St. Petersburg Child Custody and Support Attorney

Prioritizing Your Child’s Best Interest: Child Support and Custody Services at Plotnick Law

Welcome to Plotnick Law, where we understand the importance of prioritizing your child’s best interest in matters of child support and custody. Our experienced child support and custody attorneys in St. Petersburg are here to advocate for your family’s needs and guide you through the complexities of the legal system. 

With our compassionate and knowledgeable team by your side, you don’t have to navigate these tumultuous waters alone. We are dedicated to securing your rights and achieving a favorable resolution for your family legal matters.

Call (727) 619-1827 or contact us online today to schedule your free legal consultation. Let a trusted St. Petersburg child custody and support attorney help you navigate your family law matters.

Florida Law on Child Custody: Protecting Your Child’s Well-being

When it comes to child custody, Florida law places the child’s well-being at the forefront. The courts make decisions based on what is in the best interest of the child, considering factors such as each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. The primary focus is to ensure that the child’s physical and emotional needs are met, and that they can maintain a strong relationship with both parents whenever possible.

Florida law offers two main types of custody: legal custody and physical custody:

• Legal Custody: This refers to the right of a parent to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including decisions about education, healthcare, religion, and other important aspects of the child’s life. In Florida, courts tend to favor shared parental responsibility, which means both parents have the right to make these significant decisions unless the court determines that one parent should have sole responsibility due to specific circumstances.
• Physical Custody: This pertains to where the child will live and how time will be shared between parents. While Florida courts no longer use the term "visitation," they do focus on time-sharing arrangements, which establish how the child will spend time with each parent. The goal is to ensure the child has a meaningful relationship with both parents, unless there are concerns about safety or well-being.

A St. Petersburg child custody and support attorney can guide you through the process of establishing a custody arrangement that works for your family while considering the best interests of the child. These arrangements can be agreed upon by the parents or determined by the court if an agreement cannot be reached.

Child Support in Florida

Child support is a critical component of family law in Florida, and both parents are obligated to contribute to the financial support of their child. Child support is typically calculated using Florida’s Child Support Guidelines, which take into account several factors to determine the amount of support that should be paid.

Some of the primary factors considered when calculating child support include:

• Income of both parents: This includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and other sources of income.
• Time-sharing arrangement: The amount of time the child spends with each parent affects child support calculations. The more time the child spends with one parent, the less that parent may be required to pay in support, as the other parent will likely be responsible for providing more care during their time with the child.
• Healthcare and insurance costs: The costs of the child’s health insurance and medical care are also taken into consideration when determining child support amounts.
• Other children: If either parent has children from other relationships, the court will consider how many children each parent is financially responsible for when calculating child support.

We can help ensure that child support is fairly calculated, taking all relevant factors into account. Additionally, if you are unable to pay the ordered child support due to financial hardship, your attorney can assist you in requesting a modification.

Modifying Child Custody and Support Orders

In many cases, circumstances change over time, and child custody and support arrangements need to be modified. This could be due to a change in the income of one parent, a relocation of one parent, or a significant change in the child’s needs.

In Florida, modifications to child custody and support orders are possible if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Some examples of changes that may justify a modification include:

• A significant change in either parent’s income
• A parent’s relocation or a change in the child’s living situation
• A change in the child’s needs, such as medical or educational requirements
• A parent’s inability or unwillingness to follow the court-ordered time-sharing arrangement

If you need to modify an existing child custody or support order, a St. Petersburg child custody and support attorney can help you navigate the legal process and present a strong case to the court.

The Role of a St. Petersburg Child Custody and Support Attorney

Child custody and support issues can be highly emotional and complex, often involving contentious disputes between parents. Working with a St. Petersburg child custody and support lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and that the best interests of your child are prioritized throughout the process.

A skilled St. Petersburg child custody and support attorney will help you understand your rights, navigate the legal system, and advocate for a fair and equitable resolution in your case. Whether you are seeking to establish or modify a custody or support arrangement, your attorney will work to secure the best possible outcome for you and your child.

Contact a St. Petersburg child custody and support attorney today to schedule your free consultation. Call (727) 619-1827 or reach out online for personalized advice and support in your family law case.

Commonly Asked Questions