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Aggressive Representation.

We have deep ties to the community and have represented clients in Southwest Florida for more than 25 years.

Trusted Child Custody Lawyer Offering Personalized Support For Parents In Fort Myers

As much as our clients come to us feeling fear and uncertainty, we know that their children are feeling the same emotions. Ian F. Mann, a Florida divorce attorney and the founder of our firm, provides personalized representation for residents of Fort Myers, Cape Coral and all of Southwest Florida.

Knowing that they are going through difficult times in their lives, Ian F. Mann tailors strategies based on the specific issues and problems his clients face in child custody matters.

Contact the Lee County law office of Ian F. Mann, P.A., today for help in protecting your child custody and visitation rights. To speak with an experienced Fort Myers child custody attorney, fill out our online intake form or call 239-935-5935 or 866-416-1488.

A Southwest Florida Divorce Lawyer Focused On The Best Interests Of Your Children

Most child custody cases are settled in mediation. Working with your child’s other parent to come to an agreement puts you in control of the future. Failing to find a middle ground puts an important decision in the hands of a judge who will look out for the best interests of your children. One parent will be compared to the other, a position that neither a mother nor a father should want.

Florida law presumes that shared parenting is in the children’s best interests. Any deviation from that presumption must have a valid reason, such as:

Parents who live in different towns
A marriage where one parent worked while the other stayed at home with the children
Drug problems, a history of domestic violence or other criminal activity

At Ian F. Mann, P.A., we encourage our clients to take control of their destinies and those of their children. Mediating child custody puts you in control of making decisions in a cooperative setting. Not only do settlements shield children from their parents battling against each other, but they also help to facilitate better relationships for ex-spouses in the future.

Common Questions About Child Custody In Florida

Child custody laws in Florida can feel confusing at first. The courts use different terms than many people expect, and each case depends on the family’s situation. Here are answers to some of the most common questions parents ask.

What types of custody agreements are available in Florida?

Florida law does not use the old words “custody” or “visitation.” Instead, the law focuses on parental responsibility and time sharing.

Parental responsibility means which parent can make important decisions about your child’s life, such as school, health care and religion. You may have:

Shared parental responsibility, where both parents make decisions together.
Shared parental responsibility with ultimate decision-making authority, where both parents share rights, but one parent makes the final call in certain areas.
Sole parental responsibility, where only one parent has the right to make major decisions.

Time-sharing describes how much time your child spends with each parent. The court creates a time-sharing plan that fits your child’s best interests.

How can I modify a child custody agreement?

Life changes, and sometimes your parenting plan needs to change too. You can ask the court to modify your current order if there has been a major change since the last one.

For example, you may need a change if one parent moves, changes jobs or if your child’s needs shift. You must show that the change is significant and that a new plan would be better for your child.

What are the factors that could impact child custody?

The court always looks at what is best for your child. Judges review many details before deciding. They may consider:

Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable home
Your child’s age, health and emotional needs
The relationship between each parent and child
Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent

Each case is different, but the main goal is always your child’s well-being and stability.

Contact A Fort Myers Divorce Lawyer For A Consultation

Fort Myers child custody attorney Ian F. Mann‘s Florida law office is located just two blocks from the federal and state courthouses. Email us or call 239-935-5935 or 866-416-1488.

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We’re conveniently located in downtown Fort Myers, just one block from the federal and state courthouses.

Fort Myers Law Office