Orange Park Visitation Lawyer
Let Our Firm Help You Secure Visitation Rights
Child visitation cases are often among the most emotionally charged issues in family law. When parents separate or divorce, ensuring that both maintain meaningful relationships with their children can be challenging. That’s where our Orange Park visitation attorney from Owenby Law, P.A. can help.
Our firm provides compassionate, knowledgeable legal representation to protect your parental rights and help you secure fair, enforceable visitation arrangements that serve the best interests of your child. Whether you are seeking to establish, modify, or enforce visitation rights, we guide you through each step with care and clarity.
Contact us today at (904) 263-5759 to schedule a consultation with our team.
What Are Visitation Rights?
Visitation rights refer to the legal authority granted to a noncustodial parent or, in some cases, another family member—such as a grandparent—to spend time with a child. In Florida, visitation is legally referred to as “time-sharing”, and it is part of a parenting plan approved by the court.
The state’s family law system prioritizes the best interests of the child when determining visitation arrangements. Courts generally favor allowing children to maintain relationships with both parents, unless there are compelling reasons—such as abuse, neglect, or unsafe living conditions—to restrict contact.
Our Orange Park visitation lawyer can help ensure that your rights as a parent or guardian are protected, that your child’s well-being remains central, and that your visitation schedule is fair and realistic.
Common Types of Visitation Arrangements
Every family’s situation is unique, which means visitation schedules can vary widely. Florida courts strive to create arrangements that promote stability, consistency, and emotional security for the child. Here are some of the most common visitation arrangements:
Scheduled Visitation
This is the most typical arrangement, in which the noncustodial parent has set days and times for visits. For example, visits may occur every other weekend, certain holidays, or specific days of the week. These schedules are designed to minimize confusion and conflict between parents.
Reasonable Visitation
A more flexible option, reasonable visitation allows parents to work out their visitation times informally, as long as both parties agree. While this can work well when parents maintain a cooperative relationship, it may lead to disagreements if communication breaks down.
Supervised Visitation
In cases where a parent’s ability to safely care for the child is in question—such as due to a history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or neglect—the court may require supervised visitation. Visits take place in the presence of a neutral third party to ensure the child’s safety.
Virtual Visitation
Technology now plays a growing role in maintaining parent-child relationships. Courts may include virtual visitation—such as video calls, texts, or emails—as part of the parenting plan, especially when distance or scheduling conflicts make in-person visits difficult.
Grandparent Visitation
Under certain circumstances, grandparents in Florida may seek visitation rights. This can occur if one or both parents are deceased, missing, or in specific situations where the child’s well-being is at risk. These cases can be complex and require strong legal representation from a seasoned visitation lawyer.
How to Obtain Visitation Rights in Florida
Establishing visitation rights in Florida involves several legal steps, whether you are a parent or another relative seeking time with a child. The process can be emotionally challenging, but working with our Orange Park visitation lawyer from Owenby Law, P.A. ensures you understand your rights and obligations at every stage.
1. Filing a Petition
If visitation rights are not already part of an existing court order, you must file a petition with the appropriate family court in Clay County. This petition requests the court to establish a time-sharing schedule and parenting plan.
2. Creating a Parenting Plan
Florida law requires that all custody and visitation arrangements be outlined in a formal parenting plan. This plan details how the parents will share responsibilities, communicate about the child, and schedule visitation time. The court will evaluate this plan based on the child’s best interests.
3. Mediation
Florida courts often encourage or require parents to attend mediation before a visitation dispute goes to trial. Mediation allows both parties to negotiate an agreement in a less adversarial environment. A skilled visitation lawyer can represent your interests during mediation and help craft a fair agreement.
4. Court Hearing
If mediation fails, the case proceeds to a court hearing. The judge will consider testimony, evidence, and other factors such as each parent’s fitness, the child’s emotional and physical needs, and the willingness of each parent to encourage a healthy relationship with the other.
5. Modification of Visitation Orders
Life circumstances can change—jobs relocate, children grow older, or family dynamics shift. Florida law allows parents to request a modification of existing visitation arrangements if there has been a substantial and unanticipated change in circumstances. Our attorneys can help you petition for modifications that reflect your family’s current needs.
Visitation FAQs
Can visitation be denied to a parent in Florida?
Yes, but only in rare cases where visitation would harm the child’s welfare—such as in instances of abuse, neglect, or ongoing substance abuse. The court must have clear evidence before denying visitation.
Do I need a lawyer to obtain visitation rights?
While you can represent yourself, having an experienced Orange Park visitation attorney is highly recommended. Family law can be complex, and an attorney ensures your rights are protected and that the court receives accurate and compelling information.
Can visitation be changed after the court order?
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if a significant change in circumstances occurs, such as relocation, remarriage, or a change in the child’s needs.
What happens if my co-parent violates the visitation schedule?
If your co-parent refuses to comply with the visitation order, you can ask the court to enforce it. The court may impose penalties or modify custody arrangements to ensure compliance.
Can grandparents get visitation rights in Florida?
Yes, but under limited circumstances. Grandparents may be granted visitation if it’s proven to be in the child’s best interest and certain legal conditions are met.
