Secure a Parenting Plan That Works

Child custody and support representation in Pinellas Park focused on your child's best interests and your parental rights.

Custody decisions affect where your child lives, who makes decisions about their education and medical care, and how much time they spend with each parent. In Pinellas Park, parents who cannot agree on custody terms will have those terms decided by a judge based on what the court determines serves the child's best interests. SPB Law PA represents parents in custody disputes, modifications, and enforcement actions, whether you are seeking sole custody, shared custody, or defending your current arrangement.

Child custody cases involve filing a parenting plan, presenting evidence about your involvement in your child's life, and demonstrating your ability to meet their needs. Child support is calculated using Florida's statutory guidelines, which consider each parent's income, the number of overnights, and costs such as health insurance and daycare. Support orders are legally enforceable, and failure to pay can result in wage garnishment or contempt proceedings.

If you need help with a custody or support matter in Pinellas Park, contact SPB Law PA to discuss your case.

How custody agreements and support orders work together

Your attorney will prepare a parenting plan that specifies the time-sharing schedule, decision-making responsibilities, and how holidays and vacations are divided. In Pinellas Park, this plan must be approved by the court and becomes part of the final order. If you and the other parent cannot agree, the judge will decide based on factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, the child's school and community ties, and each parent's ability to provide a stable home.

Once the custody arrangement is finalized, you will notice that the schedule is enforceable and changes cannot be made without court approval. Child support payments are calculated based on the approved time-sharing schedule, and both parents are required to provide financial documentation during the process.

Modifications are available if circumstances change, such as a parent's relocation, a significant income change, or the child's needs evolving. Your attorney will file a petition for modification and present evidence supporting the requested change. Support enforcement actions are available if the paying parent falls behind, and the court can order wage garnishment or hold them in contempt.

Custody cases bring up a lot of concerns

Parents often worry about how the process will affect their relationship with their child, what the other parent might argue, and whether the outcome will be fair. These questions come up in nearly every custody case.

What does the court consider when deciding custody?
The court looks at factors such as each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, the child's school and community ties, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. The focus is always on what serves the child's best interests.
How is child support calculated in Pinellas Park?
Child support is calculated using Florida's guidelines, which factor in both parents' incomes, the number of overnights each parent has, and costs such as health insurance and daycare. The calculator produces a monthly amount that the paying parent is required to provide.
What happens if the other parent does not follow the parenting plan?
You can file a motion for enforcement, which asks the court to compel compliance. Repeated violations can result in makeup time-sharing, modification of the schedule, or contempt charges.
When can a custody order be modified?
A custody order can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a parent's relocation, a change in the child's needs, or a significant shift in one parent's ability to care for the child. The requesting parent must prove that modification serves the child's best interests.
What if the other parent stops paying child support?
Your attorney can file an enforcement action, which may result in wage garnishment, suspension of the other parent's driver's license, or contempt proceedings. Florida takes child support obligations seriously, and there are legal tools to ensure payment.

Custody and support cases in Pinellas Park require detailed financial disclosures, a well-prepared parenting plan, and evidence that supports your position. If you are facing a custody dispute or need to modify an existing order, get in touch with SPB Law PA to review your options.