Miami Child Support & Child Custody Attorney
Individualized legal representation tailored to your needs
Professional Guidance to Help You Achieve Your Goals
People encounter family law matters at a time when they are going through significant challenges and changes in their lives. The decisions made in family law cases can affect individuals and families for years to come and permanently alter the family dynamic. What is needed at times like these is the help of a seasoned family law attorney here to guide you toward a positive outcome. At True North Law, P.A., you’ll find the help you need from an experienced litigator who strives for an amicable resolution wherever possible but is also prepared to exercise his significant courtroom skills when they are needed. For help with divorce, paternity, child support or other family law needs, contact our dedicated Miami child support & custody attorney today.
A Florida Family Law Attorney Who Knows the System Inside and Out
Firm founder and lead attorney Daniel Umbert has been practicing family law in Miami and Broward counties for more than a decade, and he brings a unique set of skills and perspective to his practice at True North Law, P.A. For many years, Daniel served as an Assistant Attorney General for Broward County assigned to the Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Program, as well as an Assistant State Attorney for Miami-Dade handling child support enforcement matters. These positions put him in the courtroom nearly every single day, where he developed strong relationships with the judiciary and a deep understanding of how the judges work, how they view and interpret evidence and legal arguments, and how they rule. We go into every case with a leg up on the opposition, already prepared with an effective strategy designed to win.
Insight and Expertise on Paternity Proceedings in Miami and Fort Lauderdale
From his years of practice handling child support enforcement matters on behalf of the state in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Daniel Umbert understands that paternity is not only a matter between a mother and a putative father. The Florida Department of Revenue can order paternity proceedings as well, with an order for child support waiting at the other end. In our experience, many times men are not even aware that a paternity proceeding is underway or they don’t understand its implications and that they could be made responsible for full child support. Often, men are also not aware of the legal requirements to disestablish paternity in the event the child is not biologically related to them. We provide legal representation to determine if paternity is appropriate and if so, to be sure and establish adequate timesharing.
Miami Child Custody and Child Support: What You Need to Know
Navigating child custody and child support issues in Miami can be complex and emotionally charged. Florida family law aims to prioritize the well-being of the child while ensuring both parents maintain a meaningful role in the child’s life. Understanding how child custody and child support work in Florida is essential for parents facing a divorce or separation. With the help of an experienced Miami custody & support attorney like True North Law, P.A., you can protect your rights and focus on the best interests of your child.
How Child Custody Works in Florida
In Florida, the term “child custody” has evolved into “parenting time” and “parental responsibility.” Florida courts encourage shared parental responsibility, which means both parents are involved in major decisions regarding the child’s education, health care, and general welfare.
There are two key components of child custody:
- Parental Responsibility: This refers to the legal authority to make important decisions about the child’s life. In most cases, courts prefer joint parental responsibility, where both parents collaborate on these decisions. However, in cases where one parent is deemed unfit or there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, the court may grant sole parental responsibility to one parent.
- Time-Sharing: This refers to the physical custody of the child and how much time each parent spends with them. The court creates a time-sharing schedule based on the child’s best interests, and parents are encouraged to work together to form a parenting plan that outlines when the child will spend time with each parent.
Factors Considered in Child Custody Decisions
Florida courts prioritize the child’s best interests when determining custody and time-sharing. Some of the key factors the court will consider include:
- The emotional relationship between the child and each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs (including health, education, and safety)
- The child’s home, school, and community environment
- The willingness of each parent to facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent
- The mental and physical health of both parents
- Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect
In Miami, courts encourage both parents to remain actively involved in their child’s life. Therefore, it’s important to approach custody negotiations with a focus on cooperation and the child’s well-being.
How Child Support Works in Florida
Child support is designed to ensure that both parents contribute financially to the upbringing of their child. In Florida, child support calculations are based on the Income Shares Model, which takes into account both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. The court will consider:
- Each parent’s gross income
- Childcare costs
- Health insurance and medical expenses
- The standard of living the child enjoyed before the parents’ separation
Once the court has all of this information, a formula is used to calculate the amount of child support. While the formula provides a baseline, the court has some discretion to deviate from the guidelines if necessary.
Common Issues in Child Custody and Child Support Cases
Child custody and child support cases in Miami can present a range of challenges, including:
- Disagreements Over Parenting Time: One of the most common issues arises when parents disagree about the time-sharing schedule. It is crucial to work with an experienced family law attorney who can negotiate on your behalf and help craft a fair parenting plan that benefits both parents and the child.
- Modifications: Circumstances change over time, and a parent may seek to modify the original custody or child support arrangement. Modifications are typically granted if there has been a significant change in either parent’s financial situation, the child’s needs, or living arrangements.
- Enforcement of Court Orders: When a parent fails to follow court-ordered child custody or child support arrangements, enforcement may be necessary. An attorney can help file a motion for contempt or other legal actions to ensure compliance.
How True North Law, P.A. Can Help
If you’re facing child custody or child support issues in Miami, True North Law, P.A. offers the experience and support you need to protect your family’s future. Our Miami child support & custody lawyer is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of family law with compassion and skill. Here’s how we can assist you:
Expert Legal Guidance: We have extensive experience with Florida’s child custody and support laws and can provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions.
Custom Parenting Plans: We will work with you to create a parenting plan that reflects the best interests of your child and accommodates your family’s needs.
Child Support Calculations: Our team will help ensure that child support calculations are fair and accurate, advocating for the financial support your child deserves.
Court Representation: Whether you’re negotiating a settlement or going to court, True North Law, P.A. will represent your interests and advocate for the best outcome in your case.
Modifications and Enforcement: If your situation has changed, or the other parent is not complying with custody or support orders, we can assist with filing for modifications or enforcing existing orders.
Child custody and child support cases can be emotionally draining, but you don’t have to face them alone. True North Law, P.A. is here to help guide you through every step of the process and advocate for your rights. Contact our Miami office today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your family’s future.
Comprehensive Support in Florida Divorce Proceedings
Divorce does more than just dissolve a marriage. It makes enforceable court orders that divide the couple’s marital property, set out child custody and child support rules that last until the children are grown and finished with school, and decide alimony which can go on for years or even permanently. At True North Law, P.A., we work to make sure your interests are well-represented in all aspects pertaining to your divorce, including child custody and support, alimony and equitable distribution. We handle all types of marriage dissolution, from uncontested divorces with marital settlement agreements to high net worth divorces requiring business valuations, QDROs and asset tracing. We consult with clients before divorce papers are ever filed so they can plan and prepare for a separation or divorce. We work with clients post-divorce as well, including seeking or opposing modification or enforcement of court orders related to custody and support. Divorce is the end of a marriage, but it’s also the start of a new chapter in life. Our team is here to support you on that journey.
A High Degree of Capability and Experience in Florida Child Support
Daniel Umbert and his team at True North Law, P.A., have the experience and expertise you need when it comes to child support matters in Miami. Whether calculating an appropriate child support order in a divorce or paternity proceeding, or dealing with child support enforcement by the Florida Department of Revenue, our attorney and staff are intimately familiar with the law and process to ensure child support is handled fairly and accurately.
Contact a Skilled Miami Family Lawyer at True North Law, P.A., Today
True North Law, P.A., is here for all your family law legal needs in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. We’ll guide you through a cost-effective approach to achieve your goals, all the while making sure you are listened to and making sure you know you are in good hands. Our Miami child custody & child support attorney and staff speak fluent Spanish and welcome the opportunity to assist you in English or Spanish according to your need and preference. Call 305-999-5523 to get started today, and let us help you find success in your Florida family law matter.
