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Joint Custody

Orlando Joint Custody Lawyer

Interested in Seeking Joint Custody in Orlando, FL?

It is important to remember that the court's primary concern is the best interests of the child. While the court will likely lean toward awarding joint custody, the final decision will be based on what is best for the child. Therefore, it is critical that you approach the court with a plan that outlines the benefits of joint custody.

At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., we are dedicated to helping our clients resolve family law matters in a cost-effective and efficient manner. We recognize the stress and anxiety that a divorce can cause, and we do our best to help minimize these feelings and concerns. We are here to help.

Call (800) 822-5170 or contact us online to speak with a joint custody attorney in Orlando, FL.

Understanding Joint Custody

Joint custody, often referred to as shared custody or shared parenting, is a legal arrangement in which both parents share the responsibilities and decision-making authority for their child or children.

In Florida, joint custody can be further categorized into two primary forms:

  • Joint Legal Custody: This form of joint custody involves both parents sharing the responsibility for making important decisions regarding their child's upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious matters.
  • Joint Physical Custody: Joint physical custody entails both parents sharing the physical care and residence of the child, ensuring that the child spends significant time with each parent.

In Florida, as in many other states, the courts encourage joint custody arrangements, believing that children benefit from having a meaningful relationship with both parents.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing joint custody in Florida:

  • Shared Decision-Making: Joint custody allows both parents to participate in important decisions regarding their child's upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. This ensures that both parents have a say in their child's life and can work together to make choices that are in the child's best interest.
  • Stability for the Child: Joint custody provides children with stability by allowing them to maintain strong relationships with both parents. This consistency can be emotionally reassuring for the child and help them adjust to the changes brought about by the divorce or separation.
  • Equal Access to Resources: In a joint custody arrangement, both parents typically share financial responsibilities for the child, including child support, medical expenses, and educational costs. This can help ensure that the child has access to the resources they need for their well-being.
  • Reduced Conflict: Joint custody encourages communication and cooperation between parents. By working together to make decisions and coordinate parenting responsibilities, conflicts may be reduced, creating a more harmonious environment for the child.
  • Foster Positive Co-Parenting Relationships: Joint custody often necessitates ongoing communication and cooperation between parents. Over time, this can help parents build a more positive and collaborative co-parenting relationship, which can benefit the child in the long run.
  • Maintaining Family Bonds: Joint custody allows the child to maintain strong bonds with both parents, which can be important for their emotional development and overall well-being. It can also help prevent feelings of abandonment or rejection.
  • Flexibility: Joint custody arrangements can be tailored to fit the specific needs of the child and parents. The schedule and responsibilities can be adapted over time as circumstances change, providing flexibility for the family.
  • Legal Recognition: In Florida, joint custody is often the default assumption unless one parent can demonstrate that it is not in the child's best interest. This means that parents are on equal footing in terms of legal rights and responsibilities, which can be an important consideration in custody disputes.
  • Encouragement of Parental Involvement: Joint custody encourages both parents to be actively involved in their child's life. This involvement can have a positive impact on the child's emotional and cognitive development.
  • Child's Best Interest: Florida family courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody determinations. Joint custody is often seen as aligning with this principle because it allows for the continued involvement of both parents in the child's life, provided it is appropriate and in the child's best interest.

Why Choose The Virga Law Firm?

The family court system can be a very intimidating place to navigate alone. This is especially true if you are dealing with a situation that is particularly contentious. At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., we understand how stressful and emotionally draining this process can be. We are here to help you navigate these waters and get you to the other side as quickly and stress-free as possible. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and devise a plan of action.

Our team is made up of passionate and experienced family law attorneys who are dedicated to helping our clients resolve their family law matters in a cost-effective and efficient manner. We understand that the process can be overwhelming, and we do our best to help minimize the stress and anxiety that often comes along with a divorce.

For a comprehensive evaluation of your case and legal options, contact our firm today. (800) 822-5170 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a joint custody attorney in Orlando.

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.
  • Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office

    Job Title: Family Law Associate Attorney Position

    The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL

    Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?

    We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.

    Who We Are

    The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.

    Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.

    Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.

    Who You Are

    The ideal candidate:

    • Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
    • Has a passion for family law
    • Excels at identifying crucial case details
    • Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
    • Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
    • Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
    • Thrives in fast-paced environments
    • Is committed to helping others and leading by example

    Minimum Qualifications

    • An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
    • Demonstrated experience in family law
    • Proven history of passionate representation and client service
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
    • Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
    • Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
    • Ability to work independently and produce superior work product

    Key Responsibilities

    • Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
    • Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
    • Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
    • Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
    • Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
    • Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
    • Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
    • Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail

    Benefits and Perks

    • Competitive compensation package based on experience
    • Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
    • Progressive Paid Time Off:
      • One week per six months
      • Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
      • Paid holidays and one flex holiday
    • Parental and bereavement leave
    • Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
    • Professional development opportunities
    • Supportive team environment

    Why Choose The Virga Law Firm

    • Unified company culture dedicated to success
    • Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
    • Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
    • An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
    • Commitment to personal and professional growth
    • No-drama, no-judgment work environment
    • Strong focus on team collaboration

    Application Process

    Interested candidates should submit:

    • Current resume
    • Writing sample
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Cover letter

    How to Apply

    1. Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
    2. Submit required documents

    Additional Information

    The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates. 

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  • "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
  • "He listened carefully."
    He answered in a way that helped me understand the law better.
    - 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
  • "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