About Us

Child Custody and Timesharing in Florida

When parents separate—whether through divorce or in non-marital cases—the question of how parental responsibilities and time with the child will be divided becomes one of the most critical and emotionally complex issues to resolve. In Florida, what was once referred to as “child custody”; is now legally known as “parental responsibility” and “timesharing.” These concepts are designed to reflect a more collaborative and child-centered approach under Chapter 61, Florida Statutes.

Parental responsibility refers to each parent’s role in making important decisions for the child—such as those involving education, medical care, religion, and general welfare. Florida courts typically favor shared parental responsibility, meaning both parents must confer and agree on major decisions unless the court determines that shared decision-making would be detrimental to the child.

Timesharing, on the other hand, defines the schedule for when the child will spend time with each parent. This includes weekday and weekend time, holidays, school breaks, and summer vacations. A Parenting Plan—a required part of every case involving children—outlines these arrangements in detail and must serve the best interests of the child above all else.

Factors that influence parenting decisions include:
• The child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, loving environment
• The mental and physical health of the parents
• Evidence of domestic violence or substance abuse
• The level of parental involvement historically
• The child’s reasonable preferences (depending on age and maturity)

Whether you are seeking to establish a Parenting Plan for the first time or modify an existing one due to changes in circumstances, we are here to guide you. At our firm, we prioritize your child’s well-being while aggressively advocating for your parental rights. With deep knowledge of Florida’s family law system, we provide strategic, compassionate, and personalized support every step of the way.

Equitable Distribution: Dividing Assets and Debts in Florida Divorce
In Florida, the division of marital property and debts is governed by the principle of equitable distribution—a process that aims to divide assets and liabilities fairly, though not always equally. Whether your divorce involves modest finances or complex high-value assets, how your property is divided can significantly affect your financial future.

Under §61.075, Florida Statutes, the court must first determine what constitutes marital
property versus non-marital property. Marital property generally includes all assets and debts
acquired during the marriage, such as:
• Real estate (including the marital home)
• Bank accounts and investment portfolios
• Retirement accounts and pensions
• Vehicles, valuables, and personal property
• Businesses or professional practices
• Credit card debt, loans, and mortgages

Non-marital property—such as assets acquired before the marriage or through inheritance—typically remains with the original owner, provided it wasn’t commingled with marital funds.

Once the marital estate is identified, the court will weigh several statutory factors to determine an equitable (fair) distribution, including:
• The duration of the marriage
• Each spouse’s economic circumstances
• Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and childcare
• The career or educational sacrifices made by either party
• Any intentional dissipation or waste of marital assets
• The desirability of retaining certain assets (e.g., keeping the marital home for the child’s
benefit)

At our firm, we understand that property division is about more than numbers—it’s about security, fairness, and your future stability. Whether you’re negotiating a settlement or litigating complex claims involving hidden assets, business valuations, or reimbursement credits, we provide the knowledge and strategy you need to protect what’s rightfully yours.

Let us help you navigate this process with clarity, confidence, and a commitment to preserving your financial foundation as you move forward.

What to Expect at Your Initial Consultation

Your first consultation with us is more than just a meet-and-greet—it’s the first step toward clarity, control, and confidence during what can be a difficult time. Whether you are considering divorce, exploring modification, or facing a custody dispute, we’re here to listen, evaluate, and provide real answers.

During your consultation, we will:
• Review your unique circumstances and goals
• Explain your legal rights and responsibilities
• Break down the divorce or family law process in plain language
• Address any time-sensitive issues, such as relocation, support, or child safety
• Outline potential strategies and options based on your situation
• Provide a fee estimate and discuss whether flat fee, hourly, or hybrid billing applies

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your options, your next steps, and how we can help protect your interests—without pressure or judgment.

Enforcement of Court Orders in Florida
Winning a court order is only half the battle—making sure it’s followed is equally important. If your ex-spouse or co-parent is refusing to comply with a final judgment or settlement agreement, you have the right to seek enforcement through the court system. Our firm aggressively pursues enforcement of timesharing, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution orders, using every legal tool available to protect your rights and restore accountability.

What Can Be Enforced?

We handle enforcement of orders related to:

• Child support (missed or underpaid obligations)
• Alimony (non-payment or late payment)
• Timesharing and Parenting Plans (denial of visits, withholding the child, violations of
schedule)
• Property division (failure to transfer assets, refinance a home, or pay ordered debts)
• Final judgments and settlement agreements

Whether the other party is ignoring court orders, being deceptive, or simply refusing to comply, we work quickly and strategically to protect your interests and hold them accountable.

Legal Remedies May Include:

• Contempt of court proceedings
• Wage garnishment or income withholding
• Driver’s license suspension
• Liens on property or bank accounts
• Attorney’s fees awarded against the noncompliant party
• Make-up timesharing or modified custody arrangements
• In extreme cases, jail time for willful non-compliance

We also understand that not all violations are intentional—so when appropriate, we take a solution-focused approach to bring parties back into compliance without escalating conflict unnecessarily.

When someone refuses to follow the law, we step in—with firm, fast, and effective advocacy. Don’t let another party’s disregard for a court order disrupt your life or your child’s well-being. Let us help you enforce your rights and restore stability.

Flat Fee Divorce for Uncontested Cases

If you and your spouse are in agreement on all major issues—such as timesharing (if applicable), child support, property division, and alimony—you may qualify for an uncontested divorce, which is often the most efficient and cost-effective way to dissolve a marriage.

We offer Flat Fee Divorce Packages for uncontested cases, giving you predictability, peace of mind, and legal support without hidden fees or drawn-out litigation.

What’s Included in the Flat Fee:
✔ Case strategy consultation
✔ Drafting and filing of all required court documents
✔ Preparation of the Marital Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan (if children are involved)
✔ Filing and e-filing fees guidance
✔ Coordination for electronic or in-person final judgment
✔ Optional notary and remote signing assistance

What’s Not Included:
✘ Negotiations between the parties (this is a true uncontested case)
✘ Court filing fees (typically paid directly to the Clerk of Court)
✘ Additional hearings if the case becomes contested

This option is ideal for clients who want a stress-free, streamlined path to final judgment—with the confidence of knowing a skilled attorney is ensuring all documents are legally sound and your rights are fully protected.

Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on moving forward.

Paternity Actions in Florida: Establishing Rights and Responsibilities

When a child is born outside of marriage, Florida law does not automatically grant the father legal rights, even if his name appears on the birth certificate. To establish and protect a father’s legal relationship with his child—or to pursue child support from an uninvolved parent—a paternity action may be necessary.

At our firm, we handle paternity cases with discretion, compassion, and strategic focus, helping parents secure legal clarity and protect their child’s best interests.

What Does a Paternity Case Do?

A paternity action filed under Chapter 742, Florida Statutes, allows the court to:
• Legally establish the identity of the child’s father
• Create a Parenting Plan that addresses timesharing and parental responsibility
• Order child support, health insurance, and childcare contributions
• Protect both parents’ rights to make decisions and maintain a meaningful relationship with the child

Establishing paternity benefits everyone involved—ensuring the child receives emotional and financial support, and giving both parents the right to participate in the child’s upbringing.

How Is Paternity Established?

•  If both parents agree, paternity can be established voluntarily by signing a legal
acknowledgment.
•  If there is a dispute, the court can order DNA testing and issue a final judgment based on
the results.
•  Once paternity is established, the court will treat the case just like a divorce involving
children, requiring a Parenting Plan and child support determination.

Whether you are a mother seeking support or a father seeking equal involvement in your child’s life, we are here to help you establish, protect, and exercise your parental rights—every step of the way.

Relocation with a Minor Child in Florida
Relocating with a child after separation or divorce is never just a move—it’s a legal matter with deep emotional and logistical consequences. In Florida, if a parent wishes to move more than 50 miles from their current residence for 60 consecutive days or more, they must either obtain the other parent’s written consent or file a Petition for Relocation pursuant to §61.13001, Florida Statutes.

Whether you are the parent seeking to relocate or the parent opposing the move, our firm provides strategic, compassionate, and child-focused representation to protect your parental rights.

Relocation Can Be Granted—But Only If It’s in the Child’s Best Interests

Florida courts do not grant relocation lightly. The burden of proof lies with the parent requesting the relocation, and the court must consider several statutory factors, including:
• The nature, quality, and involvement of each parent in the child’s life
• The impact of relocation on the child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent
• The child’s age, developmental stage, and needs
• Whether the move will enhance the relocating parent’s and child’s quality of life (e.g., job
opportunity, education, family support)
• The feasibility of preserving a meaningful relationship with the non-relocating parent
• The child’s preference (if of sufficient age and maturity)

We help parents prepare persuasive relocation petitions backed by clear evidence, detailed parenting plans, and realistic timesharing schedules. On the other hand, if you are defending against a relocation request, we work to show the court how a move may jeopardize the stability and continuity of your relationship with your child.

Whether you are moving for a new opportunity, concerned about your child being taken too far away, or trying to modify a prior court order, we are here to protect your parental bond and your child’s best interests with urgency, clarity, and strength.