Admitted to practice in Florida and Puerto Rico · Immigration & Family Law
At Luis Morales Legal, PLLC, we understand that child custody is a sensitive and fundamental matter that profoundly affects the entire family. Every case is unique and requires a personalized approach that considers the specific circumstances of your situation.
Our commitment is to ensure that every legal decision prioritizes the well-being, emotional stability, and healthy development of your children. We work tirelessly to protect your rights as a parent while keeping the focus on what matters most: your children's future.
Child custody in Florida is divided into two essential components that determine how parental responsibility will be exercised:
Legal custody involves the right and responsibility to make important decisions about the child's education, medical care, religious activities, and general upbringing. These decisions shape the future and overall development of the minor.
Physical custody determines with whom the minor will primarily live and how time-sharing with each parent will be organized. It establishes the child's daily routine and primary home, taking into account factors such as school and activities.
Florida's legal system offers various custody options designed to adapt to the specific needs of each family:
Both parents share equally the responsibility and right to make important decisions about the child's life. This model encourages active participation of both parents in raising the child.
One parent has primary authority to make the most important decisions related to the minor's well-being. It is granted when circumstances justify it to protect the child's best interest.
The child spends significant time with both parents, allowing a continuous and close relationship with each. A detailed schedule is established that balances time-sharing between both households.
The minor resides primarily with one parent, while the other has established visitation rights. It is determined based on what best serves the child's development and stability.
We analyze your family situation in detail to design a legal strategy that reflects your specific needs and those of your child, considering all relevant aspects.
We accompany you in negotiating amicable agreements when possible, or provide firm and professional representation before the family courts in Orlando when necessary.
We explain every step of the legal process clearly, ensuring you understand all your options so you can make informed, confident decisions for your family.
Life changes, and custody agreements must be able to adapt to new realities. If your family situation has experienced substantial changes, we can help you request legal modifications to adjust custody to current circumstances.
Our team has experience managing modification requests when there is a significant change that affects the minor's well-being or the ability to comply with the existing agreement.
Relocation of one parent that affects the logistics of the current agreement.
New job opportunities or changes in work schedules affecting the custody arrangement.
Changes in physical or mental health that impact parental capacity.
New special, educational, or developmental needs of the child requiring adjustments to the plan.
Florida uses the 'best interests of the child' standard, considering: the child's relationship with each parent, the stability of each home, the child's health, each parent's history, and each parent's ability to support the child's relationship with the other parent.
Not without the other parent's consent or a court order. Florida requires notifying the other parent at least 60 days in advance of a move. The court will evaluate whether the relocation serves the child's best interest.
You must demonstrate a substantial, permanent, and involuntary change in circumstances since the original agreement. Examples: a significant move, job change, or new needs of the child.
You can file a contempt motion with the court. The judge can impose sanctions, modify the agreement, and even order arrest in extreme cases. Document each violation carefully.
There is no minimum age at which a child can choose. However, as the child grows older, the court gives more weight to their preferences. A judge may speak directly with the child or appoint a Guardian Ad Litem.
Child custody cases can be emotionally exhausting and complex. With the right representation, this process can be handled clearly, humanely, and focused on what matters most: the well-being, stability, and future of your child.
Let us accompany you with experience, respect, and a solid legal strategy. We have helped countless Hispanic families in Central Florida reach fair and favorable custody agreements that reflect the real needs of their children.
Call now at 321-324-5454 and get a clear, honest assessment of your child custody situation.
The initial consultation is completely free and confidential. Receive professional guidance with no commitment and give your family the stability it deserves.
390 North Orange Ave., Suite 2300
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (321) 324-5454
Serving Orlando, Kissimmee, St. Cloud,
Poinciana & all of Central Florida
NOTICE: Hiring an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before deciding, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. This website has been prepared for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained on this site is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon this information without seeking professional advice. Any references or links to other websites are provided only for the convenience of our visitors. Luis Morales Legal, PLLC does not endorse these sites, nor does Luis Morales Legal, PLLC make any representation regarding the accuracy of information found on these sites.
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