Child Custody Lawyer in Sarasota, FL
Protect Your Parental Rights & Your Child’s Best Interests
Reaching a custody or child support arrangement for your children can be an emotional and challenging task. Raising children is stressful enough without also trying to manage the complex details of a legal dispute. Working with a compassionate child custody attorney can relieve stress and is your strongest asset in pursuit of the best outcome available.
At Schipani, Norman & McLain, P.A., we can work with you and your co-parent to reach custody and child support arrangements that fit the best interests of your child. At the same time, we will advocate for your parental rights, striving to achieve the solution that you desire. If private negotiations fail or are not possible, our experienced trial attorneys will proceed to court on your behalf. Our firm has focused all of its practice on divorce and family law for well over a decade, and you will have access to the superior knowledge and training of one of the state's few attorneys Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by the Florida Bar.
Need legal representation in a child custody matter? Reach out to a child custody lawyer in Sarasota at (941) 499-8154 for capable and compassionate advocacy.
Custody & Support in Florida
At our firm, we assist parents and other family members with all aspects of custody, including:
- Jurisdictional custody
- Out-of-state relocations
- Post-decree modifications
- Extended family custody
- Parental abductions
- The Hague Convention and international abduction
Parents involved in custody disputes in Florida should familiarize themselves with the state’s specific custody laws, which prioritize the best interests of the child. Florida law encourages a supportive and stable family dynamic, ensuring both parents remain actively involved in the child’s life whenever possible. Our firm is well-versed in helping clients understand these laws and navigate their implications with the guidance of a dedicated child custody lawyer in Sarasota.
Child Abduction
The prospect of losing a child strikes fear in any parent’s heart. If your child was abducted by the other parent and relocated within the United States or somewhere abroad, you must act swiftly to locate the child and bring them back.
Our legal team has reunited multiple families whose children were wrongfully abducted. We know the requirements of the Hague Convention, which mandates the repatriation of children wrongfully taken from their nations of origin. We know how to apply this law to your situation to establish that an abduction took place and help you regain your child with the support of our skilled custody lawyer.
In cases of child abduction, time is of the essence. Taking immediate legal action can often be the difference between a prolonged separation and a swift reunification. Our attorneys act quickly and efficiently, leveraging international treaties and local laws to secure the child’s return. Communicating proactively with relevant legal and governmental entities is crucial in these cases, and we excel in handling these dynamic situations with the expertise of our experienced custody attorney in Sarasota.
Child Custody Issues in a Same-Sex Divorce
With the recognition of same-sex marriages comes the reality that not all marriages last. Same-sex couples who divorce have the same rights and protections in Florida courts as partners of different sexes. However, when children are involved in a same-sex divorce, determining who has legal and physical custody, and whether the other partner has visitation rights, can be complex.
Your rights will depend on when and how the child joined your family, which could be through:
- A prior heterosexual relationship
- Assisted reproduction
- Adoption
If the child was born or adopted before the marriage, only one partner may be the legal parent. In that case, the other partner may not have custody or visitation rights. However, if the other partner adopted the child during the marriage, they may have a right to a continuing relationship with the child after a separation or divorce.
Same-sex parents may face additional legal challenges, such as proving active parental involvement or establishing legal parentage in the absence of biological ties. Our firm is adept at addressing these unique scenarios and strives to ensure every parent’s relationship with their child is recognized and preserved. We work diligently to ensure that your family's unique structure is represented and respected in court, guiding you with the help of a competent child custody attorney near me.
Understanding Child Support Guidelines with a Sarasota Child Support Lawyer
Child support calculations in Sarasota adhere to specific state guidelines as outlined in the Florida Statutes. These guidelines aim to ensure that both parents contribute fairly to the financial needs of their children, accounting for factors such as each parent’s income, the number of overnight stays a child has with each parent, and additional expenses like healthcare and education. Knowledge of these guidelines enables parents to enter negotiations or court proceedings with a full understanding of their rights and responsibilities, ensuring decisions are made in the child’s best interests with the guidance of a knowledgeable child support lawyer.
In Sarasota, our attorneys often guide clients through the complexities of child support cases, advocating for fair determinations that align with statutory calculations. We work alongside clients to explore all relevant financial documentation and present compelling arguments that support our clients’ perspective. Whether negotiating support outside of court or presenting your position before a judge, our team is committed to achieving an equitable outcome. We also assist in adjusting child support orders due to changes in income or living arrangements, keeping the support aligned with the current circumstances under the guidance of our effective child support attorney in Sarasota.
Developing Effective Co-Parenting Plans with a Child Custody Attorney
Today, more than ever, the emphasis on collaborative co-parenting is essential for the well-being of the child. A well-structured co-parenting plan ensures that both parents are actively involved in their child's life and decisions, providing a strong framework guiding day-to-day parenting decisions. This approach reduces confusion and potential conflict, ultimately benefiting everyone involved. Our firm champions the development of clear and practical co-parenting agreements that align with the best interests of the child, considering factors like school schedules, extracurricular activities, and special occasions embraced by our skilled child custody lawyer in Sarasota.
In Sarasota, families often face distinct challenges, from coordinating schedules across multiple households to ensuring effective communication between parents. We provide comprehensive support in drafting detailed co-parenting plans that facilitate smooth interactions and transitions. Our tailored co-parenting strategies include flexibility to adapt to unforeseen circumstances while maintaining a structured parenting environment. Engaging with our legal team ensures your co-parenting plan is thorough and equipped to resolve common disputes before they arise, with insight from a proficient custody attorney near me.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Know About Child Custody Laws in Sarasota?
In Sarasota, child custody laws are guided by the overarching principle of establishing and maintaining a child’s best interests. Florida’s family court system encourages ongoing relationships with both parents whenever it serves the well-being of the child. Factors the court considers include the ability of each parent to provide a stable, loving environment, the mental and physical health of both parents, and any history of domestic violence. Understanding these elements helps ensure your situation is presented accurately to the court, allowing for just and supportive custody arrangements, guided by a committed child custody lawyer near me.
How Are Child Support Amounts Determined?
Child support amounts in Sarasota are calculated using Florida’s standard guidelines, which evaluate parental income, child-related expenses, and the division of parenting time. The guidelines establish a baseline amount that can be adjusted based on unique needs such as medical expenses, education costs, and other financial considerations affecting the child’s life. Our attorneys navigate this complex process, ensuring calculations reflect the reality of economic circumstances and align with legal standards, with the support of an experienced child support lawyer in Sarasota.
What Are the Legal Implications of Same-Sex Parenting in Sarasota?
Same-sex parents in Sarasota should be assured that the legal system treats them with fairness, upholding their rights and responsibilities just as it would for any parent. Legal implications often arise around establishing parentage, especially in cases lacking biological ties. Our legal team excels in advocating for protections under current laws, enabling same-sex parents to co-parent effectively without encountering unnecessary legal barriers. We offer insightful advice for crafting clear agreements that honor both parental rights and obligations with the help of a knowledgeable child custody attorney.
How Can I Modify a Custody or Support Order?
To modify a custody or support order, you must demonstrate a significant change in circumstances. Factors warranting modifications can include shifts in financial status, relocation, or changes in the child’s needs. The process involves filing a petition and presenting evidence to support the changes, ensuring that adjustments continue to meet the child’s best interests. Our firm handles these legal proceedings with diligence, ensuring modifications are justified and precisely tailored to current situations, with the assistance of a dependable custody lawyer in Sarasota.
What Steps Should I Take If I Suspect Parental Abduction?
If you suspect your child has been abducted by a parent, it's crucial to act promptly. Immediate steps include contacting local law enforcement and possibly obtaining a court order to demand the child's return. You may also consider filing an emergency motion in court to address custody violations. Our legal team is proficient in managing such sensitive situations, working tirelessly to apply both domestic and international laws that guarantee the child’s safe and rightful return. We coordinate with law enforcement and other agencies to expedite the resolution with the support of our dedicated child custody attorney in Sarasota.
Helping You Fight for the Custody or Visitation You Deserve
If you do not have parental rights with a child, you must proactively seek custody or visitation. An attorney with experience establishing custodial rights for same-sex couples can help you in this mission. Our Sarasota child custody and child support attorneys represent gay, lesbian, and transgender parents in child custody disputes related to divorce.
If you are concerned about your rights as a parent entering a divorce, we invite you to call us to schedule a consultation. We represent individuals and families in Sarasota, Bradenton, and communities throughout Southwest Florida.
Schedule your consultation today with our child custody lawyer in Sarasota at (941) 499-8154 and take the first step towards a better future for you and your child.