St. Petersburg Beach Child Custody & Support Attorney
When parents separate or divorce, few issues are as emotionally sensitive or important as decisions involving their children. Whether you’re negotiating parenting time or calculating child support, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and responsibilities—and to make decisions that serve your child’s best interests now and into the future. At the Law Office of Kevin F. Coleman, our St. Petersburg Beach Beach child custody & support attorney helps parents handle child custody and support with clarity, compassion, and practical guidance.
Understanding Parental Responsibility and Time-Sharing in Florida
Florida law uses the terms parental responsibility and time-sharing instead of traditional terms like “custody” and “visitation.” Parental responsibility refers to a parent’s authority to make decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and general welfare. Time-sharing refers to the schedule that determines when the child spends time with each parent.
In most cases, the court prefers to award shared parental responsibility, which allows both parents to participate in making important decisions about the child’s life. Only in rare circumstances—such as cases involving abuse, neglect, or substance abuse—will the court award sole parental responsibility to one parent.
Creating a Parenting Plan in St. Petersburg Beach
A detailed parenting plan is required in all Florida custody cases. This document outlines how parents will divide time with their children and share decision-making responsibilities. Parenting plans typically include:
- A time-sharing schedule, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays
- Provisions for transportation and exchanges
- Communication guidelines between parents and with the child
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
The court will approve a parenting plan only if it finds the arrangement to be in the best interests of the child. Factors considered include each parent’s ability to provide a stable home, the child’s needs, each parent’s moral fitness, and the child’s relationship with each parent.
Modifying an Existing Parenting Plan
Life changes, and sometimes parenting plans need to change, too. If you or your co-parent experiences a significant change in circumstances—such as a job relocation, health issue, or change in the child’s needs—you can petition the court to modify the parenting plan. However, the change must be substantial, material, and unanticipated at the time of the original order. Our firm can help you evaluate whether you have grounds for a modification and represent you in court if necessary.
Florida Child Support Guidelines
Florida law requires both parents to contribute financially to raising their children. Child support is calculated based on the Florida Child Support Guidelines, which take into account matters such as:
- Each parent’s income
- The number of children involved
- The time each parent spends with the child
- Costs for health insurance and childcare
- Special needs or educational expenses
The court may deviate from the guidelines if there are extraordinary circumstances, such as a child’s medical needs or a parent’s inability to work due to disability. Our firm helps ensure that support calculations are accurate and fair, and we assist clients on either side—those seeking support and those obligated to pay.
Enforcing or Modifying Child Support Orders in St. Petersburg Beach
If a parent fails to pay child support as ordered, the court can enforce the obligation through a variety of legal means, including wage garnishment, license suspension, and even contempt proceedings. If your financial situation has changed significantly due to job loss or other hardship, you may petition the court for a modification. However, it’s important to act quickly—support obligations continue to accrue until officially modified.
Child Custody and Support in High-Conflict Situations
While many custody and support cases can be resolved amicably, some involve high levels of conflict. Disputes may arise over relocation, suspected parental alienation, or concerns about the child’s safety. In these situations, it’s critical to have an attorney who is prepared to advocate for your parental rights while keeping your child’s best interests front and center.
Attorney Kevin F. Coleman has the courtroom experience and strategic insight to handle even the most challenging custody disputes. As a former prosecutor, he brings a strong litigation background to every case, while also working to resolve matters efficiently and respectfully whenever possible.
Help With Child Custody and Support for Families in St. Petersburg Beach
Whether you are negotiating a new parenting plan, modifying an existing order, or addressing concerns about child support, the Law Office of Kevin F. Coleman is here to help. We serve clients throughout St. Petersburg Beach and surrounding areas with skilled legal advocacy and a commitment to helping families move forward.
Don’t try to handle child custody or support matters on your own—especially when your family’s future is at stake. Contact the Law Office of Kevin F. Coleman today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to listen, inform, and advocate for the best outcome for you and your child.