Excellence In Divorce And Tax-Related Matters

Helping You Find The Best Child Custody Solution For Your Family

If you are going through a divorce and have children, their happiness and well-being are at the forefront of your mind. You may worry about how they will adjust to spending time in two different households or if they will have to move and change school districts.

Developing a child custody agreement between you and your spouse in Florida can be stressful for everyone in your family. When child support and time-sharing schedules are involved, it can be even more complicated. With over 30 years of experience practicing family law in Miami, I know how to approach a case with your child’s best interests in mind, and I understand the importance of maintaining the parent-child relationship. At my firm, George Lambeth Metcalfe, P.A., I will work with you to develop a practical solution.

Creatively Solving Child Custody Disputes

In Florida, courts always consider the child’s best interests as the most important factor in making timesharing and parenting plan decisions. The concept of child custody is not used in Florida divorce cases anymore. Instead, parenting plans and timesharing are the preferred terms used.

Florida courts will consider various factors when making child custody decisions, including:

  • The children’s age
  • The relationship between each parent and child before the divorce
  • The arrangement that will be the least disruptive to the child’s life
  • Ability to support the child’s mental, physical and emotional health
  • The child’s preference, if applicable

Ideally, both parents will be involved in making important decisions for their child, including education, medical and religious choices. However, it is possible to come to an agreement with your spouse without involving a judge. Parenting plans are developed for parents to create a detailed plan that benefits both parents and the child without court intervention.

Parenting plans may include an agreement on when each parent will have the children for birthdays and holidays, pick up and drop off arrangements, and payment of extracurricular activities. I can help you negotiate with your spouse and develop a parenting plan without going to court. As an experienced divorce attorney, I will also provide guidance on any tax implications that your child custody arrangement may have.

Positive Parenting Agreements Are Possible

I look at the complete picture involving child custody and creatively and effectively find solutions for positive time-sharing and parenting agreements. With offices in Miami, Vero Beach and Fort Pierce, my family law firm is conveniently located to assist my clients. Contact me at 786-837-0289 or via my online form to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.