This is the first post in a series of articles which will address the commonly asked question of “when do child custody agreements end?” I consider this an important topic to address due to the fact that parents are sometimes under misperceptions as to the duration of a custody order. This is why I have previously addressed topics such as whether there is an age when Florida children can stop visitation. Commonly held misperceptions can lead to conflict between the parents. This conflict, in turn, can lead to unnecessary litigation. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will help people to understand the nature of their child custody order. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of an attorney. If you need assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I will be addressing several topics over my coming articles. These topics will include the following:
- The fact that child custody orders are in effect until a child is eighteen years old or becomes emancipated
- The lasting requirement to pay child support
- The lasting requirement of child visitation
- A discussion on how to deal with a child who is refusing visitation
There are several points which I will be making over the course of this series. First, like in other states, Florida’s child custody orders last until the youth is eighteen or legally declared as emancipated. This means that requirements such as visitation, support, and the need to provide medical care last until that time. There is no age, prior to the end of the order, at which a child automatically gets to choose which parent they will live with or how they will spend their time. Also, the requirement to pay child support will continue during the duration of the order even if the paying party is no longer in contact with the child. Finally, while a custody order may technically be in effect, many parents struggle with getting a teenage child to follow through with visitation. If necessary, the Court will become involved in such a situation.
An important point that I will be making throughout this series is that one should speak with an attorney as soon as possible if they are involved in a family law dispute. Engaging in self-help, or continuous arguing with your ex, will often hurt a case more than it will help it. Having counsel allows you to ensure that, instead, you are following the correct legal channels. I am a Melbourne child custody lawyer whose practice is solely devoted to family law. I understand that this is a serious time in your life and my firm will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an initial consultation. We also service clients in the Brevard County cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.