Jacksonville Child Custody Attorney

Florida Child Visitation & Custody Lawyer

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 attorney Scott R. Ellerin has experience handling his 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, Mr. Ellerin 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. That is why it is vital to have experienced legal counsel to clearly present your Jacksonville child custody case.

Visitation Schedules in Jacksonville, Florida

Ideally, the child would be able to interact with both parents through a visitation schedule (also called “ time sharing”). In Florida, the public policy is to have the child spend as much time as possible with both parents. As with child custody, if the parents cannot agree on a visitation schedule, Mr. Ellerin will work with you to take on the problem aggressively and work to resolve it in court if needed.

If you need to work out a visitation schedule, or need modification to an existing time sharing plan, Jacksonville child custody attorney Scott R. Ellerin has the experience and knowledge to help resolve the matter in the best interests of you and your child.

Are you seeking to resolve a child custody or visitation issue? Contact Ellerin Hutchinson today!