist with negotiating a comprehensive settlement agreement in these cases.

When negotiation or mediation cannot provide the outcome your family needs, she is prepared to advocate for you before a judge.

Exploring All Options To Help Your Family

When you and your family are going through a divorce, you do not have to go through it alone. If you are already in the middle of a divorce or think you will be soon, now is the best possible time to reach out to an attorney.

Call 954-852-7342 or set up your appointment online to schedule your initial consultation today.