Child Custody or Paternity
Did you know that the words “custody” and “visitation” have been removed from most parts of the Florida Statutes? Instead, the legislature has determined that each child shall be entitled to a parenting plan, which includes a time-sharing schedule. All parenting plans should be in each child’s best interests. Typically, parenting plans will include the following:
- A designation of the times when the child shall be with each parent
- An arrangement for transporting the child between each parent’s home
- A holiday schedule A designation as to which parent shall be deemed the child’s “Educational Parent” for purposes of determining where the child should go to school
- A list of extra-curricular activities in which the child will participate and a designation of who will be responsible for the cost of these activities
- A determination of the amount of child support to be paid from one parent to the other parent
- An indication of which parent will be responsible for providing health insurance coverage for the child, and a list of approved medical care providers for the child
- Any other specific details that need to be addressed based on your child’s special needs and your family’s special circumstances
Often when we speak outside of a courtroom, we continue to use the words custody and visitation so that we can more easily communicate with our clients at the onset of the family law litigation process. However, Attorney Holly feels it is important to inform clients in custody cases of changes in the law that could affect the outcome of a case.
Did you know that not every father who has a child born out of marriage is required to take a paternity test in order to prove that he is the father? While paternity tests may be needed if there is a disagreement as to the father’s identity, more often than not paternity tests present an unnecessary expense.
Contact the Law Office of Christina L. Holly today for a free consultation with Attorney Holly to learn how you can intelligently approach your child custody and paternity issues and develop a strategy that will promote the best interests of your child.
