Escambia County Fathers' Rights Lawyer
If you are facing child support, custody and visitation issues as the result of divorce or the end of an unmarried relationship, it can help to have a lawyer who understands the law that is unique to your case and who can handle the negotiations for you. Children should be allowed to be children and not be exposed to disputes between their parents.
At The Burns Law Firm in Pensacola, Florida, our goal is to help parents preserve their relationships with their children. We represent mothers and fathers in custody and support cases in northern Florida and southern Alabama.
How is Child Custody and Visitation Determined?
You and your spouse can negotiate a child custody and visitation arrangement that meets the needs of your children and your schedules as parents. If you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement, the court will decide based on what it perceives to be the best interests of the children.
While it's not unusual for a parent to want "sole custody" of children, sole custody is granted only if there are serious parenting issues such as abuse, neglect or child endangerment. In the vast majority of cases, you and your ex will share custody of children.
How is Child Support Determined?
In both Florida and Alabama, child support is based on a formula that considers factors such as the incomes of both parents, the number of children supported and the number of overnight visits you have with your children each year. If you have special circumstances (such as a child with special needs), the court can deviate from the formula.
How Are Child Custody, Visitation and Support Calculated for Unmarried Parents?
Child support, child custody and visitation are determined the same way for unmarried parents as they are for married parents who divorce. However, paternity must be established before a father's support obligations or child custody and visitation rights can be determined.
Learn more about modifications to custody and support orders.
