Protecting Your Child’s Future

In the aftermath of divorce or separation, many parents struggle to make the transition easier on their children. Florida child custody laws require separating spouses to establish a parenting plan covering decision-making responsibilities and each parent’s time with the child. During the stress and confusion that often accompanies the end of a marriage, you might understandably need legal assistance to develop a plan that best serves your child’s needs. Our legal team is here to help. The Orlando child custody lawyers at O’Mara Law Group have the skills and experience to help you sort things out after a divorce. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.

Do I Need a Child Custody Lawyer?

Parents face many challenges when making choices about their children’s welfare during a divorce or separation. An Orlando child custody lawyer will:

  • Help you understand child custody options, including where the children live, visitation rights, and making decisions about health care, education, and other important matters
  • Negotiate and advocate for your interests in parenting plans
  • Represent your interests at trial if necessary

Our Orlando child custody attorney brings high-level knowledge and experience in Florida’s legal processes and can protect your rights. An experienced lawyer will navigate complex child custody issues, including relocation, parental alienation, remarriage, changes to parenting agreements, and enforcement of custody orders.

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How O’Mara Law Group Can Help with Your Child Custody Case

The attorneys at O’Mara Law Group bring top-tier qualifications and certifications to protect your interests in your child custody case.

  • A respected trial lawyer, attorney Mark M. O’Mara is also a certified Supreme Court Family Mediator. With additional collaborative, family, and marital law certification, Mr. O’Mara will help you resolve your child custody case in or out of a courtroom.
  • Lawyer Mark Rabinowitz has been board-certified in marital and family law in Florida since 1999. Mr. Rabinowitz has represented high-net-worth individuals and focuses on legally complex family law cases.

O’Mara Law Group knows that good people face challenging situations, and we are committed to helping you through separation or divorce challenges.

What is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan details how parents will raise and make decisions about their children. According to Florida law, at a minimum, a parenting plan must:

  • Describe how parents will share the daily tasks of the child’s upbringing
  • Includes a parental time-sharing agreement
  • Describe how parents will communicate with the child, including methods and technologies
  • Designate parental responsibility for health care, school matters, and other activities

The Florida legal system prefers that parents develop a parenting plan outside of court, but an Orlando family law attorney will help you form the details. Mediation or utilizing a parenting plan coordinator are other options if parents can’t agree. In all cases, a lawyer can provide legal advice and guidance.

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Understanding Time-Sharing Agreements

A time-sharing agreement specifies when children will be with each parent. A time-sharing schedule is part of a parenting plan and states when the child will be with which parent during:

  • Holidays, such as Memorial Day, July 4, religious or cultural observances
  • Winter, spring, and summer break
  • Weekdays
  • Weekends

The time-sharing agreement also specifies the number of overnights allotted to each parent. The details of a time-sharing agreement can depend on whether you seek full custody or joint custody with the other parent. An Orlando child custody lawyer can help you consider what you might expect or want out of a time-sharing agreement with your child’s other parent.

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Important Factors in Orlando Child Custody Cases

In Florida child custody cases, the child’s welfare and best interests are the critical factors. The family court considers many factors when deciding to approve, enforce, or vary a parenting plan. Some things the court examines include:

  • Each parent’s ability to honor the parenting plan and to encourage the child’s continued relationship with the other parent
  • Each parent’s ability or intent to act in the child’s best interest
  • The amount of time the child has lived in a stable environment
  • The mental and physical health of each parent
  • Each parent’s ability to give the child a proper routine
  • Evidence of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or whether either parent provided false information to the court about these issues
  • Each parent’s role in caregiving toward the child before the divorce or separation
  • The ability of each parent to meet a child’s specific needs

These factors are some of what the court will evaluate, and it may also choose to assess other factors.

Get the Legal Help Your Need Now.

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What Our Clients Say

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Compassionate Assistance

The Mark O’Mara Law Firm was a wonderful place and outstanding. Mark was very helpful and always made time for me, answering all my questions. But my hero was Susan Staggs, who prepared all of my paperwork. She is a real magician who takes it seriously.

N.L.

Exceptional Service

Mark O'Mara and his office provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to all my details of my cases. He is one of the best in his field as a criminal and family attorney. He is honest, direct, and he always does his best for his client.

K.M.

Support in Family Law

Mr. O’Mara and his entire staff, especially Alyssa, were absolutely impressive with everything. Very efficient and punctual; their understanding of every little detail was way beyond expectations. Honestly, this law group has made a major difference in my life.

K.R.

Expert Guidance in Family Law

I can't thank Mr. Thompson and his team enough for their outstanding support. From the very first meeting, Sarah was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive. They handled every aspect of my case with such professionalism and care. This legal team truly changed my life.

B.M.

Dedicated to Fighting Your Cause

Knowing Mark O’Mara as an attorney who has represented me for the past 23 years and has also been a friend… I can say that Mark is not only dedicated to fighting your cause, but his team shares that same dedication. When you call his office the girls at the front desk always strive to assist you. As for the rest of his team they are committed to winning the best...

R.M.

Nothing Short of Amazing

Mr O’Mara and the entire staff were nothing short of amazing. Mr. O’Mara knew exactly what we needed to do and has even offered additional advice for any future risks. This was all new for me and they walked me through everything step by step and were very patient and most of all responsive and caring. THANK YOU!!!

G.G.

They Are Top Notch!!!!

I cannot express the gratitude I have for Mark O’Mara, Susan and their firm. I had a very difficult custody situation and they guided me towards the best decisions and fought for me. I highly recommend O’Mara Law Group. They are top notch!!!!

M.M.

Such a Professional and Personable Firm.

Such a professional and personable firm. Everyone treated me with respect throughout my entire process. I absolutely dread ever needing the services of an attorney again but I would certainly go straight back to Mark. Susan was awesome and she totally got me from day one. I can’t begin to say how helpful that was for me. Thank you to the entire team!!

S.D.

I Am Truly Proud

By far, the best person, if you ever need an attorney and someone who will always be there for you. I am truly proud to have Mark as my attorney, advisor and friend. Thanks Mark and Alyssa. Michael Hoffman, Attorney at Law and C.P.A.

M.H.

Way Beyond Expectations

Mr. O’Mara and his entire staff especially Alyssa were absolutely impressive with everything. Very efficient and punctual and the overall understanding of every little detail was way beyond expectations. Honestly this law group has made a major difference in my life and helped me through many obstacles associated with owning multiple businesses and continue to do so in...

N.L.

They Were Ready to Fight the Fight

When I went in for my consultation with Mark and Caitlin, I was in a state of total devastation. They lifted the burden and took away the stress of my situation by making me feel completely taken care of. They were ready to fight the fight I didn’t have the emotional strength to do so on my own. I have and will continue to recommend their law group to anyone needing le...

M.S.

Mark Omara was GREAT

Mark has represented me and I hate to say 2 family members of mine, all 3 times mark has delivered success. He has to be the best lawyer I have ever dealt with, he is caring of the situation and of your fears in facing legal matters , he made us feel comfortable , safe and protected. Surprisingly he never made me feel down on myself for stupid things I created that lead to h...

M.
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Can My Children Choose Where They Will Live?

If the court finds that a child is mature enough to understand and express those preferences, it might consider them. However, children are not always aware of every factor contributing to their best interests, and the child’s preferences will be weighed against other factors when determining custody.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to the most common questions O’Mara Law Group clients ask about child custody.

Can I relocate with my child?

If you want to relocate more than 50 miles from the other parent, you must reach a formal written agreement with the other parent or ask the court to approve the relocation plan.

Can custody agreements be modified?

Yes. You can seek a custody modification through the court. An Orlando child custody lawyer will walk you through the steps.

How can I get full custody of my child?

You can work with an Orlando child custody attorney to seek full custody of your child. Full custody means you have sole decision-making power for your child, who only lives with you. Such an arrangement is rare in Florida, but it may be the right choice in some cases.

How long does a custody case take?

A child custody case can take weeks or months. If the parents agree to a resolution outside of court, it typically takes less time.

How much does a child custody lawyer cost?

The cost depends on the time a lawyer spends on your case. Resolving issues out of court often takes less time and money. Sometimes, you can petition the court to have the other parent pay your legal fees.

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What if my ex fails to follow custody orders?

You have a few options. You can ask an Orlando child custody attorney to send a letter requesting your ex to comply with the order. If this does not work, you might consider mediation. If this fails, you can take your ex to court and ask a judge to enforce the order.

Trust an Orlando Child Custody Lawyer from the O’Mara Law Group

Child custody can be a complex and emotional issue for any parent. Working with an Orlando child custody attorney can help alleviate stress while ensuring your preferences and your child’s welfare are respected. Schedule a consultation today with O’Mara Law Group.

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