Child Custody Issues

Polk County Florida Family Law Firm providing Child Custody Attorney – Lawyer Legal Services in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Polk County, and the surrounding Central Florida area.

What is a Child Custody?

While the term custody has been replaced under Florida law by the term “Parenting Plan” since it is still a common term used by those who may not be familiar with the change in terms, we have included this page using the term child custody and visitation.

When one parent has been granted primary custody of a minor child, the other parent will be granted visitation rights unless specific circumstances warrant a denial of visitation by the court. The court may also order a period of supervised visitation if circumstances dictate it is necessary for the best interest of a minor child.

When custody of a minor child had been determined, the visitation rights of the nonresidential parent will be determined, including the responsibilities, limitations, and the visitation schedule.

What does the Court Generally Considers in Child Custody Cases?

The primary concern for the court is what is in the best interest of a minor child (or children). When it comes to which parent a minor child will primarily reside, the court will often rule in favor for that which provides for minor children to continue to have an active relationship with both parents.

The are occasions when specific issues or allegations may play a roll in determining who the primary residential parent is, as well as visitation rights. These issues relating to a parent that an allegation or issue to be raised with the court in child custody hearings often include, but are not limited to:

• Drug or alcohol abuse;

• A parent living in an unsafe environment for children;

• Sexual Abuse;

• Physical or mental abuse;

• Child endangerment;

• Or certain forms of criminal behavior.

What is your Child Custody Attorney’s Role in your Case?

Your attorney will ensure your legal rights are protected and that your arguments are presented to the court in both child custody hearings, as well as visitation hearings. If there are allegations of misconduct that are raised by you or your spouse, your attorney will assist you in hearings regarding allegations that may affect the outcome of child custody and visitation hearings.

It is important to understand that if a claim of misconduct is made against a parent that is deemed by the court as being untrue, the claim of misconduct is often viewed a false allegation and could result in the court reacting in an unfavorable manner toward the parent who made the false claim of misconduct. It will often be considered an act of attempting to deceive the court in an effort to gain favor in legal proceedings, and to discredit the other parent.

For more information regarding child custody in the State of Florida, contact our office by calling 863.937.9100.

Each minor child custody attorney, lawyer, and staff member in our law firm are ready to assist you in even the most difficult of legal challenges you may be facing. We will aggressively represent your legal needs, interests, and goals regarding your child custody issues, as well as other divorce and family law related legal issues.

If you must address child custody issues in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Polk County, or the surrounding Central Florida area, speak to an experienced child custodyattorney – lawyer at Carroll Law Group, P.L. today by calling 863.937.9100.