Florida Child Custody Attorneys — Miami & South Florida
Custody situations are stressful enough without having to decode legal paperwork on top of it. If you’re trying to figure out your rights, protect your time with your child, or respond to something your co-parent just did, the most useful thing you can do right now is talk to a child custody attorney who knows Florida law and Miami courts.
That’s exactly what Feinstein & Mendez, P.A. is here for.
How Florida Handles Custody
Florida uses the terms parental responsibility and time-sharing instead of “custody.” Under Florida Statute § 61.13, courts decide these arrangements based on the best interests of the child; looking at things like the stability of each home, each parent’s involvement in the child’s life, school and community ties, and how well the parents communicate with each other.
Most parents are surprised by how many factors go into it. Having a child custody attorney who can help you present your situation clearly—and understand what the other side might argue—makes a real difference in how things turn out.
Common Custody Situations We Help With
Working out a parenting plan Whether you and your co-parent are mostly on the same page or completely at odds, you need a formal parenting plan filed with the court. We help draft, negotiate, and when needed, litigate plans that actually fit your family’s schedule and your child’s needs.
Relocation disputes under Florida Statute § 61.13001, a parent generally can’t move a child more than 50 miles away without the other parent’s written agreement or court approval. If your co-parent is planning to move—or you want to—we can walk you through what’s required and represent you in the process.
Modifying an existing order If something significant has changed in your life or your child’s life since the last order was put in place, Florida law allows you to request a modification. We help you document the change and make the case for a new arrangement.
Establishing paternity and time-sharing under Florida Statute § 742.011, unmarried fathers can establish paternity and pursue time-sharing rights. Not being on the birth certificate doesn’t mean you don’t have options.
Emergency situations When a child’s safety is at immediate risk, Florida courts can move quickly. We know how to file emergency motions and what’s required to get the court’s attention fast.
Why It Helps to Have Local Experience
Families here are often multilingual, binational, and spread across multiple households and countries. Issues like international relocation, consular involvement, or coordinating with courts in another country come up more here than in most places.
Our family law attorney team at Feinstein & Mendez, P.A. has worked with South Florida families long enough to know the landscape, the courts, the judges, the practical realities of how these cases actually play out. When you work with us, you get straightforward advice based on your actual situation.
Answering Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child get a say in where they live?
What if my co-parent isn't following the parenting plan?
We're on decent terms. Do we still need attorneys?
It’s worth having a child custody attorney review any agreement before it’s filed. Informal arrangements aren’t legally binding, and small oversights in a parenting plan can cause big headaches later when circumstances change.
How long does a custody case take?
Talk to a Child Custody Attorney Today
