Child Custody Attorneys in Gainesville

Helping You with All Your Custody & Parenting Plan Needs

Under Florida law, any custody arrangement must serve the best interests of the children above all else. Florida has moved away from traditional child custody and visitation proceedings to a more comprehensive parenting plan model that includes provisions for parental responsibility, time-sharing, and support.

These cases can be quite complex and it is important that you have a qualified Gainesville child custody attorney with time-sharing and parenting plan experience. At Dunham & Ingram, we represent clients in all aspects of these cases. Backed by decades of experience, we have been successful in helping divorcing couples work through their differences and develop plans that fully accommodate their children’s needs.

Providing Comprehensive Family Law Services

Every child custody situation is unique. Both parents want what is best for their children, but they often have different views on the matter. As your lawyers, we will do everything we can to secure a parenting plan that provides you with the involvement in your children's lives that you want. At every step, we will work to protect your parental rights as well as your children's best interests.

Most Florida parenting plans address the following issues:

• Parental responsibility - The parental responsibility portion of the plan clearly defines each parent's ability to make decisions on behalf of the children and how the parents will work together to make important decisions regarding the children's upbringing, including religious affiliation, schooling, extracurricular activities, major medical care decisions, and other issues.
• Time-sharing - Time-sharing is used to define which parent will care for the children on which days. There are a number of considerations that can be addressed in regards to time sharing, including holiday visits, summer vacations, birthdays, and other special occasions.
• Support - While Florida law utilizes statutory guidelines to determine child support obligations, parents can include provisions in the parenting plan to address issues like daycare costs, accommodations for special needs children, extracurricular activities, medical care, and other expenses.

It is important that parents work together to develop their parenting plans whenever possible. When they are able to reach agreement on all of the issues, the court is likely to approve it. If parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will make the decision for them. By working together and resolving their differences early in the process, parents are able to maintain control of the outcome. We will be there to help you through the entire process.

Modifications

In some cases, some portions of the parenting plan may need to be modified. Relocation, changes in work schedules, and other issues can contribute to a need for modification. If you are unable to fulfill your obligations under the original parenting plan, we can help you take the necessary steps to seek a modification.

Call (352) 415-2896 for a Free Consultation

With decades of legal experience under our belts, our family law attorneys in Gainesville have a comprehensive understanding of Florida child custody laws. We will protect your rights, fight for your best interests, and help you make well-informed decisions regarding your future. Call us today to set up your complimentary case evaluation.