Whether a family law matter involves child custody, parenting time, grandparents’ rights, domestic violence, or other complex situations, having the best lawyer on your side is essential. This is especially true in cases that have to do with children.
A good child custody attorney in Orlando will help you to understand your rights and options, and work to ensure that the best interests of your children are met. However, deciding which attorney to hire can be challenging. Parents should start by asking friends and family members for recommendations. In addition, they should look for attorneys with whom they feel comfortable working and who have a personal style that aligns with their own. Then they should check to see if the attorney has any special certifications or memberships that demonstrate their experience and commitment to handling family law matters.
When a judge makes a custody decision, he or she will look at several factors that are considered to be in the best interests of the children. Some of these include each parent’s ability to maintain a close parent-child relationship, the current living situation and history of both homes, each parent’s criminal record, any past allegations of abuse or neglect, and the needs of the children. The judge will also consider the child’s preference, if he or she has reached an age where it is appropriate to do so.
Although courts prefer when parents can reach a mutually agreeable agreement on custody issues, they will not interfere if there is no such agreement. In such a case, the court will appoint a custody evaluator to make a recommendation on behalf of the children. This person will interview the parents, the children (if they are old enough), and any other relevant persons. The evaluator will then prepare a report with his or her findings. This report will serve as the basis for the court’s custody decision.
Once a court has made a custody arrangement, it will usually remain in place until there is a substantial change in circumstances. If either parent believes that the existing custody agreement is no longer in the best interests of the child, he or she can file for modification. A good child custody attorney will be able to assist a client in making a successful modification request. Parents should be aware that, in most states, changing a custody order is not a simple process and could take some time to complete. In some cases, the modification may have to be appealed. For these reasons, it is crucial that both parents have the right legal representation to navigate this type of family law issue.
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