Orlando Visitation Rights Attorney
Ensure Your Visitation Rights Are Enforced
Sometimes parents disagree on which parent should be the primary custodian and which parent should have visitation rights. Through the help of an experienced Orlando visitation rights attorney, they can either negotiate settlements and make their own decisions or, when they cannot reach an agreement, allow a judge to decide for them. At Steve W. Marsee, P.A., we explain your options regarding child custody, help you make informed decisions and strive to help you resolve your issues outside of court. However, when necessary, we are prepared to provide effective litigation.
Visitation agreements
Florida courts decide on or approve custody and visitation based on the best interests of the child. Typically, frequent contact with both parents is optimal for children and for this reason joint custody is usually the best option. Situations where the courts do not favor joint custody are when parental contact is detrimental for a child ― in cases of domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, abandonment or neglect. In these types of circumstances, the court may still allow visitation, but only if it is supervised.
Parents can present a time-sharing schedule to the court that specifies the days and times when visitation will occur. The schedule should also address holidays, birthdays, summer vacation and other specific occasions so both parents can plan ahead and children know what to expect. Contact our Orlando visitation rights attorney for more information.
Visitation rights law
The court awards the parent who is the secondary custodian with visitation rights. Florida statutes refer to visitation as time-sharing and tend to favor awarding primary custody to the parent who is most willing to encourage their children to maintain a healthy relationship with the other parent. Parents have the right to visitation and when other parents do not grant court-ordered visitation, courts may decide their actions are parental alienation. Florida courts have established precedents in cases that involve parental alienation and their rulings frequently protect visitation rights. Fostering a negative or antagonistic view of the other parent, interfering with or denying visitation time, and preventing phone calls or other contact are examples of parental alienation. If you experience this type of treatment, you should discuss the situation with your attorney to find out about protecting your rights.
Enforcement of visitation rights
One action your attorney can take through the courts to enforce visitation rights is time-sharing make-up where you can schedule additional visitation to make up for missed visitations. To enforce visitation, the court also can fine a parent for non-complying with court-ordered visitation and, in some cases, order the parent to do community service. Another way to deal with enforcement issues is to request modifications in the parenting plan by seeking full custody.
Contact an Orlando visitation attorney about visitation concerns
By consulting with an experienced Orlando visitation rights attorney, you can address your concerns and protect your visitation rights. Contact Steve W. Marsee today for an initial consultation.
