Anytime a couple decides to separate or divorce and children are involved, the parents will have to create what is called a "parenting plan".  Essentially, a parenting plan is an agreement between both parents that, in the event that a conflict regarding child custody or visitation, presents solutions.  By creating parenting plans, mothers and fathers are often able to avoid future arguments as the terms of visitation and child custody are clearly outlined.

Parenting plans usually address things such as:

§  physical custody and parenting time

§  who has decision making authority

§  how children will be transported and exchanged between parents

§  who will have the children during holidays and school breaks

§  payment of child support

§  how disputes will be resolved

§  healthcare for children

§  overnight visitation and general visitation

§  how decisions will be made about the children

§  how conflicts will be resolved

§  insurance for children

§  taxes and wills

Are you looking for assistance with modification of a parenting plan in Florida?  A Jacksonville family lawyer from Ellerin & Hutchinson can help you.  Contact us now!

Once a person has been convicted of domestic violence or abuse, it is usually very difficult to get custody or visitation rights—difficult, but not impossible. The key to winning back your rights is by establishing that spending time with you is in the child’s best interest.

As with any issue involving children, the judge’s main concern is protecting the child’s best interests. Right now the judge considers you a threat to the child’s welfare and wellbeing. But if you can prove that you’ve changed and that it would benefit your child to see and spend time with you, may be able to convince the judge to award you limited custody and visitation rights. This might include short visits with your children in public places or supervised visitation.

A history of violence or abuse is something judges look for whenever they are considering a child custody and visitation arrangement. Those parents without a history of violent behavior will be given more rights to their children than those who have a history of abuse. That’s not to say a domestic violence arrest will squash a parent’s chances of obtaining custody or visitation, it’s just that the judge may choose to only grant limited access to the children.

If your child’s other parent has been awarded custody or visitation, and you think his or her abusive behavior makes them a threat to the child, you can ask the judge to reduce their rights or order supervised visits only. Judges are often willing to award supervised visitation, as children benefit from having relationships with both parents. There are times, however, when the abuse is so bad the child must have no contact with the parent.

If you have a question about your custody or visitation rights, or if you are trying to protect your child from an abusive parent, a Jacksonville family law attorney at Ellerin Hutchinson can help. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case, click here to fill out a case evaluation form or simply call the office at (904) 866-4489.

At one point, not very long ago, mothers were so obviously favored in matters involving child custody, child support, and alimony.  Today, judges recognize the vital role a father plays in his children’s lives, and now treat them equally when making decisions in regards to custody and support. Well, most of the time.  Unfortunately, even in these modern times fathers’ rights are still being overlooked or ignored for one reason or another. 

If you are a father who is going through a divorce or separation, or if you are fighting for custody or visitation rights, you should take a moment to contact attorney Scott Ellerin. As an experienced Jacksonville fathers’ rights lawyer, Mr. Ellerin has witnessed many men treated unfairly in the family court system, and is committed to helping his clients avoid this mistreatment.  Mr. Ellerin believes in the value a strong relationship between a man and his children, and can ensure your parental rights are not undermined by your ex-wife or girlfriend in any way.

Do You Feel Your Rights as a Father Are Being Ignored?

If you feel you are being treated unfairly in court, or if you feel your ex wife or girlfriend is trying to sabotage your custody or visitation rights, there are things that can be done to put an end to this.  When it comes down to it, the judge will base his or her decision on what is in the best interest of the child. An attorney can gather the evidence and testimony from social workers and child psychologists that will convince the judge that you deserve to have custody or visitation rights to your children.  An attorney can also help if your ex-wife or girlfriend is asking for an unreasonable amount of child support.  There is a fine line between providing enough money to ensure your child has the financial resources he or she needs, and being taken to the cleaner.  Mr. Ellerin can protect your best interest during child support hearings, and help you reach an arrangement that is fair to both you and your children.

Do not allow your rights to be ignored or overlooked in anyway.  Jacksonville father’s rights attorney Scott Ellerin can advocate your parental rights and ensure your case is resolve in a way that preserves the relationship you cherish with your kids.

Contact the Law Offices of Scott Ellerin today!