Child Custody

Navigating the Challenges in Your Life & Getting You the Resolution You Need

Orlando Child Custody Lawyer

More than 24 Years of Experience

The issue of child custody for divorced or unmarried parents can be emotionally wrenching. Many parents feel that their relationship with their child may be put at risk. Others may have a difficult time in putting their feelings aside to do what is in the child’s best interests. Throughout this difficult process, the importance of legal guidance and counsel from a seasoned child custody attorney cannot be overstated.

At Ilvento Law, P.A., we understand the stress and confusion that can accompany this often life-changing matter. Our Orlando child custody attorney brings extensive experience and a thoughtful approach to your needs and concerns at this time.


Contact our firm to arrange for a consultation about your child custody case at (407) 898-0747 today.


What Are the Florida Laws Concerning Child Custody?

Under Florida law, child custody is no longer referred to in those terms. Updated law now refers to this issue as “shared (or sole) parental responsibility.” Timesharing has replaced “visitation,” as in “majority timesharing” or “equal timesharing.”

  • Timesharing means where and with whom the child will live. This change in language underscores the viewpoint that parents have a responsibility to raise and care for children throughout the child’s life. It also reflects family court preference for children to have a continuing and loving relationship with both parents unless a valid reason exists against it.
  • Shared responsibility means that both parents will take on parenting duties and make decisions as to the child’s education, health issues, religious choices, and other day-to-day matters. Sole responsibility awards these parental duties to only one parent.

If you and your ex-spouse cannot agree on parental responsibility or a detailed timesharing plan, the courts will make the decision for you in what it considers to be the best interests of the child.

Courts will look at many factors in determining this issue, such as:

  • Maintaining a stable environment for the child
  • The age and sex of the child
  • The health and mental condition of the parents
  • School and religious considerations
  • Continuing the child’s relationship with siblings and other household members
  • Whether either parent has a history of excessive discipline or emotional abuse of the child, a history of domestic violence or alcohol/substance abuse
  • The child’s wishes, should they be old enough to have an opinion

Parental Responsibility, Timesharing & Custody in Florida

While other states may refer to legal and physical custody, in Florida, we use the terms "parental responsibility" and "timesharing." Parental responsibility refers to how parents make important decisions for the child, such as the child’s school, religious upbringing, and healthcare. When parents have "shared parental responsibility", both parents have a hand in making these decisions.

Timesharing, on the other hand, refers to how parents share the child's time. Generally, a Florida court will have the child spend time with both parents. It is also becoming more common that courts will have the child divide his or her time equally between both parents’ homes. For example, the child lives with one parent one week, and then switches to the other parent’s home on another week. However, timesharing schedules are unique to each family and can reflect each family's individual circumstances.

Board-Certified in Marital & Family Law. Call an Expert!

When you retain our services at Ilvento Law, you will have peace of mind knowing that your case is in the hands of a Marital and Family Law Specialist, recognized by the Florida Bar. Only a small percentage of attorneys reach this pinnacle of knowledge, skill, and proficiency. When faced with the overwhelming family law issues such as child custody, you can rely on our professionalism and sensitivity to your needs and objectives.


Phone our Orlando child custody lawyer at (407) 898-0747 or contact us online for dedicated assistance today.


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