Orange Park Child Custody Lawyer

Protecting Your Parental Rights with Dedicated Custody Attorneys

Few legal disputes are as emotionally charged as child custody matters. When parents separate or divorce, determining custody can be highly contentious. We understand the complexities involved and offer experienced Orange Park child custody attorneys who will fight for your rights as a parent.

With over 19 years of experience in Florida family law, Owenby Law, P.A. has the necessary expertise to ensure a favorable outcome in your child custody dispute.

Contact us today at (904) 770-3141 or reach out to Owenby Law online to discuss your case.

Addressing Child Custody in Orange Park Courts

In Orange Park, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, an approach we fully endorse. Joy Owenby, our lead attorney, has extensive experience representing children's rights through her involvement with the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program. This background allows us to navigate complex family law cases, dependency allegations, and criminal law matters with sensitivity to the unique needs of the children involved.

When determining child custody, the court takes into account various factors, including:

• The child's age and preference (if mature enough to express one).
• Each parent's ability to provide for the child's health and safety.
• Maintaining stability in the child's education and living arrangements.
• The pre-divorce relationship between each parent and the child.
• Each parent's living situation and capacity to support the child.
• Willingness of each parent to communicate and co-parent effectively.

Shared Custody as Preferred Option

In Florida, shared custody is generally favored by the courts, recognizing that most parents seeking shared custody have the child's best interests at heart. However, we acknowledge that some parents may try to deny access to the other parent due to concerns about their influence being detrimental to the child. Unless there are compelling reasons such as addiction, abusive behavior, or criminal activity, Florida judges will usually enforce an arrangement that grants both parents access to the child.

Determining the Right Parenting Plan

Parenting plans form the foundation for child custody arrangements, outlining time-sharing schedules and communication guidelines between parents. They can be categorized as traditional vs. safety-focused and standard vs. long-distance.

To determine the appropriate parenting plan for your situation, consider the following:

1. Do you and the other parent live far apart?
2. Has the other parent exhibited violence towards you or the children?
3. Has the other parent engaged in destructive behavior or harmed someone in anger?
4. Has the other parent experienced extreme emotional distress that impairs their ability to care for themselves?
5. Does the other parent have a history of substance abuse?
6. Has the other parent used violence or weapons to threaten or harm others?
7. Has the other parent threatened to withhold the children?
8. Has the other parent been subject to a domestic violence injunction or no-contact order?
9. Has the other parent been previously arrested for harming someone else?

If you answer "yes" to question 1, a long-distance parenting plan may be suitable. If you answer "yes" to any questions 2 to 9, a safety-focused parenting plan may be necessary.

At Owenby Law, P.A., our Orange Park child custody lawyers can provide detailed guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. We take into account your concerns, the quality of family relationships, and your children's individual needs when developing a comprehensive parenting plan.

Crafting a Child Custody Agreement with Our Help

At Owenby Law, P.A., our child custody attorneys in Orange Park, FL are skilled at assisting parents in creating parenting plans that align with the family court's requirements.

• A joint custody plan should address the time-sharing schedule, daily child-rearing tasks, and parental authority over medical, educational, and travel decisions.
• A shared custody plan that enables both parents to actively participate in raising the child and spend quality time with them is typically approved by the courts.

If you require assistance with drafting a child custody agreement, contact Owenby Law, P.A. today at (904) 770-3141 to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorneys.