Child Custody Attorney

At St. Johns Law Group, we understand that nothing is more precious than your child. When families go through divorce or separation, the most critical and emotional issues often revolve around child custody, timesharing, and parental responsibility.

With over 10 experienced attorneys, mediators, and litigators, our team is the largest law firm in St. Augustine—equipped to advocate for your parental rights and ensure that your relationship with your child remains strong and legally protected.

Understanding Parental Responsibility in Florida

In Florida, the legal term “custody” is now more commonly referred to as “parental responsibility” and “timesharing.”

Florida law presumes that shared parental responsibility is in the child’s best interest unless proven otherwise. This means that both parents are expected to share in decision-making and have meaningful time with their child—regardless of the child’s age or gender.

Timesharing Schedules & Custody Guidelines

We help parents throughout St. Johns County, Flagler County, Putnam County, and Volusia County understand the court’s standard timesharing schedules and how deviations may be requested to reflect your family’s unique circumstances.

Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we guide you toward a parenting plan that fosters a positive, stable environment for your child while protecting your legal rights.

What Shared Parental Responsibility Means

Under shared responsibility, both parents:

• Retain equal legal rights

• Must consult one another on major decisions (education, healthcare, religion, etc.)

• Participate in the child’s day-to-day upbringing

• Work together to uphold the child’s best interests

In some cases, the court or the parties may decide that one parent has the final say in specific matters—such as education or medical care—while still preserving shared parenting overall.

Sole Parental Responsibility – When Is It Ordered?

Florida courts strongly favor shared parenting. However, in rare and exceptional circumstances, the court may award sole parental responsibility to one parent—particularly when shared custody would:

• Be detrimental to the child

• Pose a risk of harm

• Involve a history of abuse, neglect, or substance misuse

Our family law attorneys are experienced in representing both mothers and fathers in complex and contested custody cases. We work with mental health professionals, Guardian ad Litems, and parenting coordinators when needed to build a strong, evidence-based case.

Technology & Communication in Parenting Plans

Modern parenting plans often include virtual timesharing tools such as:

• Video calls (e.g., FaceTime, Zoom)

• Online messaging platforms

• Shared digital calendars for co-parenting

We help draft parenting plans that incorporate these tools so both parents can stay involved, even when distance or schedules make in-person time challenging.

Parenting Plans – Court-Ordered or Agreed

Parents can jointly develop and submit a mutually agreed parenting plan for court approval. If no agreement is reached, the court will impose a plan based on:

• The child’s relationship with each parent

• Stability and continuity in the child’s life

• Parental fitness, moral character, and involvement

• History of substance abuse or domestic violence

• Each parent’s willingness to co-parent and support the child’s relationship with the other

Florida law uses the Best Interests of the Child Standard to guide all custody and timesharing decisions.

Parenting Classes – Legal Requirement

Before a divorce involving minor children is finalized, both parents must complete a court-approved parenting course. In some jurisdictions, children may also be required to attend a child-focused educational class to help them understand and cope with the family transition.

We’ll walk you through this process and ensure all documentation is submitted on time.

Areas We Serve

Our Child Custody and Parental Responsibility Attorneys serve clients across:

• St. Augustine

• St. Augustine Beach

• Ponte Vedra

• Palm Coast

• Flagler County

• Palatka

• Putnam County

• Daytona Beach

• Volusia County

Let Us Help You Protect What Matters Most

Custody and parenting disputes can be emotionally draining and legally complex. Let the experienced family law attorneys at St. Johns Law Group help you navigate this process with confidence and clarity.

Schedule a Consultation Today