Child Custody Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Name: Child Custody
Brand: O’Mara Law Group
Rating: 4.5 (71 reviews)

If you need to develop a child custody agreement or modify a parenting plan, we are here to help. The child custody lawyers in Orlando at O’Mara Law Group are experienced legal professionals with credentials specific to family law and mediation. Along with the legal knowledge, skill, and professionalism they have developed, O’Mara’s family law attorneys in Orlando represent clients with compassion and sensitivity.

Child Custody Overview

Needing a Lawyer Parenting Plan Time-Sharing Agreements Important Factors Children Choosing Where to Live Cost of Lawyer Not Following Custody Orders Why Choose O'Mara Law Group FAQs

Protecting Your Child’s Future

In the aftermath of divorce or separation, many parents struggle to make the transition easier on their children. Florida child custody laws require separating spouses to establish a parenting plan covering decision-making responsibilities and each parent’s time with the child. During the stress and confusion that often accompany the end of a marriage, you might understandably need legal assistance to develop a plan that best serves your child’s needs. Our legal team is here to help. The Orlando child custody lawyers at O’Mara Law Group have the skills and experience to help you sort things out after a divorce. Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation.

Do I Need a Child Custody Lawyer?

Parents face many challenges when making choices about their children’s welfare during a divorce or separation. An Orlando child custody lawyer will:

Help you understand child custody options, including where the children live, visitation rights, and making decisions about health care, education, and other important matters
Negotiate and advocate for your interests in parenting plans
Represent your interests at trial if necessary

Our Orlando child custody attorney brings high-level knowledge and experience in Florida’s legal processes and can protect your rights. An experienced lawyer will navigate complex child custody issues, including relocation, parental alienation, remarriage, changes to parenting agreements, and enforcement of custody orders.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan details how parents will raise and make decisions about their children. According to Florida law, at a minimum, a parenting plan must:

Describe how parents will share the daily tasks of the child’s upbringing
Includes a parental time-sharing agreement
Describe how parents will communicate with the child, including methods and technologies
Designate parental responsibility for health care, school matters, and other activities

The Florida legal system prefers that parents develop a parenting plan outside of court, but an attorney will help you form the details. Mediation or utilizing a parenting plan coordinator are other options if parents can’t agree. In all cases, a lawyer can provide legal advice and guidance.

A time-sharing agreement specifies when children will be with each parent. A time-sharing schedule is part of a parenting plan and states when the child will be with which parent during:

Holidays, such as Memorial Day, July 4, religious or cultural observances
Winter, spring, and summer break
Weekdays
Weekends

The time-sharing agreement also specifies the number of overnights allotted to each parent. The details of a time-sharing agreement can depend on whether you seek full custody or joint custody with the other parent. An Orlando child custody lawyer can help you consider what you might expect or want out of a time-sharing agreement with your child’s other parent.

Important Factors in Orlando Child Custody Cases

In Florida child custody cases, the child’s welfare and best interests are the critical factors. The family court considers many factors when deciding to approve, enforce, or vary a parenting plan. Some things the court examines include:

Each parent’s ability to honor the parenting plan and to encourage the child’s continued relationship with the other parent
Each parent’s ability or intent to act in the child’s best interest
The amount of time the child has lived in a stable environment
The mental and physical health of each parent
Each parent’s ability to give the child a proper routine
Evidence of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or whether either parent provided false information to the court about these issues
Each parent’s role in caregiving for the child before the divorce or separation
The ability of each parent to meet a child’s specific needs

These factors are among those the court will evaluate, and it may also assess other factors.

Real Client Testimonial

Mark is the most kind and honest human you will meet when you are in the worst situations. I highly recommend him!

M.M.

Get the Legal Help You Need Now.

three people around a table looking at a book and documents

Can My Children Choose Where They Will Live?

If the court finds that a child is mature enough to understand and express those preferences, it might consider them. However, children are not always aware of all the factors that contribute to their best interests, and their preferences will be weighed against other factors when determining custody.

How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost?

The cost depends on the time a lawyer spends on your case. Resolving issues out of court often takes less time and money. Sometimes, you can petition the court to have the other parent pay your legal fees.

What if My Ex Fails to Follow Custody Orders?

You have a few options. You can ask an Orlando child custody attorney to send a letter requesting your ex to comply with the order. If this does not work, you might consider mediation. If this fails, you can take your ex to court and ask a judge to enforce the order.

Why Choose the Child Custody Attorneys at O'Mara Law Group in Orlando, FL?

Child custody matters can be emotionally challenging and may involve important decisions about parental responsibility, time-sharing, and your child’s future. Understanding Florida’s custody laws and navigating the legal process without guidance can be overwhelming. The experienced attorneys at O'Mara Law Group provide personalized legal guidance and strong advocacy for parents facing difficult custody disputes. Our award-winning child custody attorneys in Orlando bring decades of combined experience handling complex family law matters, including:

Mark O'Mara, founding partner, is one of the few attorneys in Florida board-certified in Criminal Trial Law and Marital and Family Law. He is also certified in Collaborative Law and serves as a Florida Supreme Court-Certified Family Mediator and Circuit Civil Mediator.
We have been recognized as Super Lawyers and Top 100 Trial Lawyers for our client-focused approach and dedication to excellent service.

Whenever possible, we pursue non-adversarial, collaborative strategies to reduce conflict and costs while protecting your parental rights and your child’s best interests. Contact the child custody attorney at O'Mara Law Group today to schedule a consultation and get the guidance you need to navigate your custody matter with confidence.

Child Custody

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to the most common questions O’Mara Law Group clients ask about child custody.

Can I relocate with my child?

If you want to relocate more than 50 miles from the other parent, you must reach a formal written agreement with the other parent or ask the court to approve the relocation plan.

Can custody agreements be modified?

Yes. You can seek a custody modification through the court. An Orlando child custody lawyer will walk you through the steps.

How can I get full custody of my child?

You can work with an Orlando child custody attorney to seek full custody of your child. Full custody means you have sole decision-making power for your child, who only lives with you. Such an arrangement is rare in Florida, but it may be the right choice in some cases.