The well-being of your children is paramount, and ensuring their best interests are protected is essential. Navigating the complexities of child custody and support can be one of the most emotionally charged and challenging aspects of a separation or divorce. At the Law Office of Adriana P. Santiesteban, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and effective legal representation for parents facing child custody and support matters in Miami. Attorney Santiesteban is committed to guiding you through every step of the process, advocating for your rights, and working toward a resolution that serves the best interests of your children.
Our Miami law firm understands that each family situation is unique, requiring personalized attention and tailored strategies. Whether you are negotiating custody arrangements, establishing child support, or seeking modifications to existing orders, we are here to support you with professionalism and care.
Understanding Child Custody and Support in Florida
Florida law focuses on the best interests of the child when determining custody (referred to as “parental responsibility” and “time-sharing”) and support arrangements. Understanding the legal framework and factors considered by the court can help you navigate these matters more effectively.
Parental Responsibility and Time-Sharing
- Parental Responsibility: Refers to the authority to make significant decisions regarding the child’s welfare, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
- Shared Parental Responsibility: Both parents retain full parental rights and responsibilities, jointly making decisions.
- Sole Parental Responsibility: One parent has the right to make decisions without input from the other parent, granted in cases where shared responsibility would be detrimental to the child.
- Time-Sharing: Pertains to the schedule that determines when the child spends time with each parent.
- Parenting Plan: A detailed agreement outlining time-sharing schedules, holiday arrangements, communication methods, and other parenting provisions.
Child Support
- Purpose: To ensure that both parents contribute financially to the child’s upbringing, covering necessities such as food, housing, education, and healthcare.
- Calculation: Based on Florida’s Child Support Guidelines, considering factors like each parent’s income, the number of children, daycare costs, health insurance expenses, and the time each parent spends with the child.
Our Legal Services in Child Custody and Support
At the Law Office of Adriana P. Santiesteban, we offer comprehensive legal services to address all aspects of child custody and support.
Initial Consultation and Case Assessment
- Personalized Evaluation: Understanding your family situation, concerns, and objectives.
- Legal Guidance: Explaining your rights and options under Florida law.
- Strategic Planning: Developing a customized approach tailored to your needs.
Parenting Plan Development
- Collaborative Planning: Assisting in creating a detailed parenting plan that serves the best interests of your child.
- Negotiation and Mediation: Facilitating discussions to reach mutually acceptable agreements on parental responsibility and time-sharing.
- Court Approval: Ensuring the parenting plan meets legal requirements and is approved by the court.
Child Support Establishment
- Guidelines Calculation: Accurately calculating support obligations based on state guidelines.
- Income Assessment: Evaluating all sources of income for both parents.
- Deviation Requests: Advocating for adjustments to guideline amounts when justified by special circumstances.
Modification and Enforcement
- Order Modifications: Assisting with changes to custody or support orders due to significant life changes, such as relocation, job loss, or changes in the child’s needs.
- Enforcement Actions: Addressing non-compliance with court orders, including pursuing contempt actions or wage garnishment for unpaid support.
Relocation Issues
- Relocation Petitions: Guiding you through the legal process if you wish to relocate with your child more than 50 miles away.
- Objection Defense: Representing you if you oppose the other parent’s relocation request.
- Best Interests Advocacy: Presenting evidence to support how relocation or preventing it serves the child’s best interests.
Paternity Actions
- Establishing Paternity: Assisting unmarried parents in legally establishing paternity to secure parental rights and support obligations.
- Parental Rights and Responsibilities: Advising on the implications of paternity on custody, time-sharing, and support.
Our Approach
Child-Centered and Compassionate Representation
We recognize that child custody and support matters are deeply personal and can significantly impact your family dynamics. Our approach focuses on:
- Empathy and Understanding: Providing a supportive environment where you feel heard and respected.
- Transparent Communication: Keeping you informed at every stage and explaining legal procedures clearly.
- Customized Strategies: Tailoring our legal services to meet your specific needs and goals.
- Best Interests Focus: Prioritizing the welfare and needs of your children in all decisions.
Professionalism and Integrity
- Ethical Standards: Upholding the highest levels of professionalism and integrity.
- Commitment to Excellence: Utilizing our legal expertise to achieve the best possible outcomes for you and your children.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulously preparing your case to ensure all aspects are thoroughly addressed.
Why Choose the Law Office of Adriana P. Santiesteban
- Experienced Child Custody and Support Lawyer: Attorney Santiesteban has extensive experience handling a wide range of family law cases, with a focus on child-related matters.
- Dedicated Service: We limit our caseload to provide personalized attention and dedication to each client.
- Bilingual Support: Fluent in English and Spanish, we are equipped to serve Miami’s diverse community effectively.
- Accessible and Responsive: We prioritize prompt communication and are available to address your concerns throughout the process.
- Positive Client Outcomes: Our commitment to client success is reflected in the favorable results we’ve achieved.
Contact Us
Protect Your Rights and Your Children’s Future
If you’re facing child custody or support issues, the Law Office of Adriana P. Santiesteban is here to help. Contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and learn how we can assist you in navigating these critical matters.
Phone: (786) 360-2122
Cell: (305) 202-4171
Fax: (305) 735-7663
Email: Adriana@Attorneyaps.com
Address: 11890 SW 8th Street, Suite 406, Miami, FL 33184
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How is child custody determined in Florida?
A: Florida courts determine child custody based on the best interests of the child. Factors considered include each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, the moral fitness of the parents, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the willingness of each parent to facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent.
Q: What is a parenting plan, and is it required?
A: A parenting plan is a document that outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time with their child. It includes details on time-sharing schedules, decision-making authority, and communication methods. Florida law requires a parenting plan in all cases involving minor children.
Q: How is child support calculated in Florida?
A: Child support is calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents’ net incomes, the number of children, health insurance costs, daycare expenses, and the amount of overnight stays each parent has with the child.
Q: Can child support orders be modified?
A: Yes, child support orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, changes in the child’s needs, or changes in the time-sharing arrangement.
Q: What if the other parent is not following the custody or support order?
A: We can assist you in enforcing court orders through legal actions such as contempt proceedings, which may result in penalties for non-compliance, including fines or jail time.
Q: Can I relocate with my child after a custody order is in place?
A: Relocation (moving more than 50 miles away) requires either the written consent of the other parent or court approval. The court will consider whether the move is in the best interests of the child.
Q: What rights do unmarried parents have regarding custody and support?
A: Unmarried parents have rights similar to married parents, but paternity must be legally established to secure parental rights and responsibilities. We can assist with paternity actions to establish these rights.
Q: How does domestic violence affect child custody decisions?
A: A history of domestic violence is a significant factor the court considers when determining custody and visitation arrangements. The court’s priority is to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
Q: Do grandparents have visitation rights in Florida?
A: Under certain circumstances, grandparents may petition the court for visitation rights, especially if it serves the best interests of the child and specific legal criteria are met.
Q: How do I get started with addressing child custody or support issues?
A: Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation. We’ll discuss your situation, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps.
You don't have to navigate child custody and support matters alone.
Contact the Law Office of Adriana P. Santiesteban today to receive the compassionate and skilled legal support you and your family deserve.
