Child Custody Lawyer Orange City

If you're entering the realm of child custody proceedings, look for a family law lawyer with the time and attention to get to know you, your situation, your child, and your history as a parent. Without personalized dedication to your case, an attorney has little chance making an argument for you in front of a judge.

If you need a child custody or family law attorney in Orange City, DeBary, or surrounding Volusia County areas, you can count on Matt Thompson of Thompson Law, P.A. to get to know every facet of your situation, so that the best outcome for the child can arise in court. Contact him today for a free consultation.

While the attorney you choose is important, it's also crucial that you understand the parameters surrounding this aspect of family litigation in Florida. Those that wish to file for child custody in Florida should first understand–or at least become familiar with–the state's custody statutes.

In Florida, child custody is in fact a matter of time-sharing; there is no mention of "custody" in Florida statutes. In this state, courts prefer to lean toward a shared custody agreement, where each parent can enjoy time with the child–depending on what's in the child's best interest.

Here are some of the things a court will consider when determining the best interests of a child in child custody or time-sharing proceedings:

• The stability of each home and the child's environment
• The mental and physical health of each parent
• Any history of abuse, domestic or otherwise
• The parents' ability to focus on the needs of the child
• The parents' separate abilities to be involved with the child's schooling or activities outside of school

If a parent of third party can show a substantial change in any of the factors stated above, a child custody order may have the chance of being modified in court, so long as any changes are in the best interest of the child. Child support is also a factor that may later be altered.

Generally when children are over the age of 12, a court may deem them old enough and stable enough for their wishes to be at least considered in court; however, many other factors come into play as well.

Contact Thompson Law, P.A. for child custody or child support help from a lawyer that will personally get to know you and your family's situation. Request a free consultation by calling (386) 463-4LAW (4529).