Tampa Child Custody Attorney
Flat Fee Divorce and Child Custody Arrangements
Your children are the most important members of your family and, when going through a divorce in Florida, it is extremely important that the parents continue to protect their best interests. At the offices of Givens Divorce Law Group, we have always been dedicated to upholding stability in a child's life and assisting parties in making the children's transition as smooth as possible from one household to two. One opportunity for parties to ensure a smooth transition for the children is by agreeing on timesharing and parental responsibility issues.
If the parties are able to agree on all issues regarding the minor children, then they have the opportunity to forgo the expense and stress of litigation and instead reach an uncontested parenting plan. As of October 1, 2008, a revised statute requires that a parenting plan be in place for all cases involving minor children. The parenting plan must state in detail how each of the parents will share the responsibilities of raising the child. As part of the uncontested flat fee service, the attorneys at the Givens Divorce Law Group will prepare a parenting plan for you which will incorporate the terms you have agreed. The parenting plan will be designed by the parties and will encompass what each parent will do regarding the following responsibilities:
- Daily tasks
- Healthcare
- School functions
- Extracurricular activities
- Communication with the child
Video Center:
Florida Child Custody
Child Custody Lawyer Serving St. Petersburg & Clearwater
Because the parenting plan is prepared by one of our Florida family law attorneys, the best interests of the child remain the top priority. By working with you, your flat fee attorney will help prepare your timesharing agreement to ensure all aspects of custody and parental responsibility are incorporated in the parenting plan, that all statutory requirements are met, and that the parenting plan is in compliance with the rules of the court.
Florida state laws require that child custody based on the child's best interests is determined taking many points into consideration, including:
- Length of time the child has lived in a stable environment, and the desire to maintain continuity
- Moral fitness, mental health and physical health of the parents
- The child's preference (if the court can see that the child can make an educated decision)
- Ability of each parent to maintain a stable routine for the child
- Any prior domestic violence situations or convictions on the part of either parent
- Ability of each parent to meet the child's developmental needs
There are many more facets of a child's life that the court will look at to determine custody if your case ends up going to trial. If you are able to agree on all issues regarding the minor children, however, the expense of and stress of litigation can be avoided and you are eligible for a flat fee uncontested divorce. We understand that your choice in a child custody attorney serving St. Petersburg is based on your need for a stable, knowledgeable and competent lawyer who can confidently handle such a delicate issue.
Every attorney at Givens Divorce Law Group is either board-certified in marital and family law or supervised by a board-certified lawyer. Additionally, our law firm is AV-rated, which is the highest Martindale-Hubbell rating achievable. We have the experience and skill that you can feel confident in and provide a cost effect basis for you to be able to afford.
Contact a Tampa child custody attorney at our firm to arrange a consultation regarding your divorce.