Parental Rights & Parenting Plans

Boca Raton Parental Rights Lawyer

Serving Parents in Palm Beach & Broward County

Parental rights are a common and often worrisome concern for individuals seeking a separation or divorce or where never-married individuals living apart have a child in common. These rights refer to parental responsibility and the privileges that parents have towards their minor children. They can include who retains the authority to make major decisions concerning the child and rights to timesharing of the child, otherwise known as physical “custody.”

Other rights can include one parent’s right to financial child support in divorce, separation, or paternity cases. 

At Haber Legal, we understand that parental rights are a primary issue for most parents. Our attorneys have worked with hundreds of parents in these matters. Her understanding of the law, negotiation skills, collaborative law training, and litigation experience provide you with many options for resolving this issue. 

Get a personalized consultation with our Boca Raton parental rights attorney. Contact our team by email or by calling us at (855) 729-8252. 

Commonly Asked Questions

What factors do courts consider when determining parental rights?

Courts consider various factors such as each parent's ability to provide a stable home, emotional ties to the child, and their capacity to meet the child's needs when determining parental rights.

Can parental rights be terminated in Florida?

Yes, parental rights can be terminated in Florida under certain circumstances, such as a history of domestic violence, child neglect or abuse, criminality, or inability to care for the child due to substance abuse.

What is shared parental responsibility?

Shared parental responsibility is a legal arrangement where both parents are involved in making decisions regarding their child's upbringing, health, education, and welfare, typically favored by Florida courts.

How does domestic violence affect parental rights?

Domestic violence can severely impact parental rights, as courts may limit or deny custody and timesharing to a parent with a history of such behavior, prioritizing the child's safety and well-being.

Are parental rights the same for unmarried parents?

In Florida, unmarried parents have equal parental rights as long as there is no court order stating otherwise, but establishing paternity may be necessary for legal recognition of those rights.

Understanding Your Rights as a Parent in Boca Raton

At Haber Legal, we believe that every parent should be well-informed about their rights and responsibilities. Navigating the complexities of family law can be daunting, but understanding your legal standing is crucial for making informed decisions that affect your family. Whether you're dealing with custody arrangements, child support, or parental responsibilities, our experienced team is here to guide you through the intricacies of your rights as a parent.

Here are some key rights every parent should know:

  • Right to Custody and Visitation: Understand your rights regarding physical and legal custody, as well as visitation schedules.
  • Right to Child Support: Know your entitlements and obligations concerning financial support for your children.
  • Right to Make Decisions: Gain insight into your rights to make important decisions about your child's education, healthcare, and welfare.
  • Right to Legal Representation: Ensure that you have access to legal counsel who can advocate for your interests and those of your children.
  • Right to Modify Agreements: Learn how you can seek modifications to existing custody or support agreements as circumstances change.

By understanding these rights, you can better advocate for yourself and your children during legal proceedings. Our dedicated attorneys at Haber Legal are committed to empowering you with the knowledge and support you need to navigate your family law matters effectively. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your parental rights.

Understanding Equal Parental Rights in Florida

In general, Florida parents have equal rights and responsibilities regarding their children, unless a court order or agreement states otherwise.

Florida law does not inherently grant one parent more sway than the other in determining this issue. However, in cases where parents are separated or divorced, a court may decide on a primary custodial parent based on the best interests of the child. Factors considered include each parent's ability to provide a stable home, their emotional ties to the child, and their capacity to meet the child's needs.

The courts favor shared parental responsibility and timesharing of children under the belief that children do best with a continuing relationship with both parents. The court’s ultimate goal is to provide for the child’s best interests after reviewing the facts and circumstances of each case. 

Judges will only limit or deny parental rights to a parent who has a history of domestic violence, child neglect or abuse, criminality, or an inability to properly care for the child due to alcohol or drug addiction. These situations must be proven in court by the opposing parent to be awarded sole custody of the child. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Boca Raton parental rights attorneys and take the first step toward protecting your parental rights. Contact our team by email or by calling us at (855) 729-8252. 

Grandparents’ Rights in Florida

Grandparents in Florida do not have an automatic right to custody or visitation with their grandchildren. However, they can seek access or custody under specific circumstances. 

According to Florida Statutes Section 752.011, grandparents may petition for visitation rights if:

  • The parents are deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state; or
  • One parent is deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state and the other parent has been convicted of a felony or a crime of violence that poses a substantial threat to the child's welfare.

In addition, grandparents can seek temporary or concurrent custody of their grandchildren under Florida law if they can prove that the child's parents are unfit or that the child is at risk of harm. This must be proven by clear and convincing evidence. It also must be shown that it is in the best interests of the child to have a relationship with grandparents, and that the relationship will not harm the child’s emotional connection with his/her parents.

The courts will look at many factors in determining grandparents’ rights, ranging from the emotional ties between grandparents and their grandchildren, the history of grandparent/grandchild relationships, and parental reasons for denying grandparents access to grandchildren. Parents have primary custody rights when it comes to their children. Thus, grandparents must present a strong case in court seeking custody or visitation should parents oppose these rights. 

How Can Haber Legal Help?

Whether you are seeking parental rights as a mother or father or you are pursuing grandparents’ rights, our firm can help. 

Ms. Haber can assist by providing advice, representation, and support throughout the legal process. She can help in drafting petitions, negotiating agreements, and presenting your case in court. She is backed by more than a decade of experience devoted exclusively to Florida family law. 

Call Haber Legal for legal assistance from our Boca Raton parental rights attorneys. Contact our team by email or by calling us at (855) 729-8252. 

Continue Reading Read Less

Rave Reviews From Happy Clients

We prioritize your experience, and it shows in our reviews. Read through some of our previous clients' own words below, or call us today at (855) 729-8252 to get started.

    “Caring and Knowledgeable”
    “They are the most caring and knowledgeable family law attorneys I know.”
    - Former Client
    “Always knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and hardworking.”
    “Haber Legal is the best! They have advised numerous members of our family on a wide array of sensitive issues. Always knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and hardworking.”
    - Ari B.
    “She Held My Hand Every Step of the Way”
    “She is very honest and thorough, explaining in detail the whole process. She held my hand every step of the way and put my kids first.”
    - Stef S.
    “Always Going the Extra Mile”
    “They are extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced in family law... they show great care and compassion towards her clients. They are always going the extra mile.”
    - Christina D.
    “Kind, Direct, and Honest”
    “They are the most kind, direct and honest attorneys I know. Their combination of professionalism and compassion is extremely rare. I have the utmost respect for them.”
    - Jared K.
    “10/10!”
    “Haber Legal is an incredible firm with a hearts of gold! I felt so supported having them as my advocate. They were accessible at all hours of the day, and they were so sincere and genuine.”
    - Ashley G.
    “Nothing Short of Excellent”
    “My experience was nothing short of excellent. From the moment I walked through their doors, I was greeted with professionalism, empathy, and a level of service that far exceeded my expectations.”
    - Stuart K.
    “Extremely Knowedgable”
    “Their legal advice restored my faith in the legal system. They were extremely thorough and made herself available at all times. Extraordinary representation.”
    - Lori L.

Have Questions? Start Here.

We’re Ready to Help

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy