What Every Parent Should Know About Their Rights During a Divorce

 

Divorce can be one of the most difficult times in a person’s life, especially when children are involved. There are many things to consider, including how to share custody, child support, and visitation schedules. As a parent, it’s important to understand your legal rights during a divorce so that you can make informed decisions and protect the best interests of your children. In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of what you need to know about parental rights during a divorce.

 

1. Custody and Visitation

When it comes to custody, there are two types: legal and physical. Legal custody refers to the right to make decisions about your child’s upbringing, such as education, medical care, and religion. Physical custody refers to where your child lives and with whom. In most cases, both parents will share legal custody, but physical custody may be split between them in different ways. You may have joint or sole custody, or you may have a parenting plan that outlines a schedule for visitation. It’s important to work with a family law attorney who can help you negotiate a fair arrangement that works for your family.

2. Child Support

Child support is a regular payment made by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent to help cover the expenses of raising a child. The amount of support is determined by a formula that takes into account factors such as each parent’s income and the child’s needs. It’s important to make sure that child support is paid on time and in full. If you are having trouble collecting child support, a family law attorney can help you take legal action to enforce the order.

3. Parental Alienation

Unfortunately, some divorces can become contentious, and one parent may try to turn the child against the other parent through manipulation or other tactics. This is known as parental alienation. If you suspect that your ex-spouse is engaging in parental alienation, it’s important to take action immediately. Talk to your family law attorney about your options for protecting your relationship with your child.

4. Mediation

If you and your ex-spouse are having trouble coming to an agreement about custody, visitation, or child support, you may want to consider mediation. This is a process in which a neutral third party helps you and your ex-spouse work out a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation can be less expensive and less acrimonious than going to court, and it may be more likely to result in an agreement that satisfies both parties.

5. Modification of Custody

After a divorce, circumstances may change that require a modification of custody. For example, if one parent moves out of state or develops a substance abuse problem, the custody arrangement may need to be altered to protect the child’s best interests. If you think that a modification of custody is necessary, it’s important to work with a family law attorney who can help you file the necessary paperwork and argue your case in court.

 

Conclusion

Divorce is never easy, but with the help of a knowledgeable family law attorney, you can rest assured that your parental rights will be protected. Whether you are negotiating a custody agreement, collecting child support, or dealing with parental alienation, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system and support your family during this difficult time. If you need assistance with family law practice in Orlando, FL, contact Ilvento Law today for more information. Our attorneys have the experience and expertise to guide you through every step of the divorce process and help you achieve a positive outcome.