Child Custody

Understanding the Challenges of Being an Unmarried Parent In Florida, the legal rights of unmarried parents can look very different from those of married couples. Without a legal marriage, important issues like custody, visitation, and child support are not automatically clear. To ensure both parents and children are protected, it’s essential to understand how Florida law addresses these situations. Establishing Paternity in Florida Why Paternity Matters For unmarried parents, the father does not automatically have legal parental rights—even if his name appears on the birth certificate. Without legally established paternity, a father may not have decision-making authority, timesharing rights, or the ability to seek...

Domestic violence is a serious issue that can significantly affect the outcome of a divorce in Florida. From child custody and timesharing to alimony and property division, courts give special consideration to the safety and well-being of victims wheChild custody palm beach gardensn making decisions. Understanding your legal rights is essential if domestic violence plays a role in your divorce. Legal Definition of Domestic Violence in Florida In Florida, domestic violence includes any assault, battery, sexual assault, stalking, kidnapping, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another. Even threats or emotional abuse...

When one parent wishes to relocate after a divorce or custody agreement, the situation can quickly become complex—especially when minor children are involved. In Florida, relocation is treated as a significant change that can impact time-sharing, parental responsibility, and the child’s overall well-being. If you’re a parent considering relocation, or facing a situation where the other parent plans to move, understanding Florida’s laws on parental relocation is essential. What Qualifies as Relocation? Under Florida Statute 61.13001, relocation is defined as a move that is: More than 50 miles from the child’s current primary residence For a period of 60 consecutive days or more...

In Florida family law, the best interests of the child are the top priority when determining timesharing arrangements. When allegations or evidence of domestic violence are involved, the court takes additional precautions to protect the child’s safety and emotional well-being. If you’re a parent concerned about domestic violence and custody, it’s important to understand how Florida law addresses this issue. At Gisondo Law, we guide families through high-conflict custody matters with a strong focus on safety, fairness, and legal clarity. How Judges Assess Domestic Violence in Custody Cases Florida law requires courts to consider any evidence of domestic violence—whether proven or alleged—when establishing...

Key Highlights Understanding the intricacies of child custody arrangements in Florida is crucial for parents who are navigating the challenging process of separation or divorce. It's important to remember that the court's primary focus in all child custody cases, without exception, is the child's best interests. Factors like the child's age, health, education, and relationship with each parent are considered. A skilled child custody attorney can help you navigate this complex legal process. They'll work to protect your parental rights and strive for a custody arrangement that benefits your child. Introduction Embarking on the journey of family law, especially when it comes to child...

Child custody arrangements are intended to provide stability and support for children following a divorce or separation. However, circumstances can change over time, necessitating modifications to existing custody orders. Grant Gisondo, a board-certified family law lawyer in Palm Beach, understands the complexities involved in modifying child custody orders. In this blog post, we'll explore the circumstances under which modifications may be warranted and the legal process for seeking changes.  When Can Child Custody Orders Be Modified? Child custody orders can be modified when a significant change in circumstances affects the child's well-being or necessitates a modification of the existing custody arrangement. Some...

Child custody cases are emotionally charged and complex, often placing the well-being of children at the center of the legal process. Determining the child's best interests becomes paramount when parents separate or divorce. Courts strive to make decisions that ensure the child's physical, emotional, and psychological welfare, taking into account several key factors and considerations. Let's explore some of these factors in the context of child custody proceedings. The Child's Age and Developmental Needs: A crucial consideration in determining custody arrangements is the child's age and developmental stage. Younger children may require more frequent contact with both parents to maintain a...