How Will Florida's New
Child Custody Laws Affect Me?
A new Florida statute that essentially does away with the term "child custody" took effect on October 1, 2008. What does this mean to you? Basically, the new law changes the picture of child custody substantially by allowing for more equality between parents.
Now, instead of courts being forced to treat children almost as if they were property and to award primary or secondary child custody to one parent or the other, the emphasis is on shared parental responsibilities and decision-making. To achieve that goal, courts are now required to order or approve a parenting plan.
At the Law Offices of Samuel Filler, Samuel Filler and his professional staff help people in Seminole County, Orange County and elsewhere in central Florida navigate the process of divorce and all of its related issues, including the issue formerly known as "child custody." To speak with one of our lawyers about your divorce and custody concerns, call us directly at 407-772-0700 or contact us online.
Modifying a Parenting Plan
or Support Order after Divorce
Generally speaking, Florida's new statute makes it much easier to modify parenting plans, child support and alimony. Simply put, if you, your spouse or your children experience a significant change in life circumstances (major health issues, a significant increase in income, the loss of a job, etc.), courts will generally approve changes that reflect the new situation.
That said, the new law has made it more difficult to obtain a parenting plan modification for moving outside of the court's jurisdiction. Because of this, it is important to talk to an attorney about any potential move as soon as possible. Our attorneys can explain what's required, make certain that your Notice of Intent to Relocate a Child is filed and served properly (or your objections) and aggressively assert your position regardless of which side of the issue you fall on.
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For a free consultation, call us in Longwood, Florida, at 407-772-0700, or take a moment to send us an-email.
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