Harbour Heights Florida Custody Lawyers and Harbour Heights Divorce Attorneys
How can a Harbour Heights Florida family law attorney assist with child custody in Harbour Heights and divorce actions?
Divorcing parties may feel a dramatic loss of control over their lives when going through a divorce in Harbour Heights FL, as it is a major life change with multiple moving components, that can negatively impact future stability if not handled properly. It is wise to consult with an experienced family law attorney in Harbour Heights FL who can address questions regarding hurdles that may arise, including harmful impacts to finances, property division, and emotional matters involving children. A family law lawyer may provide divorcing parties a timeline for a quick and painless resolution to this life event.
Divorce Attorneys inHarbour Heights Florida .
Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that married parties do not have to provide proof that either spouse did something wrong to cause the divorce. At least one of the spouses must be willing to admit the marriage is irretrievably broken, they must provide proof of the marriage, and either one, or both spouses must be a resident of Florida for six months prior to the filing date. Fort Myers divorce petitions are filed in the Circuit Court of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit for Lee County, State of Florida. A Harbour Heights Florida divorce lawyer can advise parties and deal with courts to make legal actions less volatile.
Divorce action types in Lee County, 20th Judicial Circuit include:
- Simplified dissolution of marriage – Same day divorce is possible when both parties agree that the marriage cannot be saved, at least one of the parties has been a resident of Lee County for six months, property division and financial obligations have been handled, there are no minor children, or a pending pregnancy from the marriage, no alimony is sought after, and both parties are giving up the right to trial, or appeal on the matter. A Harbour Heights Florida divorce attorney may not be required in simplified actions, but their advice may prove beneficial.
- Dissolution of marriage with dependent children – A parent education and family stabilization course must be attended by divorcing parties with a certification filed in court, the marriage must be irretrievably broken, and there must be a child, or a pending pregnancy resulting from the marriage, and one of the parties must be a resident of Lee County for six months. A Harbour Heights FL custody lawyer can advise on the family certification requirements.
- Dissolution of marriage with no children – Both parties have marital assets and liabilities but there are no minor children, or a pending pregnancy, and one of the parties must be a resident of Lee County for six months.
- Dissolution of marriage with no children or property – Both parties have no marital assets or liabilities, no minor dependents, or a pending pregnancy, and one of the parties must reside in Lee County for six months.
Child custody in Harbour Heights Florida.
There is no preference made to either of a child’s parents under Florida child custody law, as both have shared parental responsibility for the children. Deviations of shared responsibility occur if there is some concern of harm, or unsuitable living circumstances, when the court may rule otherwise. Legal battles involving child custody are best addressed with an experienced family law attorney in Harbour Heights Florida, as the outcomes can be devastating for parents and children alike.
- Physical custody – custody that is in the best interests of the child taking into consideration a multitude of factors such as age, parental preference, mental and physical health of parents, child’s community, school, and home environment; parental history of violence; relationship with child and moral standing.
- Parental plan – a schedule decided upon in advance when shared custody is agreed upon and ordered by the court. A visitation schedule is usually suggested by both parents, agreed upon and ordered by the court to address the parental visitation formalities. This visitation schedule is often made a formal part of the settlement agreement.
- Marital settlement agreement – a formal agreement between the divorcing parties spelling out agreed upon terms regarding finances, dependent care, shared visitation, and expenses.
Shared parenting.
When parents share custody of a child, whether they are unmarried, or pending a divorce action in the State of Florida, decisions must be made regarding time afforded to each parent. Since this can be emotional, the services of aHarbour Heights FL child custody lawyer may be necessary for swift resolution. Custody actions address a child, or children’s daily routine, living space(s), emotional health, education, vacation schedules and extracurricular activities.
Parent education/stabilization.
Florida courts encourage an amicable timesharing schedule between parents, mandating a parent education and family stabilization course to be attended by both parties of the marriage before a divorce can be finalized. A {city} FL custody lawyer can best explain the purpose of the course that will encourage positive behaviors and actions that will facilitate the children’s unbiased outlook of each one of their parents.
Timesharing.
The timesharing schedule will be decided by the court in the best interests of the children, if parents cannot agree and an experienced attorney can assist parents to “work together” to streamline this process.
Financial matters.
- Alimony – financial support to a divorced party from their former spouse, usually the main financial provider of the marriage, by order of the court to maintain stability for the non-working spouse.
- Child support – financial support based on parent income; childcare, and insurance costs considering overnights each parent spends with the child. A Harbour Heights FL child support attorney can go over the Child Support Guidelines that must be completed and attached to final agreements.
- Distribution of marital assets/liabilities – distributing the assets and liabilities between the parties to the divorce as directed by the court.
- Emergency support – financial support for separated spouses before the divorce can be finalized on spousal/child support matters.
Settlement agreement.
A formal settlement agreement, drafted by an experienced family law attorney at the Law Offices of Michael Raheb, may diffuse the emotional, financial, and family upheaval associated with divorce and child custody actions.
The Law Offices of
Michael M. Raheb, P.A.
2423 First Street,
Fort Myers FL 33901
Office: 239-226-0888
Fax Number: 866-949-0888
Sources:
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/61.021
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/61.075
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/61.122
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/61.13