Child Custody In Tampa: Common Disputes And How To Protect Your Rights In Requesting Modifications
When navigating child custody in Tampa, conflicts can arise that put both you and your child at risk. Once a final order is in place, both parties must follow it, but you may have the option to request modifications.
Our experienced Tampa child custody lawyer represents clients in these cases and understands how much is at stake. Find out common types of custody disputes that may warrant modifications and how to protect your rights when requesting changes to your court order.
Common Types of Tampa Child Custody Disputes
When parents break up, child custody arrangements help ensure both continue to be active in the child’s life. Under the Florida Statutes, time-sharing is encouraged and requires parents to work together to protect the child’s best interests.
Unfortunately, problems between the parents or other circumstances surrounding the situation can make things difficult. Common types of custody disputes in Tampa include:
- Interference with visitation rights, such as refusing to surrender the child or always being late for visits;
- Relocation disputes, such as when one parent threatens to move out of state or to an otherwise more distant location;
- Concerns about parental fitness, such as substance abuse, neglect, or other problems that jeopardize the child’s safety and best interests;
- Threats to the parent’s safety, such as in cases involving domestic abuse.
When facing these or other child custody disputes in Tampa, it is often tempting to try to keep the child from the other parent or otherwise refuse to comply with your current court order. This is likely to backfire, putting your own parental rights at risk. To protect yourself, get legal help immediately and before taking any action.
Requesting Child Custody Modifications In Tampa
If your child’s other parent behaves in a manner that endangers you, the child, or your rights to child custody in Tampa, you may be entitled to request changes to your original time-sharing order. However, as the court grants modifications on a limited basis, take these steps to protect your rights:
- Communicate respectfully with the other parent regarding potential disputes;
- Continue following your parenting plan and maintaining consistent involvement in your child’s life;
- Document late or missed visits and other problem behavior that impacts you or the child;
- Gather evidence, such as photos, texts, and witness statements, to support any allegations;
- If you think your child is in danger, notify the police.
The 13th Judicial Court serves Hillsborough County and outlines the process for requesting custody modifications. Considering the serious nature of these proceedings and what is at stake, get professional legal representation from an experienced Tampa child custody lawyer.
Request A Consultation Today With Our Tampa Child Custody Lawyer
Child custody disputes are overwhelming, but you do not have to face the situation alone. If problems with the other parent put you or your child at risk, you may be entitled to request modifications to your custody order. To discuss your options, contact Bubley & Bubley, P.A. Request a consultation today with our experienced Tampa child custody lawyer.
Sources:
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html
https://www.fljud13.org/portals/0/forms/pdfs/family/packet12.pdf
