Banner

Skilled Family Law Counsel

Dedicated to Professional Excellence
Over 35 Years of Trial Experience

Contact Us Now For a Consultation
Banner Banner Banner Banner Banner Banner Banner Banner Banner Banner Banner Banner Banner Banner

Child Custody and Visitation Attorney

At the Lane Law Firm, P.A., we understand the importance of parenting issues. Our firm is committed to protecting our clients’ parental rights, and helping their children attain the future they deserve. We embrace our responsibility, and take pride in the service that we perform. The cases that we handle are very serious matters, and they are treated as such.

We have extensive experience handling all aspects of parenting proceedings. Our firm regularly handles complex family law issues and high-conflict divorces. We are dedicated to using our in-depth knowledge of the law, and our decades of experience to preserve your relationship with your children. Our law firm has a reputation for excellence, and we will thoughtfully navigate you through the process, with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.

Florida Law Concerning Child Custody and Visitation

In allocating time-sharing, some of the statutory factors that Florida Courts consider are:

  1. the demonstrated capacity of each parent to encourage a close relationship between the children and the other parent, to honor the agreed upon time-sharing schedule, and to be reasonable when changes to the schedule are necessary
  2. the extent to which parental responsibility will be delegated to third persons
  3. the demonstrated capacity of each parent to consider the children’s needs as opposed to their own
  4. the amount of time that the children have lived in a satisfactory and stable environment, and the extent to which it is desirable to maintain continuity
  5. the amount of time that the children will be required to spend traveling under the proposed time-sharing plan
  6. each parent’s moral fitness
  7. each parent’s physical and mental health
  8. the children’s school, home and community record
  9. the children’s preference, if the court determines that the children possess sufficient understanding, intelligence and experience to articulate a reasonable preference
  10. each parent’s knowledge about their children’ lives, including, without limitation, their teachers, friends, healthcare providers, favorite things, and daily activities
  11. each parent’s demonstrated capacity to provide a consistent routine for their children, including their schedules, homework, discipline, meals, and bedtime
  12. each parent’s demonstrated capacity to inform the other parent about their children's issues and activities, and their ability to adopt a unified front
  13. domestic violence, child abuse or child neglect
  14. proof that a parent provided the trial court with false information concerning domestic violence, child abuse or child neglect
  15. tasks that are performed by each parent before and after the institution of the dissolution proceedings
  16. each parent’s demonstrated capacity to be involved in their children’s schooling and extracurricular activities
  17. each parent’s demonstrated capacity to maintain an environment for the children that is free of substance abuse
  18. each parent’s demonstrated capacity to protect their children from the ongoing dissolution proceedings, and their ability to refrain from disparaging the other parent
  19. each parent’s demonstrated capacity to address the developmental needs of the children
  20. any other factor that the court finds to be relevant

Contact an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer

Call our office at: (561) 363-3400, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment with an experienced child custody and visitation attorney. Our offices are located in Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, and Boca Raton, Florida.

Child Custody And Visitation - FAQs

Child custody and visitation in Florida refer to the legal arrangements that define how parents share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. In Florida, child custody and visitation are referred to as “time-sharing”. Florida law emphasizes the child’s best interest and promotes active involvement of both parents.

Here are some commonly asked questions about the current legal standards and procedures regarding child custody and visitation:

Florida law presumes that equal timesharing, roughly a 50/50 split of parenting time between both parents, is in the child’s best interest. This presumption applies unless there are strong reasons, such as abuse or neglect, that would make equal timesharing harmful.


The court reviews evidence and the family’s situation, but generally favors a shared schedule. Since July 1, 2023, this presumption has guided custody cases to encourage both parents to remain involved in their child’s life.

Recent law changes have made modifying parenting plans simpler. Parents do not have to prove an “unanticipated change” to seek modification; they must show that a substantial, material, and unanticipated change has occurred that benefits the child.


The court considers factors such as the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to cooperate, and the stability of the home environment. This change allows families to adapt schedules as children grow and circumstances evolve.

If parents cannot reach an agreement, the court will create a plan based on the child’s best interests. Florida law requires a parenting plan in every case involving minor children. The plan covers decision-making responsibilities and a timesharing schedule.


The court looks at factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, and any evidence of domestic violence or substance abuse. The child’s welfare and stability remain the court’s top priorities.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us. We serve clients in West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Client Reviews

I had an excellent experience with Mr. Lane. I went through a very difficult divorce and he was excellent. He was always available and always treated me like I was his most important client. I would and do recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer specializing in divorce. - Dr. Mark F.
Matt Lane truly cares about his clients. He brings his extensive knowledge, years of experience, and meticulous attention to detail to every case. He fights for his clients in a strategic, thoughtful, and cost-effective manner. By the end of my case, we were not just attorney and client, we became and remain friends. - Jim B.
I hired Matthew Lane for a relocation (out of state) and time-sharing case. Mr. Lane went above and beyond my expectations. He knew exactly what needed to be done. Mr. Lane is extremely intelligent and I cannot imagine having someone else represent me… He is truly one of the best and works extremely hard. I am very happy I have Mr. Lane as my attorney. - Alisa H.