Caveda

Tampa Child Custody Lawyer (Time-Sharing)

As of October 1, 2008, the terms “custody” and “visitation” have been eliminated from the Florida Statutes.  There will no longer be a designation of a “primary residential parent” or a “secondary residential parent.”  Instead, cases involving minor children are now required to have a “Parenting Plan” that details the time-sharing that will take place between each parent and each minor child.  Although the terminology has changed, the fundamental issue of how much time each child will spend with each parent and when that time-sharing will occur must still be squarely addressed in every case.  If the parents are unable to agree on a Parenting Plan, then the Judge will decide on the Parenting Plan the parties will be ordered to follow.

Many law firms represent clients in a variety of legal areas.  At Caveda Law Firm, P.A., we focus on divorce and family law.  That gives us a unique understanding of how a divorce can impact a family, as well as the emotional issues that surround child custody and time-sharing decisions.  Time-sharing (physical custody) determines who the child will live with and when the child will share time (visitation) with the other parent.  Parental Responsibility (legal custody) determines who will make the major decisions in the child's life.  Typically, both parents are entitled to the same rights in making major decisions  (Shared Parental Responsibility), although courts can award Sole Parental Responsibility to one parent in all areas or in specific areas only (for example: medical or educational decisions)

If you have questions about your time-sharing (formerly child custody or visitation) case, the Hillsborough County child custody attorneys of Caveda Law Firm, P.A., have answers. We have been helping residents of Tampa, Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County for more than 16 years. Contact us today by calling (813) 254-5455 or by filling out our online form. Our Tampa divorce lawyers can help you navigate the process and make sure your child's best interests are protected.

The state of Florida has a public policy to assure that each minor child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents after a separation or divorce. The state also encourages parents to share in the rights and responsibilities of child rearing.  In determining issues between parents and their children, the best interest of the child is the court’s primary concern.  This standard involves consideration of many different factors including: 

• Who is the primary caregiver?
• Whether one parent is more likely to encourage and foster a positive relationship.
• A parent’s psychological and physical fitness.
• The child's preference, if he or she is old enough to express one.
• The financial ability to care for the child.
• Whether there is a history of domestic violence.
• Keeping siblings together.

Of course, every situation is unique.  Some people ask witnesses to testify to their child rearing skills and to show that they are a capable parent.  Other times, witnesses are needed to testify that one parent is not a fit and proper person to have majority time-sharing (custody) of the children.  Psychologists and sometimes psychiatrists get involved to interview the children and the parties to determine what is truly best for the children.

Often, one parent is awarded majority time-sharing (physical custody) while the other is awarded time-sharing (visitation) rights.  Of course, joint physical custody also known as “rotating custody”, “substantial shared parenting”, “50/50 custody” or “50/50 time-sharing” is also an option.

In addition to where the child physically resides, parents are also awarded parental responsibility (legal custody) – either Sole Parental Responsibility (sole legal custody)  to make all decisions regarding the health, education, and welfare of the child, or Shared Parental Responsibility (joint legal custody) where both parents participate in reaching those decisions. 

The Caveda Law Firm, P.A., can assist you with issues involving any type of custody.  Our Tampa family lawyers can also request modifications to child custody orders as well as visitation orders.  In addition to our child custody and divorce services, we also are prepared to handle the following:

• Child Support
• Family Law Appeals
• Guardianship
• Mediation
• Parental Relocation
• Prenuptial Agreements

Whether you are seeking sole or joint child custody, the Tampa child support attorneys at the Caveda Law Firm, P.A., can help you put your life back together.  Call our office at (813) 254-5455 or contact us by filling out our online form for a consultation in Tampa, Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County, Florida.