Four Common Timesharing Mistakes that Could Hurt Your Case
Are you currently involved in an Orlando, Florida timesharing dispute? If so, you may be feeling stressed out, overwhelmed and simply confused by the complex legal process. This is normal; going through a child custody dispute can be very challenging for parents. In this situation, the last thing you want is to make an error that damages your own legal case, potentially hurting your ability to obtain custody. To help you prepare for the process, our experienced Central Florida family law team has put together a list of four of the most common child custody dispute mistakes that parents make in Florida.
- Not Knowing the Legal Standard
For the purposes of child custody and child time sharing disputes, Florida operates under the ‘best interests of the child’ standard. This means that courts will come to a resolution in these cases by determining what is best for the child, not what is best (or easiest) for the parents. As a parent, you need to be aware of this legal standard. To prevail in your case, you must be able to prove to the court that your children being placed in your custody is truly in their best interests.
- Attempting to Alienate Your Child’s Other Parent
Florida courts have a strong presumption that a good relationship with both parents is in the best interest of children. If a court determines that one parent is damaging their child’s relationship with the child’s other parent, that could hurt them in child custody proceedings. Parents should always avoid bad mouthing their child’s other parent, either directly to their kids or publicly on social media. The bottom line: This type of behavior is not going to help you win your case, and worse, it could even actively damage your case.
- Moving Out of Your Child’s School District
For child custody cases, logistics matter. Courts favor stability for children. Florida courts are very reluctant to uproot a child from their home. Of course, if the circumstances warrant it, the court will certainly do it; but, in general, Florida courts want to keep a child in the same place that they currently reside. Even more important than a specific house is your child’s school district. If you are in a fiercely contested child custody dispute, it is in your best interests to stay in your child’s current school district.
- Not Hiring a Qualified Timesharing Attorney
Finally, the biggest mistake that you can make when going through a complex child custody dispute is not hiring a good lawyer. Without qualified legal representation, your parental interests may not be fully protected. Nothing should come between you and your children. At the Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A., our timesharing attorney has the skills and experience needed to protect your parental rights.
To set up a fully confidential evaluation of your case, please do not hesitate to contact us today at 407-521-7171. From our office in the heart of Orlando, we serve parents and families throughout Central Florida, including in Kissimmee, Altamonte Springs, Sanford and Winter Park.
Resource:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
