One of the most important aspects of a divorce is often the children where are they going
to live? This is one of the hardest questions to answer, and the whole process can often be extremely emotional. We are aware of the hard decisions that you are going to face through this whole procedure, and we will stand by you and your family to support you and offer you expert legal advice and guidance.
Your children are the most important members of your family, and when going through a divorce, it is extremely important that they are protected. We at Butash Law Group are dedicated to upholding stability in the lives of families. We want to help you and your children make the transition as smoothly as possible from one household to two.
As of October 1, 2008, a revised statute requires that a parenting plan be in place for all cases involving minor children. The parenting plan must state in detail how each of the parents will share the responsibilities of raising the child. For example, a general parenting plan will outline what each parent will do regarding the following responsibilities:
- daily tasks;
- healthcare;
- school functions;
- extracurricular activities; and
- communication with the child.
The best interests of the child are everyone’s main priority (yours, ours, and the Court’s), and we can help you to develop a parenting plan that ensures your child is properly cared for in your viewpoint as well as the eyes of the law. Florida state laws require that child custody/time-sharing is based on the child’s best interests is determined taking many points into consideration, including, but not limited to:
- the length of time the child has lived in a stable environment, and the desire to maintain continuity;
- the moral fitness, mental health and physical health of the parents;
- the child’s preference (if the court can see that the child can make an educated decision);
- the ability of each parent to maintain a stable routine for the child;
- any prior domestic violence situations or convictions on the part of either parent; and
- the ability of each parent to meet the child’s developmental needs.
There are many more facets of a child’s life that the court will look at to determine custody/time-sharing if your case ends up going to trial. However, it is often quicker, cheaper, and less stressful for everyone involved to work out a settlement agreement rather than going to trial. It is important to note that while Butash Law Group aggressively represents its clients, we will do everything we can to minimize your legal costs and risk by attempting to reach an amicable agreement with the other side rather than going to trial.
