Child Custody Lawyer Serving Orlando

Protect Your Family's Future - Contact Us Today At (407) 501-4052

As a parent, nothing is more important to you than the safety and well-being of your child. At Richard A. Heller, P.A., we understand this concern. That's why we want to help you ensure that your parental rights are protected and your child's interests are safeguarded throughout the divorce process. When it comes to child custody, the law can be extremely complex. As such, we strongly advise you to retain our immediate representation. We can provide you with the personalized legal solutions that you need and the supportive assistance that you deserve.

Hire a dedicated Orlando child custody lawyer from our firm who can effectively defend your case, your rights, and your child's future. Our firm has been handling divorce and family law cases in Greater Orlando since 1986 and understand Florida law when it comes to these situations. We know what it takes to help you effectively pursue the future that you need for your child.

Child Custody Law in Florida

In Florida, the court is most interested in the "best interest of the child." This is the determining standard for child custody cases. While a number of different factors will play into the judge's final decision, whenever possible, both parents will be involved in the child's upbringing to some degree. Sole custody is sometimes granted, but it is only considered as a last resort. If you have reason to believe that your child's safety and best interests would be compromised should his or her other parent be rewarded legal or physical custody, then it is crucial that you tell your lawyer about your concerns.

The two different kinds of custody are as follows:

• Legal custody (called "Parental Responsibility" in Florida) – responsibility for making decisions regarding school, healthcare, etc.
• Physical custody (called "Time-sharing" in Florida") – where the child will be physically present, whether sole or shared parenting.

Modifications to Child Custody

While it is certainly helpful to have a specific parenting plan in place, sometimes these need to be altered to accommodate significant changes in the parents' and children's lives. In order to modify the current agreement, you will need to show substantial change in circumstances, and the judge will have to make this finding and change the agreement or order. Our family lawyers know what it takes to achieve results, as we have helped numerous couples obtain the modifications that they needed in the past. We can work to do the same for you.