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Child Custody Helping People Move Forward with Their Life

Navarre Child Custody Attorneys

Representing You and Your Children’s Best Interests

The bond between a parent and child is one of the strongest relationships in life. Unfortunately, marital conflict can interfere with a parent-child relationship. That is why disputes between divorced or unmarried separated parents often revolve around the care and custody of children, which are some of the most emotional and stressful family law matters.

Are you facing a custody battle? Consult a child custody lawyer in Navarre, FL for legal advice today! At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our team of attorneys has decades of combined legal experience with family law matters in Navarre. We are committed to helping families navigate the complexities of child custody law to reach a just resolution that preserves the important relationship between a parent and their child.

Contact The Virga Law Firm, P.A. to speak with a Navarre child custody attorney – (800) 822-5170

Child Custody Laws in Navarre, FL

Generally, the terms “child custody” and “visitation” referred to a person’s rights and responsibilities concerning the care and custody of a child. However, recent changes to Florida statutory law instituted the terms “parental responsibility,” “time-sharing,” and "parenting time" to describe what was formerly described as child custody and visitation.

Types of Child Custody in Navarre

Under Florida law, issues of parental responsibility are divided into the following categories:

  • Shared Parental Responsibility – “A court-ordered relationship in which both parents retain full parental rights and responsibilities with respect to their child and in which both parents confer with each other so that major decisions affecting the welfare of the child will be determined jointly.”
  • Sole Parental Responsibility – “A court-ordered relationship in which one parent makes decisions regarding a minor child.”

Moreover, a court can determine the rights of a parent to retain ultimate decision-making authority on behalf of a child for matters such as education, property rights, and medical care. In cases of shared parental responsibility, both parents have the authority to make legal decisions for their child. However, Florida courts can designate one parent to exclusively exercise ultimate decision-making authority.

Navarre Parenting Plans & Time-Sharing Lawyers

Florida law also provides for “parenting plans,” which refer to an official document that covers details of their time-sharing arrangement and outlines parental decision-making matters, such as the child’s education, health, and physical, social, or emotional welfare.

Parenting plans must include provisions regarding the following issues, among others:

  • The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
  • The International Child Abduction Remedies Act
  • The Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act
  • The Hague Child Abduction Convention

How Is Custody Determined in Navarre?

In Florida, the court decides which parent or parents get custody based on what they consider to be "in the best interests of the child" as stated in Florida Statutes §61.13:

"The court shall determine all matters relating to parenting and time-sharing of each minor child of the parties in accordance with the best interests of the child and in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, except that modification of a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule requires a showing of a substantial, material, and unanticipated change of circumstances."

So what is in the best interests of the child? Some of the factors the court considers when determining custody in Navarre include, but are not limited to:

  • The needs of the child and each parent's ability to provide for those needs
  • Any history of domestic violence and/or substance abuse
  • Each parent's ability and desire to put the child's needs above their own
  • Each parent's ability and desire to have a continuing and close relationship with the child and be involved in their extracurricular activities
  • Each parent's ability to provide a stable environment and maintain a routine for the child
  • Each parent's ability to stay informed of the child's day-to-day life
  • Each parent's "moral fitness," mental health, and physical health
  • The location of each parent and how travel may affect the parenting plan
  • The child's record of activities, whether at home, school, or in the community
  • Each parent's ability to keep the other parent informed and work together with the other parent on matters involving the child
  • The child's preference, if the court deems the child sufficiently able to express their preference

Consult a Navarre Child Custody Lawyer Today

When it comes to preserving your legal rights as a parent in child custody proceedings, the importance of experience, skill, and dedication cannot be understated. At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our child custody attorneys in Navarre, FL have more than 100 years of combined practical knowledge regarding matters implicating Florida family law. You can benefit from the dedication our attorneys put forth in promoting and protecting you and your children’s best interests.

Set up an appointment with one of our respected Navarre child custody lawyers to discuss your rights concerning child custody. Call our office at (800) 822-5170 or contact us online!

Our Core Values

  • The Client Comes First and All Else Will Follow
    We take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
  • Authenticity and Transparency
    We believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
  • Relentless Pursuit of the Win
    We achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
  • Growth Mindset
    We continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
  • Ownership
    We take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
  • Results Driven
    We focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
  • Respect and Celebration for One Another
    We support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
  • Unquestionable Integrity
    We stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
  • We are in it Together
    We are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
  • Reputation
    Reputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
  • Community Stewardship
    We embody the concept of giving back to the community. The Virga Law Firm is committed to supporting and improving the community through responsible and caring actions, setting an example of character.

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  • "He listened carefully."
    He answered in a way that helped me understand the law better.
    - A Divorce Client
  • "Fast and supportive service."
    The Virga Law Firm, P.A. was a blessing during my divorce. Always available for questions, they made the process fast and fair. No need to fight—they handled it all. I'd recommend them in a heartbeat.
    - Visi, A Divorce Client
  • "Eager to help and fight for clients."
    I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know that needs a child custody or divorce attorney!
    - A Divorce Client
  • "Gerard has been monumental to my case."
    Gerard has been monumental to my case. I recognized I needed an attorney who was committed to a positive outcome for my children and I. Gerard made himself available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I felt very comfortable working with the Virga Law Firm.
    - A Divorce Client