Jacksonville Child Custody Attorney

Experienced Custody Lawyer in Florida

Determining the physical and legal custody of a minor child is one of the most potentially emotional issues a divorcing couple may face. Jacksonville divorce attorneys at Ellerin Hutchinson have experience handling their clients’ cases with an aggressive, yet compassionate, attitude and helping them deal with the myriad other factors that are an inherent part of a divorce case. If the parents cannot agree on the issue of custody, Ellerin Hutchinson is prepared to aggressively pursue the matter in court.

Custody vs. Parenting Plan – New Florida Laws

Per new legislation which becomes effective October 1, 2008, the term “child custody” is replaced with “parenting plan” and requires all divorcing couples with a minor child to establish an agreement that ensures the child continues to have frequent and continued contact with both parents once the dissolution of marriage is final. The idea is for both parents to stay involved in the raising of the child and share in the parenting responsibilities. Visitation is worked out through a time sharing, or shared parenting time, schedule.

When determining the physical custody of the child, it is important to consider the parents’ work schedules, school or daycare schedule, distance between the parents’ homes, the proposed visitation schedule, and most importantly the best interests of the child. The court will generally take the child’s best interests into account as the determining factor in child custody decisions, sometimes considering joint custody. That is why it is vital to have experienced legal counsel to clearly present your Jacksonville child custody case. For this reason, we highly encourage that you seek out the legal assistance of their firm as quickly as possible to learn more about how they can help to protect your rights.

Are you seeking to resolve a child custody or visitation issue? Contact a Jacksonville child custody lawyer from the firm today!