Category Archives: Child Custody

The court shall determine all matters relating to parenting and time-sharing of each minor child of the parties in accordance with the best interests of the child and in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, except that modification of a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule requires a showing of a substantial and material change of circumstances.

The primary focus is always on the child’s well-being and needs. Factors considered include the child’s:

– age;
– health;
– emotional ties with each parent;
– the child’s home
– the child’s school;
– and their community record.

In order to modify a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule the party requesting the modification must show a substantial and material change of circumstances, such as a job relocation, a change in health, or a change in the child’s educational needs.

In determining time-sharing, a judge must consider 20 factors regarding the best interests of the child. Some of these factors include:

(a) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship, to honor the time-sharing schedule, and to be reasonable when changes are required.
(b) The anticipated division of parental responsibilities after the litigation, including the extent to which parental responsibilities will be delegated to third parties.
(c) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to determine, consider, and act upon the needs of the child as opposed to the needs or desires of the parent.
(d) The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity.

Here at The Law Offices of Gary S. Dolgin, we have been helping mothers and fathers with child custody issues such as parenting plans for over 33 years in the Tampa area.

We have also been committed to protecting children’s best interests while helping to advocate for their parent’s rights.

If you have any questions about parenting plans or any other child custody issues, give us a call at (813) 999-2772, and it will be our pleasure to help you.

Learn more about child custody by visiting:
Best Tampa Child Custody Lawyers, Gary Dolgin

The Vital Role of Parent Coordinators in Divorce: Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges with Expert Guidance

Divorce is a complex and emotionally challenging process, especially when children are involved.

Co-parenting after divorce requires effective communication, cooperation, and a focus on the children’s well-being. However, navigating all this can be overwhelming for many families, especially if the parties are not on good terms.

This is where parent coordinators step in to assist with child custody matters. Serving as neutral third-party professionals, parent coordinators play an important role in helping divorced or separated parents navigate co-parenting challenges more effectively.

Let’s discuss the role of parent coordinators, explore their key responsibilities and the impact they have on promoting healthy co-parenting relationships.

The Role of Parent Coordinators:

Parent coordinators are trained professionals with expertise in family dynamics, conflict resolution, and child development.

Their primary role is to facilitate communication, reduce conflicts, and promote healthy decision-making regarding the children’s well-being.

The following are some key responsibilities of parent coordinators:

Facilitating The Resolution of Disagreements

One of the central roles of parent coordinators is to facilitate the resolution of disagreements between divorced or separated parents. They help parents reach agreements on various parenting and child custody matters by facilitating discussions and finding common ground.

Some court orders authorize the parenting coordinator to decide a dispute on a temporary basis until the parties can obtain a court hearing where the judge can resolve the dispute.

Whether it’s deciding on parenting schedules, educational decisions, or extracurricular activities, parent coordinators provide a safe and effective environment for these types of discussions.

Implementing Parenting Plans

Parent coordinators ensure that the parenting plan established during the divorce process is followed and enforced. This involves overseeing the implementation of custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and other provisions outlined in the parenting plan. By ensuring compliance with court orders, parent coordinators help maintain consistency and stability for the children.

Providing Education and Guidance

Effective co-parenting requires a set of skills that not all parents possess. Parent coordinators offer guidance on effective communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and parenting skills to improve the co-parenting relationship. Through education and coaching, they empower parents to better handle the challenges and make informed decisions in the best interests of their children.

Making Recommendations

In situations where parents cannot agree, the parent coordinator may make recommendations to resolve disputes. These recommendations are based on their expertise and understanding of the family’s dynamics. Although they are not legally binding, these recommendations can serve as a helpful guide for parents who are trying to resolve conflicts amicably. In some cases, recommendations may be incorporated into the parenting plan or presented to the court for approval.

Monitoring Compliance

Parent coordinators play a crucial role in monitoring compliance with court orders and the parenting plan. They keep track of parenting time, communication between parents, and any deviations from the agreed-upon arrangements. If there are violations or breaches, parent coordinators intervene promptly to address the issue and prevent further escalation.

Impact of Parent Coordinators on Co-Parenting Relationships

Overall, the goal of parent coordinators is to minimize conflict, prioritize the children’s best interests, and promote a cooperative co-parenting relationship between divorced or separated parents.

By facilitating communication and providing support, parent coordinators help families navigate the challenges of divorce more smoothly.

Studies have shown that families who work with parent coordinators experience lower levels of conflict and higher levels of satisfaction with their co-parenting arrangements.

In addition, children benefit from the stability and consistency that parent coordinators help establish, leading to better outcomes in terms of emotional well-being and adjustment to the new family dynamic.

By fostering a cooperative co-parenting relationship, parent coordinators contribute to the long-term success and happiness of families transitioning through divorce.

If you’re facing a divorce with difficult child custody issues, it is important to seek the guidance of the best Tampa child custody lawyers who can help be an advocate for the best interests of your children.