One of the most important legal representations in the family court system is that of the child custody attorney. Who a child ends up living with can mean the difference between a solid and loving upbringing, or one detrimental to the child’s development. In many cases, the difference is determined through the efforts of a child custody attorney. Decisions made by a judge are usually based on the quality and legitimacy of arguments, as well as evidence presented on the child’s behalf.
In Florida child custody cases, the judge considers the child’s best interests when deciding where the child will live how the time-sharing living situations allocated between parents will be determined (see Florida Statute 61.13). Florida custody law does not give preference to mothers or fathers when deciding child custody matters. The custody arrangement depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
A legal representation is not required in Florida child custody cases, but an experienced attorney can be crucial when navigating the court system and advocating on your behalf. If litigation is required, the judge decides the case based on the child’s best interests. It is best to have satisfied all the required procedures and present a compelling case to the judge.
What Criteria Do I Use When Hiring an Attorney?
- Recommendations
- Experience
- Suggested Strategies
- Past Case Outcomes
Child Custody Attorneys: What They Do
10 Essential Steps
- Inform clients of their parental rights
- Estimate child support
- Develop legal strategies
- Coordinate outside professionals (child psychologists, social services, etc.)
- Accrue and present evidence
- Take control of the emotional reins
- Detail living conditions and family relationships
- Manage domestic violence and supervised visitation
- Pursue child custody and modification
- Acquire custody or visitation rights for grandparents
Development of Parenting Plans
In Florida custody and divorces cases with minor children, the courts require written parenting plans. The parenting plan outlines how the parents will share the responsibilities and decision-making authority for the child. At a minimum, the parenting plan must describe how the parents will share and be responsible for the child. It also specifies the time children will spend with each parent. The plan must also include who is responsible for health care, school-related matters, and extra-curricular activities. Custody battles are often contentious and do not lend themselves to the most rational arguments or decisions. A child custody attorney helps sort out the details of the arrangements, challenging any suggestions not based on evidence.
Fees
Under Florida law, the courts may award attorney’s fees and costs in marital dissolution, child custody and support, and enforcement or modification proceedings. The court may order one party to pay these amounts on behalf of the other where the parties are in unequal financial positions. Generally, a child support attorney may charge anywhere from $100 to $500 per hour. In an uncontested case, the total fees average from $2,500 to $5,000. In contested cases that lead to a court battle, legal fees could cost $5,000 to $25,000, or more (Child Custody Guide: Florida Family Law).
Call Hunker Appeals
If you have lost a child custody case and believe you were misrepresented, call Hunker Appeals for a free consultation. We are here to listen and to help, representing residents in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Weston, Miami, West Palm Beach, and the other surrounding Florida communities.
Call or email Hunker Appeals now to set up a consultation.
Hunker Appeals, 110 Southeast 6th Street, Suite 2330, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 877-841-8808.
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Website: https://hunkerappeals.com