Children are the top priority in any divorce proceeding, and disputes over child custody can be one of the most contentious issues. An experienced Child Custody Attorney in Pensacola Florida is essential to resolving these matters and ensuring the best interests of your child are served. Our firm is renowned throughout the area for our assertive advocacy and compassionate representation of clients in complex family law disputes, whether these cases involve an uncontested or contested divorce.
Our firm understands that the outcome of a custody dispute is likely to have lasting impacts on your relationship with your child, and we will fight tirelessly to protect your parental rights. We are committed to providing our clients with thorough and insightful legal services, including comprehensive custody planning, aggressive negotiation skills, and preparation for trial when necessary.
In the state of Florida, the term “custody” is being phased out in favor of terms such as “allocation of parental responsibility” and “time sharing.” This shift in terminology indicates that the state prefers both parents maintain an active role in a child’s life. The court will determine which parent should be given primary physical custody (where the child resides), as well as joint legal custody (where both parents have a say in major choices regarding religion, education, healthcare, etc.). In addition, both parents will be granted liberal visitation privileges unless there is reason to believe it would not serve the child’s best interest to do so.
When creating a parenting plan, the court will consider a variety of factors to ensure the final agreement is as detailed and comprehensive as possible. This includes the child’s existing living arrangements, both parents’ current employment and financial situation, and any potential future post-divorce living arrangements. The court may also consider the wishes of the child if he or she is old enough to have such an opinion, although these preferences will not hold as much weight as the child’s best interests.
Often, spouses are unable to reach an agreement on their own when it comes to a custody arrangement, and the matter must be resolved by a judge in trial. Our attorneys will guide you through each step of this process, and we will prepare for all possibilities to secure the parenting arrangement that serves your needs and those of your child.
If you have any questions about child custody or want to discuss a potential case, please do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation. Our team of seasoned attorneys is here to help. Call us today to schedule a confidential appointment at our Pensacola location. We also provide telephone and Skype consultations if you are unable to travel to our office. We look forward to hearing from you! We are also available to assist with other types of family law cases, including divorce, paternity, and alimony. Virga Law Firm is dedicated to helping people just like you resolve their divorce and family law concerns, so please do not wait to get started.