Child custody has been at the heart of many disagreements between parents. It is only natural for both mothers and fathers to desperately want to raise their children and watch them grow. When parents do not live together, however, there are often heated debates about who gets to see the children, and when.

As far as Florida law is concerned, a new parenting plan statute took effect in our state as of October 1, 2008. Due to this statute, judges and attorneys have replaced words like “custody” and “visitation” with “parenting plan” and “time sharing.” The goal of these changes is to protect children from the negative language of divorce while keeping parents focused on meeting each child’s needs.

Whether you are the proud parent of three teenagers in Tampa, Florida or twin toddlers in Clearwater, children are at the center of every parent’s world. Each day, you look forward to caring for your children and enjoying the deep bond you share. If child custody has become an issue in your life, please contact a Tampa custody lawyer from Maney | Gordon, P.A. as soon as possible. We will make sure that your children’s wellbeing is at the forefront of child custody and other family law proceedings, and we will also strive to achieve child custody arrangements that meet your expectations.

In the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida, state law considers multiple factors when determining a parenting plan and time sharing (formerly known as child custody). A suitable parenting plan (or child custody) agreement often arises from the opinions of the parents, their Tampa child custody lawyers, and court members involved in the case. Some of the factors that may influence parenting plan and child custody proceedings in Florida include:

• Each parent’s capacity to encourage a close relationship between the child(ren) and both parents
• The disposition of both parents to honor the parenting plan and time sharing schedule
• The child’s home and educational history
• The mental, physical, and moral fitness of the parents
• The personal finances of each parent
• Minimizing the effects of divorce on the children
• Modifications to previous child custody arrangements
• The stability of each parent’s home life
• The possibility of joint custody or visitation rights
• The possibility of one parent moving far away from the other
• The importance of continuing the child’s current stable situation
• The existence of abuse or domestic violence in the home
• Existing emotional ties between the children and their parents

Intertwined with child custody issues is also the payment of child support to the custodial parent. This may result in a situation where the child or children will spend a majority of time with one parent while the other parent provides increased financial support. Other parents have found it more beneficial to share custody, which means each parent provides a stable home, food, clothes, education, transportation, and other needs for the children.

Child custody, parenting plan, and time sharing arrangements are as diverse as families are, which makes these cases challenging and complex for everyone involved. Please speak with a Tampa child custody lawyer from Maney | Gordon, P.A. about the issues surrounding your case. We will use our decades of experience and knowledge of Florida law to help you and your children achieve a happy, stable custody and parenting plan arrangement.