Child Custody

West Palm Beach Child Custody Lawyers

Children’s issues are some of the most challenging in family law. Our approach starts with the purpose of protecting the children in divorce, separation, and paternity who often have little understanding of these matters.

Vulnerable, impressionable children are easily adversely affected by the tensions and hostilities that can accompany contentious divorce. At Beebe Law, we bring a sensitivity to these matters that is meant to spare children as much as possible from emotional turmoil. Our role is to protect parental rights while ensuring the child’s best interests are at the heart of the legal process.

When facing child custody matters, whether in a pending divorce or post-divorce dispute, you can rely on the expertise and experience of our Florida Marital and Family Law Specialist, Attorney Abigail Beebe. She and her team understand the high stakes, the emotional impact, and other challenges in navigating this matter in the Florida family court system.

Request a consultation with a West Palm Beach child custody attorney by contacting us online or at (561) 677-9147.

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You're Our Priority

At Beebe Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"Excellent Experience"
Abigail Beebe and her legal team were very professional throughout the course of my divorce. Abigail and her team responded in a timely manner, and I was not billed unnecessarily. Most importantly, I was extremely satisfied with the results!

- Edgar M.
"Exceptional Work"
Abby and her great staff helped me through a very difficult divorce. Her advice and work are exceptional. I highly recommend her firm.

- Former Client
"They Saved My Life"
Abigail Beebe saved my life literally! They are very knowledgeable In Domestic Violence and custody law. They listened to my needs and went to bat for me, I highly recommend to anyone who may be going through a difficult divorce.

- Carly S.
"She is Excellent"
I am very blessed to have Abby and her staff on my side. I could write on and on but not much more is needed other than she is EXCELLENT.

- Former Client
"Caring & Proficient"
Abigail Beebe is a very caring, proficient attorney. She will guide you and advise you no matter how difficult your family issues may be. My family is very appreciative of her kindness and professionalism.

- Former Client
"Great Experience"
She handled my case professionally and with my interests and best options in mind. Promptly responded to questions and made sure I understood what to expect during the whole divorce process.

- Former Client

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Child Custody & Visitation in Florida

In Florida law, child custody is referred to as "timesharing." This terminology reflects the shift away from the idea of “possession” of a child to emphasize that parents are equally entitled to spend quality time with their child.

However, timesharing often remains a contentious issue in divorce proceedings because of its emotional weight. It often represents a battle over who gets more time and decision-making power in the child's upbringing, and the outcome can significantly impact a child’s and a parent’s life.

Two types of timesharing rights and responsibilities can be awarded in Florida:

Legal. This gives parents the right to make decisions concerning a child’s welfare, including their education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and other major matters.
Physical. This determines where a child lives and how much time they spend in each parent’s household.

Florida courts favor joint legal and physical timesharing rights in the belief that children do best with a continuous and meaningful relationship with both parents after a divorce or separation. Only in cases where it is determined that joint custody would not be in a child’s best interests would courts deny or limit it. This generally only occurs when a history of domestic violence, child neglect or abuse, or chronic parental substance abuse on the part of a parent has been demonstrated.

Parenting Plans

Parenting Plans are comprehensive, written agreements between parents outlining how they will co-parent their child or children following a divorce or separation. They set forth how both parents will share and divide their responsibilities.

This includes but is not limited to daily tasks associated with child-rearing, healthcare provisions, school functions, and the timesharing schedule. This schedule may vary depending on the family's unique circumstances but generally includes weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school break provisions.

For instance, it may detail which parent will have the child on different days of the week, how weekends will be divided or rotated, and how the child will spend their school holidays, summer vacations, and special occasions like birthdays or religious events.

Some plans may also account for transportation arrangements, detailing how the child will be transferred between the parents' residences. The primary goal of such a schedule is to ensure predictability and stability in the child's life while allowing them to maintain a close and meaningful relationship with both parents.

Essentially, the Parenting Plan serves as a roadmap for the parents, detailing how they will navigate their roles, responsibilities, and schedules in their child’s best interests.

How Courts Determine Timesharing

Parents are encouraged to devise their own Parenting Plan, after which they can submit to the court for approval.

If you and your spouse cannot agree on timesharing, the court may order you to participate in mediation. Should that fail, it will be up to the court to determine this issue. Courts will look at many factors, from each parent’s history and capacity to take on these responsibilities to their willingness to co-parent, the proximity of their households, their work schedules, moral fitness, and more.

Beebe Law: Providing High-Quality Family Law Representation in Florida

In matters as significant as timesharing, you will want to ensure that your case receives the care and attention it deserves. Our attorneys understand the emotional and legal complexities of child-related matters, from custody to child support, modifications or enforcement of current child-related court orders, paternity matters, and more.

We do everything possible to help you achieve your desired results while considering the court’s standard of the child’s best interests.

Reach us on our contact page or call (561) 677-9147 for legal help today.

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