Custody & Timesharing Tampa, FL
Time-sharing and parental responsibility, colloquially (but not legally) referred to as custody and visitation, are the terms that define the allocation of time a child spends with each parent. A parenting plan is submitted in court to insure proper care for a child, as well as allocating responsibilities for each parent.
There are several child custody and time sharing Tampa FL law firms that assist families with the concern of time sharing. One option to choose from is The McKinney Law Group. We will make every effort to help make the process as stress free as possible and avoid a contentious custody battle. As a Tampa custody and time sharing legal firm, The McKinney Law Group has helped many families in the last decade make the hard decisions that are in the best interest of their children.
Among the many custody and time sharing Tampa FL law firms available to choose from, The McKinney Law Group is dedicated to helping parents transition through the custody process. If you are working toward an arrangement for shared parental responsibility, Damien McKinney is especially qualified to help in these matters. With a background in psychology and child development, he is a family and marital lawyer with over ten years of experience assisting families.
Legal matters involving custody and time sharing in Tampa FL can be complex, frustrating, and stressful. Call Damien McKinney of The McKinney Law Group today to find out how he can make the process much smoother for you and your child.
Types of Parenting Plans
If you are faced with issues regarding custody and time sharing Tampa FL lawyers such as Damien McKinney can help you decide which parenting plan may be most suitable for your family. If the other parent does not agree, our legal team can present your case to the judge who is tasked with making the final ruling. This can help avoid the situation whereby the judge appoints a Guardian Ad Litem to be responsible for deciding what parenting plan is the child’s best interests. Some of the most common options for parenting plans include:
- Full-time, sole custody if the other parent has a history of child abuse, neglect, alcohol or drug abuse problems.
- Part-time custody.
- A long distance parenting plan when parents live far apart from each other.
- Temporary custody of the child by extended family members if neither parent is able to care for the child.
Shared Parental Responsibility
If both spouses have the ability to equally provide welfare for their child, such as residence, education, and medical care, parents are granted shared responsibility. In these cases, parenting plans are created in order to outline how each parent will care for the child after the dissolution. Specifically, shared parental responsibility means that both parents make decisions regarding their child, such as education, medical, religious, extra curricular activities, etc.
Sole Parental Responsibility
In some cases that have evidence of abuse, neglect, or abandonment, sole parent responsibility is awarded to one spouse that can provide welfare to the child. In these cases, all decisions regarding a child’s well-being are made solely by one parent.
Long Distance Parenting Plans
If one parent does not live locally to the primary residence of the child, long distance parenting plans are required in order to specify timesharing and other allocations for the non-custodial parent or guardian.
Relocation of a Minor Child
Changing the primary residence of a minor child that is 50 miles away from their primary residence is considered Relocation of a Minor Child. The state of Florida has strict requirements on changing of the residence address for minor children.
Temporary Relief
If one spouse cannot provide adequate alimony or child support during the dissolution process, temporary relief may be given after mediation to provide settlements regarding timesharing and support before the dissolution is finalized.
Guardian Ad Litem
To protect the well-being and interest of a minor in some dissolution or paternity cases, a Guardian Ad Litem may be appointed by the court during the dissolution or paternity matter. Guardian Ad Litem are only provided through a court order, and generally are a lawyer or a court appointed volunteer.
Temporary Custody of Minor Child
by Extended Family Members
For cases that may require a third party to take temporary custody of a child, temporary guardianship can be awarded to immediate or extended family members. If this does occur, parents are giving full rights to persons that will properly care of their child and make all decisions regarding the child’s well-being.
Additional Issues
If one parent decides to move away after the divorce and wishes to take the child with them, relocation of a minor child becomes an issue. The McKinney Law Group may be able to help protect your rights in that situation. Other unique circumstances may arise. Talk to Damien McKinney about your concerns as he may be able to assist in a number of different ways.
Choose The McKinney Law Group
Custody and time sharing Tampa FL lawyers, such Damien McKinney of The McKinney Law Group, can protect your rights during the custody process. He understands the seriousness of this process and is fully aware of the potential impact of such important matters as a parenting plan. Call us today at The McKinney Law Group to arrange a free consultation with a custody and time sharing Tampa FL lawyer on whom you can rely.
If you have any questions related to custody and timesharing Tampa FL parents may dispute or require legal assistance in other areas of Family Law you may always contact Damien McKinney of The McKinney Law Group to discuss your case further. He can be reached by phone at 813-428-3400 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Child Custody Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):