Below are some frequently asked questions about child custody in Florida and how time-sharing matters are decided in Florida.
Divorce is an unfortunate part of life. It can be an emotionally and financially taxing life event, even more so when children are involved. I counsel and advocate for my clients throughout the decoupling process in order to help make their lives less stressful and achieve the results they seek.
I previously worked with Pinellas Family Lawyer and had the opportunity to work directly with Kathryn and Abigail on a daily basis. I have a great deal of respect for both of them, not just as attorneys but as people. They care deeply about their clients and approach family law with professionalism, empathy, and integrity. I would confidently recommend either of them to anyone looking for a family law attorney.
Attorney Collier was tremendously helpful and knowledgeable. She definitely saved me extra steps and explained the process thoroughly. Totally recommend.
I had an excellent experience working with Abbey Walters at Pinellas Family Law. She was communicative, professional, and made things feel far less overwhelming during a very stressful situation. She explained things clearly, was organized, and I always felt like she genuinely cared about my case and my peace of mind. I’d absolutely recommend her to anyone who needs family law support in Pinellas County.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words and positive review!
I am so happy I chose Pinellas Family Law to represent me in my case. Abigale Walters made everything smooth and easy. I highly recommend choosing this law firm to represent you in whatever situation you may need legal representation for.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review!
Attorney Kathryn Collier - Her professionalism, knowledge and dedication to her clients are truly impressive. She took the time to understand my situation and offered valuable advice. I'm grateful for her expertise and appreciate the time she took to assist me. Highly recommend! Thank you
As much as it pains me to admit, I wish I had found Katherine before my ex-husband did. I lost my modification of final judgment, but I can honestly say Katherine handled the case with class, composure, and deep insight. She truly knows her stuff.
What stood out most was not just Katherine’s expertise but also the professionalism and support shown by her legal aid, Ashley. Together, they were a steady, reliable team who provided clear guidance and an impressive level of preparation throughout the process.
Even though I love my own lawyer, I can say without hesitation that in an alternate universe, I absolutely would have chosen Katherine and her team at Pinellas Family Lawyer. They are truly remarkable advocates.
Extremely professional, as well as understanding a will to go in deal if unsure of certain things regarding documents or other things. Ashley explained things in detail an it’s very helpful.
Kathryn Collier is my attorney. She has helped me tremendously through a horrible experience. I have a ex that has tried for years to take me down. Causing damage to our children growing up. Never has tried to co parent and everything he does he turns around and makes it look like I’ve done that bad thing and then cries victim. I have reached a level of peace in my life and have a wonderful and amazing relationship with my daughter. She should grow up and be more than just an overnight and a number. She shouldn’t have to choose between her parents. Kathryn helped me choose a path that has made my daughter’s plans to become more independent possible and a parenting plan that works for both parties. she helped me and made sure my nerves were calm and made sure I understood everything before moving forward. She always made sure I was a priority. I couldn’t ask for anyone better. Patient, kind and so smart. She will forever be my go to if needed in the future.
My name is Frank R. and Pinellas family lawyer handled my case within family court and did an outstanding job. Kathryn was my main lawyer but the entire firm assisted in every way possible to support me and my case. Kathryn helped me get the results that I deserved and needed. My case involved many moving pieces and throughout it all they help me get my children and it's the greatest gift I've ever received. This team helped me get my family and that's priceless. Thank you to the entire team at Pinellas family lawyer. I wouldn't go to any other lawyer.
Kathryn gave me great representation concerning my case. She was very professional and easily accessible. I highly recommend her and staff for any legal representation you may have.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words and recommendation!
Catherine was amazing. She gave me so much advice and helped guide me in the right direction. I was completely lost and scared till I spoke with her. I now feel comfortable going through this process.
Response from the owner:Thanks Brian! Glad we could help.
Attorney Boyd and Attorney Collier are two of the most dedicated and professional family lawyers in Pinellas County. They will treat your case like their own and I would recommend them to anyone in need of family lawyers.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review!
I have come to know Roland Boyd and Kathryn Collier as professional colleagues and I can say that both are very intelligent and great lawyers. When someone asks me about a family law question, I have no hesitation to recommend that they consult with Roland, Kathryn, and Pinellas Family Lawyer!
I greatly appreciate all that Kathryn and her top notch team did to complete a rather unusual issue for me that started a very long time ago. Kathryn has a cool head, is very knowledgeable, and has a great staff. Debby and Shana were both available almost immediately whenever I had questions, and they were extremely friendly and a delight to work with. I highly recommend Kathryn's services to anyone in need of legal representation, and intend to return to her for my future needs. Robyn Porter
Roland and his team of lawyers provided exceptional legal services. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking reliable and knowledgeable legal representation.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the recommendation!
The lawyers here were very attentive and reassuring. They handled my issue every step of the way and I was very happy with the outcome. Would definitely recommend this lawyer!
Response from the owner:Happy we were able to help. Thank you for the recommendation!
I greatly appreciate all that Kathryn and her team did to get me through a difficult time (divorce). Her knowledge, friendliness, support and availability were impressive, I made the right choice and I recommend her services to anyone in need of legal representation. Peter Vlastaras
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words!
I reached out to PFL for a legal name change, and Kathryn Collier represented me. She was absolutely amazing in seeing that my name change was done right, and not only that she saw to it that I got it done within a certain time line, due to getting married soon, and needing everything processed and done, in order to have all I need for a marriage license. Her team is the absolute best including Shana, and Debbie being there for me anytime I had a question about the process. Thank you PFL, and anyone that needs representation I highly recommend you see them!. Thank you! Craig Breezy
Child Custody Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about child custody in Florida and how time-sharing matters are decided in Florida.
How is child custody determined in Florida?
The term “custody” does not appear in most Florida family law statutes, however a mother of a child born out of wedlock has sole custody of the child until the father has acknowledged paternity with the mother’s consent or until there is a court order stating the father is the legal father of the child. If the parents are married, both parents share custody unless there is a court ordered time-sharing plan in place.
Can a parenting plan be modified in Florida?
Yes. A parent may petition to modify the parenting plan if there has been a material, unanticipated, substantial change in circumstances since the time of the currently ordered parenting plan and the modification is found to be in the best interest of the child(ren).
What is joint custody vs. sole custody?
There is no longer joint custody or sole custody in Florida. Instead terms may include “majority time-sharing” or “equal time-sharing.” Both parents typically share custody, but the child custody arrangement is spelled out by a parenting plan or time-sharing agreement. These agreements can either be agreed upon by the parents or ordered by the court during a divorce or paternity case.
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan is a document that acts as a guide for how the parents duties will be delegated after separation, which parent is responsible for which aspect of the child’s life, and it lays out the time-sharing arrangement between the parents including holiday schedules. Parenting plans include considerations such as extra-curricular activities, schooling decisions, child care providers, contact between parents, communications between the child and parents, and traveling out of the state or country. A parenting plan is established in all paternity and dissolution of marriage cases in Florida involving minor children.
How long does it take for child custody cases to be decided in Florida?
During a divorce or paternity suit, a time-sharing schedule may be decided on a temporary basis until the final hearing, at which point a final custody schedule will be put into place. The amount of time it takes for a divorce or paternity suit to be over is dependent on how quickly a hearing can be scheduled and whether the parents are able to reach an agreement easily. If parents mostly agree, a case may only last a few months or if parents cannot see eye to eye, they may litigate a child custody case for a year or longer.
What if parents cannot agree on a parenting plan?
If parents cannot come to an agreement on their own, or through mediation, the court will order an appropriate parenting plan based on the best interest factors laid out in Florida Statute 61.13. It is always best to work together to reach an agreement, but a divorce and child custody lawyer may be needed to assist you in getting the time-sharing plan you feel is best for your child if you cannot agree with your ex.
If both parents share custody, who pays child support?
Child support is calculated using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet laid out in Florida Statutes. The guidelines are based on the parties income, percentage of overnights spent with each parent, health insurance, daycare costs, and other uncovered medical expenses. Typically, the more time-sharing one parent has, the less child support that parent will have to pay. A family law attorney can explain how your proposed parenting plan can affect your child support obligation.
Can I refuse to allow visitation if my ex has not paid child support?
No. A parent may not prevent the parent who is failing to pay child support from their court ordered visitation schedule. If a parent refuses to honor the time-sharing agreement laid out in their parenting plan, the other parent may be entitled to additional time-sharing to make up for the missed time with the child as well as additional sanctions if the judge deems necessary.
How can I increase my chances of getting more time-sharing with my child after separation?
Call us today if you are contemplating divorce, have already been served with dissolution paperwork, or need help settling paternity or child custody disputes.
