The dissolution of marriage is often a emotionally trying legal process. For clients with children, determining child custody and visitation rights can be one of the most difficult parts of the divorce or paternity proceedings. However, while the marriage relationship may be over, the parent relationship remains.
At the Law Offices of Beth M. Terry, P.A., we work with clients to create a parenting plan that serves the best interests of the children while still protecting their rights as parents. We strive to keep both parents involved with the upbringing of their children, aiming to minimize the negative impact of the divorce on them as much as possible. Contact us today to speak with a dedicated and knowledgeable family lawyer.
In Florida, all parents are required to take classes on the effect of divorce on children. The class encourages parents to develop perspective and foster better decision-making skills.
With 12 years of experience working in both the public and private sector of the law, attorney Beth Terry has an insider's view of how the court system works, how judges think and how they arrive at decisions. Ms. Terry uses this perspective to her clients' advantage in helping her clients navigate and understand child custody issues during a divorce or paternity case, or in the enforcement or modification of an existing order.
In Florida, the courts previously made a distinction between primary and secondary custody and between custodial and non-custodial parents. The court recently changed their focus toward recognition of shared responsibilities between parents and maintenance of an ongoing parent-child relationship. Custody is now referred to as a "parenting plan" and visitation is known as a "time sharing schedule."
Although agreeing with your spouse on custody and visitation issues may be difficult, it is to your children's short- and long-term interest to try. Courts look favorably on parties who encourage a relationship with the other parent. This includes trying to come to a joint decision about the child's upbringing.
We work with clients to help them understand the factors that courts examine when making child custody determinations. Parenting plans are more detailed than previous custody orders, and they are tailored to each couple's circumstances. Parenting plans now address a wide variety of issues:
In addition to helping clients with initial custody and visitation determinations, we also help work with clients in the post-decree enforcement and modifications of existing child custody and visitation orders. The modifications also include the relocation of children.
To schedule a confidential appointment to discuss your child custody or visitation concerns, please contact us or call 904-638-8961.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9 to 5, with additional times available by appointment. For your convenience, we offer telephone consultations if you are not able to come to our office.
We are located near the San Marco area, just minutes from downtown Jacksonville and offer free parking. We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
Beth M. Terry, P.A.
Attorney at Law
1824 Atlantic Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Toll Free: 866-726-4608
Local: 904-638-8961
Fax: 904-399-5341
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
Copyright © 2010 by Beth M. Terry, P.A. Attorney at Law. All rights reserved. You may reproduce materials available at this site for your own personal use and for non-commercial distribution. All copies must include this copyright statement.