Manatee County Child Custody Attorney

When families change, children often feel it the most. As a parent, your number one priority is making sure your child feels safe, supported, and loved. If you are facing a custody dispute in Manatee County, there are a lot of questions, fears, and uncertainties about your future.

Many parents are in the same situation throughout Florida as they have to navigate the family court system for the first time during an emotionally charged time.

The good news is that Titan Law is ready to help. Whether seeking custody, responding to a court filing, or trying to understand your rights, our Manatee County child custody attorney is standing by to help.

How Does the Sunshine State Define “Custody?”

Florida no longer uses the term “custody” in legal proceedings. Instead, you will hear two terms: parental responsibility and time-sharing.

Parental responsibility refers to who makes major decisions about your child’s education, healthcare, religion, and other important issues. On the other hand, time-sharing outlines when your child will spend time with each parent.

In most cases, Florida courts want both parents to work together. In most cases, they will award shared parental responsibility. With time-sharing schedules, that determination will depend on your situation. For this reason, you will want to talk to an experienced Manatee County child custody lawyer.

Every Family Dynamic Is Different

All families have unique circumstances and needs. While the courts look at that, the judge will always consider the best interest of the child. Based on that, the court will look at many different factors, including:

• Each parent’s relationship with the child
• The ability to provide a stable home environment
• Work schedules and availability
• Communication and co-parenting skills
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
• The child’s school and community ties
• The child’s age and emotional needs

There is no winning against the other parent. The best interests focus on creating a parenting plan that supports your child’s growth, development, and sense of security.

What to Do If You’re Seeking Primary Custody

If you believe your child should live primarily with you, you need to show the court why this arrangement supports their best interests. This is more than your personal preference.

A family law attorney can help you build a strong case that focuses on:

• Your involvement in your child’s daily life
• A stable home environment
• A parenting plan that supports your child’s needs and relationship with the other parent
• Any safety concerns, if applicable

Once again, this is not about attacking the other parent. You want to create a well-thought-out plan that puts your child’s best interests at the center of the decision. At Titan Law, we can help you do that.

What Happens If You’re Fighting for Equal Time?

The courts in Florida know that children do best when both parents are actively involved in their lives. If you and the other parent are seeking 50/50 time-sharing, the court will want to see a commitment from both parents. This means working to communicate, cooperate, and prioritize the child’s needs over personal differences.

No, you do not have to be best friends with your ex. However, you have to show that you can put your child first. Our legal team can help you show:

• That your home is a safe, nurturing space for your child
• That your schedule allows for reliable involvement in school and extracurriculars
• That you are committed to maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship

Equal time-sharing is a reasonable and common goal. We can help you develop a plan that works in the best interests of your child.

What If Circumstances Change?

Life doesn’t stay the same forever. Fortunately, parenting plans can be flexible. If something major happens, like a job relocation, a change in your child’s needs, or ongoing problems with your current plan, you can ask the court for a modification.

Anytime you need to make changes, you will need to show:

• A substantial, unanticipated change in circumstances
• That the proposed change is in your child’s best interests

Whether you are seeking a change or responding to one, you will want to have a lawyer to help review or draft any modifications. At Titan Law, we can make sure that your concerns are properly represented.

Are There Rules About Moving?

If you want to relocate more than 50 miles from your current home and plan to stay there for more than 60 days, you need legal permission. This can be done through a written agreement with the other parent or by court order.

Relocation cases can get complicated, especially if the other parent objects. The court will look at:

• The reason for the move
• How the move will impact your child’s relationship with both parents
• Whether a long-distance plan is feasible
• Your child’s wishes

A relocation request is a major legal step. You do not want to try to tackle these on your own. A Manatee County child custody attorney can help you build a strong case or defend against one if you are on the receiving end.

What About Non-Compliance or Safety Concerns?

Unfortunately, some parents violate court-ordered parenting plans. They may miss visits, refuse to return the child on time, or interfere with communication.

If this is happening to you, the court can step in and enforce the agreement. You may be able to file a motion for enforcement or contempt. This can result in:

• Make-up time-sharing
• Court-mandated parenting classes
• Fines or attorney’s fees
• In serious cases, changes to the custody arrangement

In these cases, you will want to document everything. A Manatee County family law attorney can help you hold the other parent accountable.

Unfortunately, not all parents prioritize their children’s needs, and they may put their children in harmful situations.

If your child is at risk due to abuse, neglect, or substance abuse, the court will take swift action. In high-conflict cases, the judge may:

• Order supervised visitation
• Appoint a guardian ad litem, otherwise known as an advocate for the child
• Require evaluations or counseling
• Temporarily or permanently restrict parental rights

These situations are difficult to handle on your own. Our legal team has experience with these issues. Our top concern is your and your child’s safety. And we will fight to protect them under the law.

What Happens When There Are Disagreements?

Parents can have different ideas about what’s best for their child in many situations, especially during or after a separation. Fortunately, the Manatee County court system offers options to help you reach an agreement before going to trial.

A Focus on Mediation First

Before heading into a courtroom, most custody cases go through mediation. This is a confidential process where a neutral third party helps you and the other parent agrees. Many families find that with a bit of help; they can build a parenting plan that works for everyone.

Going to Court

If you cannot agree, the case goes to trial. At this stage, a family court judge hears both sides and makes a final decision. While litigation can be stressful, a skilled child custody attorney will prepare by gathering evidence, questioning witnesses, and making sure your voice is heard.

No matter the circumstances, we are there to assist during this time. Reaching an agreement with another parent can be a challenge. It is a stressful and emotional journey, but we are here to help you take the next steps.

FAQs Answered by a Manatee County Child Custody Attorney

Let’s take a look at the seven frequently asked questions about child custody in Manatee County.

Do grandparents have custody or visitation rights in Florida?

In limited circumstances, grandparents can petition for visitation only if the child’s parents are deceased, missing, or in a vegetative state. Florida courts will prioritize parental rights, so grandparent visitation is granted only when it serves the child’s best interests.

Can my child choose which parent to live with?

Florida courts may consider a child’s preference, but keep in mind it is only one factor in these decisions. The child’s age, maturity, and reasons for the preference may also influence the judge’s opinion.

Do I need a lawyer if my ex and I already agree on everything?

Even when both parents agree, you still want to have an attorney review your parenting plan to make sure it is legally sound and enforceable. A lawyer can also file it with the court to avoid future disputes.

Will joint custody affect child support?

Yes, time-sharing impacts how child support is calculated in Florida. The more overnights each parent has, the more it can influence the final support amount. However, income and expenses still play a key role.

How long does a custody case usually take in Manatee County?

Uncontested cases may be resolved in a few months, while high-conflict disputes or cases involving court evaluations can take much longer. Timelines vary based on complexity and court availability.

What happens if one parent moves out of the state without permission?

Relocating without following Florida’s legal process can lead to serious consequences, including being ordered to return the child and losing time-sharing rights.