This article begins a discussion on how child custody is handled in situations where married Melbourne, Florida parents are seeking a divorce. I consider it important to address this topic due to the fact that having children can greatly complicate the process of ending a marriage. It is common for individuals to be unsure of what rights they do and do not have in such instances. I am writing this series, therefore, with the goal of providing information which will help people to better understand their situation. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of a family law attorney. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I will be addressing several topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will be analyzing include the following:
- How Florida law handles the rights of married parents
- What to expect at the beginning of the process
- How custody and child support impacts other aspects of the divorce proceedings
- How to proceed after the case has been completed
I have chosen to address these particular topics for multiple reasons. First, Florida is like most other states in that it considers the rights of married parents to be equal. This can create problems, however, if the parents are not on the same page. This is why obtaining an initial custody order, early in the proceedings, can be vital. Second, it is important to understand what to expect from the initial proceedings (including the process of obtaining the initial order). Third, the issues of custody and the divorce will be considered intertwined. The division of marital property and the payment of child support, for example, can have an influence on how much the Court will award in alimony. Finally, parents must understand how to proceed after the case has been completed or they may wind up back in Court.
A key point I will be making in each of these articles is that married parents should retain an attorney as soon as possible if they are considering ending their marriage. Mishandling the matter can lead to issues which may well have to be litigated in the future. By handling all issues correctly, from the outset, one can improve the chances of post-divorce life going more smoothly. I am a Melbourne divorce and custody lawyer who is able to assist with such matters. I understand the importance of such cases and my office will give your matter the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone for an initial consultation. We also serve those in 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.