Custody Determination and Parenting Plans
Not too many years ago, courts in Florida and in most other jurisdictions favored the mother in custody proceedings. However, the modern trend is toward shared parenting. Actively involved fathers often get primary custody or, in the very least, 50-50 "rotating" custody.
The Law Office of Jeffrey A. Klein, in Daytona Beach, represents women or men vying for custody in court, or in the crafting of parenting plans when you agree on where the child will live. I am Jeffrey Klein, a divorce and family law attorney who has handled hundreds of child custody cases in Volusia County and Flagler County. Contact me today for a free consultation.
Contested Custody
If you go to court, a judge will decide who gets primary residential custody and award time sharing (visitation) to the other. The court considers at least 20 factors to determine the best interests of the child, including whether you are a "friendly parent" who encourages contact between the child and the other parent and refrains from bad-mouthing the other parent.
Custody litigation is long (6 to 12 months) and expensive. It takes its toll on the children and can adversely affect your future relationship with the other parent. From my years of experience in these proceedings, I can give you a good idea of how a judge would likely rule. If I think you would prevail, I encourage spending the money on an in-depth investigation to convince the court you are a better fit. If I believe you would not win custody, I will tell you so.
Parenting Agreements
In the long run, everyone will be happier if you and the other parent can work out custody and visitation on your own terms. I have helped clients negotiate a rotating custody plan (alternate weeks at each home) or other shared custody arrangements. If you are yielding primary custody to the other parent, I advocate for terms that give you regular access and keep you involved in decisions about your child's life.
The old model of "reasonable visitation" doesn't cut it anymore because it gives too much power to the custodial parent. The Florida Supreme Court has approved parenting plan forms, with specific guidelines for parenting schedules. I go beyond the standard forms to anticipate future disputes, such as holiday and vacation arrangements or geographic restrictions on how far away the primary parent can live.
I Handle all Child Custody Matters:
- Custody jurisdiction disputes
- Parent relocation
- Custody modifications
- Enforcement of visitation
- Grandparents' rights to assume custody when parents are absent or unfit
Daytona Beach Child Custody Lawyer
Call me at 866-819-6032 to discuss your situation with a lawyer who practices almost exclusively in family law. I offer a free initial consultation.
