Orlando Divorce & Family Law Attorneys

• 25+ years of divorce and family law experience
• 95% success rate
• 2,000+ clients served

Our negotiation skills, strategic planning, and courtroom experience consistently produce strong outcomes.

• “What are my legal rights?”
• “How much will this cost?”
• “How long will the process take?”

You will always know what to expect and how we’re protecting your interests.

In Florida, “child custody” is referred to as timesharing and is based on the best interests of the child. Courts review several factors, including each parent’s involvement, stability, ability to meet the child’s needs, and willingness to support a healthy co-parenting relationship.

Parents must create a parenting plan outlining where the child will live, how decisions will be made, school arrangements, communication guidelines, and holiday schedules. If parents cannot agree, the court will step in and establish a plan.

Florida courts generally favor shared parental responsibility, meaning both parents have the right to participate in major decisions. However, if one parent poses a risk to the child’s safety or well-being, the court may award sole decision-making authority or limited timesharing.

Judges may also consider the child’s preferences depending on age and maturity. Because every family’s circumstances are unique, obtaining legal guidance ensures your parenting plan reflects your child’s needs and protects your parental rights.

In Orlando and throughout Florida, you may request a modification to a parenting plan, timesharing schedule, child support, or alimony if there has been a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances. Courts require clear evidence showing why the existing order is no longer workable or fair.

Common reasons for modification include significant changes in income, relocation, employment adjustments, safety concerns, medical issues, or a major shift in a child’s needs. For parenting plans, the proposed change must also reflect the best interests of the child.

Either parent can file a petition for modification, but the court will not approve changes based solely on inconvenience or minor disputes. Documentation—such as financial records, medical reports, or school information—strengthens your case.

Because modification cases can be complex, consulting a family law attorney helps ensure you meet legal requirements, present strong evidence, and pursue an outcome that protects both your rights and your child’s well-being.

Establishing paternity gives a child legal rights and ensures both parents can participate in important decisions. In Florida, paternity can be established voluntarily or through a court order. Unmarried parents may sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, which becomes legally binding 60 days after signing.

If paternity is disputed, either parent—or the Florida Department of Revenue—may request genetic testing. A court can order testing to determine biological fatherhood. Once paternity is confirmed, the court may address timesharing, parental responsibility, and child support.

Establishing paternity benefits both parents and children. Fathers gain rights to timesharing and decision-making, while children gain access to support, medical history, insurance benefits, and inheritance rights.

Because paternity cases often involve sensitive family dynamics, obtaining legal guidance helps ensure your rights are protected and any resulting parenting plan supports your child’s needs.

A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more major issues, such as property division, alimony, child custody, or child support. These cases typically involve multiple steps and take longer than uncontested divorces.
The process may include:

• Filing a petition for dissolution of marriage
• Mandatory financial disclosures
• Negotiations or mediation
• Motions or temporary hearings
• Trial, if no settlement is reached

Florida requires couples to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial. Many cases settle during this stage with the help of experienced legal counsel. If disagreements persist, a judge will decide based on Florida law, evidence presented, and the best interests of the child when applicable.

A contested divorce can be emotionally and financially stressful. Having an attorney ensures your rights are protected, deadlines are met, and negotiations remain strategic and productive. Legal representation is especially important when dealing with complex assets, high conflict, or child-related issues.