Lake County Child Custody Lawyer
Assisting Clients With Child Custody Matters in Tavares, FL
While any part of a divorce case is prone to be filled with a wide range of intense emotions, there is probably no area as ripe for conflict as that which deals with a child custody case. In any divorce or family law matter involving children, emotions are bound to bubble over between the disputing parties precisely because the parents want the best for their children, but cannot agree on the best approach to meet this need.
As a compassionate child custody lawyer in Lake County, Florida, I believe that solving the matter in the most efficient way possible is critical to the welfare of the child.
Making the transition is not always easy, but the Law Office of Michael E. Golub is here to help. I'm passionate about my clients' well-being, and will do everything in my power to minimize the stress and uncertainty you're facing.
Facing a complex child custody dispute in Lake County? Discuss your case with the experienced Lake County child custody lawyer at Law Office of Michael E. Golub P.A. in a free 15-minute phone consultation. Call (352) 290-2877 or contact us online now.
Types of Child Custody in Florida
Most people in Lake County, are familiar with the terms sole and joint custody. Florida law, however, presumes that shared custody is in the best interests of a child.
Shared Custody in FL
- Shared custody mandates that each parent must equally share the rights, responsibilities, and joys of child-rearing.
Sole Custody in FL
- The court will only award sole, or full, custody if it determines that shared custody would prove detrimental to the child. A rebuttable presumption of detriment exists if one parent has been convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor or higher involving domestic violence.
Creating a Child Custody Plan for Your Family
It is permissible for parents to reach an agreement assigning ultimate responsibility for certain aspects of a child's upbringing to one parent.
- Prior to entering a final divorce decree, the court requires both parties to attend a parenting class, and some jurisdictions may also require children to attend a class.
- The Lake County court may also order that one parent assume responsibility for major decisions regarding the child.
- There are several areas where the custodial parent must be willing to take responsibility in relation to the child's well-being.
Decisions Made By Custodial Parents
Some of the covered areas that directly contribute to decisions toward a child’s future include:
- Education
- Religion
- Social and communal groups
- Healthcare
- Extracurricular activities
How Does the Court Determine What Is in a Child’s Best Interests?
Of course, both parties in a divorce believe that they are looking out for what would benefit their child. However, a judge in Lake County must examine a wide variety of components to determine where the child should live.
The court will consider a number of factors when analyzing a child’s best interests, including:
- Each parent’s capacity and willingness to foster a close and continuing parent-child relationship
- Each parent’s ability and willingness to cooperate with each other in a fair and reasonable manner, maintain honest and open communication, and contribute to the consistency and well-being of the child
- The mental and physical health and moral fitness of each parent
- The child’s preference if they have reached sufficient maturity and intelligence
- The anticipated division of parental responsibilities
Child custody modifications may only be made upon a showing of substantial, material, and unanticipated change of circumstances. It is vital that you seek the advice of an experienced child custody lawyer in Lake County for assistance with establishing or modifying child custody orders to ensure that the rights of both you and your child are protected.
Contact Our Child Custody Attorney in Lake County Today
Put my years of experience and extensive family-law knowledge to work for you. Following a divorce, it is imperative that you maintain a sense of normalcy and stability for your children. The Law Office of Michael E. Golub P.A takes the time to make sure that each client understands their options and has the resources they need to make sound decisions for their family.
Call my family law firm in Lake County now at (352) 290-2877 or contact me online to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your Lake County child custody case. For your convenience, I offer evening and weekend appointments at my Clermont and Tavares offices.