When you have questions regarding child relocation, child support, modification of timesharing agreement or father’s rights in DeLand, FL, an experienced child custody attorney is your best resource. The Law Office of Attorney Bradley S. Sherman has a proven track record of helping protect your rights while keeping the best interest of minor children at heart. Sherman Law serves clients throughout Flagler County, St. Johns County, Volusia County including Palm Coast, Bunnell, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Deltona, Orange City and neighboring cities.
According to Title VI, Chapter 61 of the Florida Statute, both parents are required to share in the financial, health and educational responsibility of raising their minor children. In Florida, the mother and father are considered co-parents. Also, Florida does not automatically grant child custody to one parent or the other. In fact, there is no such thing as sole custody. A parent is either a primary or secondary residential parent. Parents are required to submit a parenting plan and timesharing agreement to family court which outlines the visitation schedule for each parent.
Since Florida uses the “best interest of the child” standard, family courts don’t automatically grant child support to the primary residential parent. The court considers each parent’s shared financial responsibility taking into consideration income, support from a previous marriage, and amount of time spent with the minor child when determining child support payments.
When a parent wants to change the timesharing agreement such as due to a relocation or other circumstance, they must petition the court for a Modification of Timesharing Agreement. Parents must abide by the original agreement until the modified agreement is approved by Family Court.
The primary residential parent cannot relocate a minor child without court approval. When extenuating circumstances require child relocation such as a new job or to be closer to relatives, a child support attorney can help you petition the court with the best interest of the child in mind.
Unmarried fathers do not automatically have parental rights to their children in Florida. To establish father’s rights, you must petition the court to establish your parental right and be able to demonstrate an ability and willingness to do your part to raise the child.
For a free consultation with a practicing child custody attorney in DeLand, FL, call 386-453-0500 to schedule an appointment today!