Child Custody & Visitation

Florida Child Custody and Visitation Attorneys

In custody and visitation matters, our goal is to help clients secure the best possible solution that will protect their children's best interests.

At the law firm of Stepniak and Park, P.A., we are dedicated to serving parents and children as they restructure their families after a divorce or separation. Our lawyers understand that parents are primarily concerned with how often they will get to be with their children. Our firm serves the needs of parents in Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, Deland, Deltona, Sanford, Orlando and throughout Central Florida.

Using experience, our Florida attorneys work closely with parents during negotiation to reach workable agreements. When parents can't agree about child custody or visitation time, we confidently represent our clients in court. To talk with an experienced lawyer about your situation, call Stepniak & Park, P.A. today.

Our custody lawyers advise parents about their options and fight for the child custody arrangement that they are seeking. We also help clients understand how child visitation rights, paternity actions, child support and other legal issues apply to their individual situation.

Child Custody and Parenting Plans Under Florida Law

Custody is dependent on a variety of factors that differ from case to case. Also, new Florida laws are about to change the way the courts view child custody and the roles of parents. No longer will the courts refer to a parent as a primary residential parent or non-custodial parent.

When considering child custody and time-sharing plans, the family courts make decisions based on the best interests of the children. Florida state law states:

"Any parenting plan approved by the court must, at minimum, describe in adequate detail how the parents will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child, the time-sharing schedule arrangements that specify the time that the minor child will spend with each parent, a designation of who will be responsible for any and all forms of health care, school-related matters, other activities, and the methods and technologies that the parents will use to communicate with the child.

... It is the public policy of this state to assure that each minor child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents ... and to encourage parents to share the rights and responsibilities, and joys, of childrearing. There is no presumption for or against the father or mother of the child when creating or modifying the parenting plan of the child."

Establishing Custody Rights - Changing Custody Orders

In some separation cases, it is necessary to establish paternity in order to secure child custody and visitation rights for a father. Once your parental rights are established through a DNA test, we can help you fight for the custody or timesharing plan you want.

You may be able to obtain a modification to a current child custody order - or a child support order - if you experience a substantial change in circumstances, such as the loss of a job or a parent's need to move out of state. Robert F. Stepniak helps parents modify orders and can assist you in understanding how a custody modification can be beneficial for you and your child.

Contact Stepniak & Park, P.A. today to talk with a child custody and visitation lawyer about your case. We offer free initial consultations and flexible appointment times.