Category Archives: Child Custody
What is Parental Alienation and How Can It Impact My Child Custody Case?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent attempts to turn the child against the other parent without good reason. It’s important to understand that parental alienation is an intentional act aimed at undermining or damaging the child’s relationship with the parent. Florida is very egalitarian when it comes to child custody matters. Not only does… Read More »
50/50 Options for Co-Parenting Schedules
Recent changes to Florida law have made it easier for fathers to get shared custody and 50/50 time-sharing schedules with their children. In fact, there is a presumption under the law that shared custody and 50/50 timesharing is in the best interests of the children. When the court makes child custody decisions, it does… Read More »
Understanding the Different Types of Custody in Florida
Child custody matters are some of the most contentious issues brought up during divorce in Florida. Understanding the different types of child custody and how they function is important for preparing yourself for your divorce case. In this article, the Tampa, FL child custody attorneys at Westchase Law, P.A. will discuss the different types… Read More »
Making Decisions Together: Shared Legal Custody in Florida
If you have joint legal custody of your child, you may be wondering whether or not you have the legal authority to make decisions on your own. It’s important to understand that the Florida courts will award joint custody in the majority of situations. Under the law, there is a rebuttable presumption that joint… Read More »
Understanding the New 50/50 Timesharing Presumption for Child Custody in Florida
One of the things that every divorcing couple has to decide on is a visitation schedule. However, before that, you have to decide how much time each child will spend with each parent. The Florida courts often act on presumptions that represent the default scenario that the court favors. When someone says, “The Florida… Read More »
Contested Florida Custody Case Addresses Fees for Guardian Ad Litem
In contested Florida custody cases, especially those involving allegations of domestic violence, the court will often see fit to appoint a guardian ad litem to the case. The guardian ad litem is an investigator who acts on behalf of the court to determine what is in the child’s best interests. However, these fine folks… Read More »
Can Medical Marijuana Use Be Used Against Me When Determining Child Custody?
Many states have recently passed laws that make recreational marijuana use legal and allow the open sale of marijuana through legitimate dispensaries. Florida is not among those states. Marijuana is only legal with a valid prescription. Further, marijuana is still considered a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, a piece of federal… Read More »
Florida Courts Prefer Equal Timesharing Arrangements
Florida Statute §61.13 discusses timesharing arrangements for divorced parents with minor children. Every parent who is going through a divorce should understand the provisions set forth under this statute. Section 61.13 plays a crucial role in determining time-sharing relationships for minor children. In this article, the Tampa, FL child custody attorneys at Westchase Law,… Read More »
Allegations of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in a Florida Custody Case
Under recent changes to Florida’s rules, parents are allotted 50/50 timesharing as the default arrangement ordered by the courts. However, the Florida courts also use a “best interests of the child” standard to deviate from the default presumption when it is appropriate. If one parent is determined to be unfit, they may have limited… Read More »
Child Custody Disputes and Your Tampa Divorce
It sometimes happens that one spouse in a divorce makes allegations against the other spouse related to their conduct toward the children. It also happens that one spouse uses custody as a means of hurting the other parent. In these cases, you want to be very careful about how you proceed. The court will… Read More »