Attorneys in Boca Raton Handling Divorces With Children

Unless there is a court order to the contrary, parents are responsible for caring for their children. This is why a divorce between parents of children under the age of 18 involves those children by definition. Specifically, when divorcing parties have minor children, their divorce decree must include orders for custody and support of those children.

The Best Interests Of The Children

The top priority of the court in a divorce with children is the best interests of the children. A family law judge will take into account parental rights and preservation of parent-child relationships, as well as parental responsibilities. Neither parent should be left out of the equation unless there is compelling evidence of abandonment or of that parent’s unfitness.

Custody

A child custody order should include information about when children will be cared for by each parent. Such arrangements have been known as “visitation,” “parenting time” and most recently in Florida, “time sharing.” Parents may agree on and propose a parenting plan or the court will devise one.

Support

Once time sharing of children is determined, child support can be calculated to account for the amount of time the children will spend with each parent. Each parent’s income and financial needs are also taken into consideration. If there is a reason to deviate from the state child support calculator, a parent can present arguments to that end based on:

• A child’s special needs (such as a need for therapy or special education)
• A parent’s hardships (such as a disability or chronic unemployment)
• Any extraordinary financial factors such as a child’s independent source of income or a parent’s significant assets

Modifications And Enforcement Of Custody And Support Orders

Attorneys at FurrCohen, P.A. can advise and represent you in petitions to family court to modify a child custody or child support order. We can also help you pursue enforcement by various means if the other parent does not comply with a child-related order contained in a divorce decree.

Contact The Boca Raton Child Custody Attorneys Of FurrCohen, P.A.

Whatever concerns you have regarding your divorce and your minor children, whether before or after the divorce, FurrCohen, P.A. is available to educate you on the relevant laws and advocate on your behalf as needed. The same is true for unmarried parents with regard to child custody or child support orders.

Please contact our Boca Raton, Fl office to speak with our family law lawyers, call 561-395-0500 or contact us online.