Child Custody Lawyer Tampa
Tampa Child Custody Attorney — Protecting Your Children’s Future
When your children are involved, nothing else matters more. A child custody lawyer in Tampa who knows Florida law — and knows how to fight for your family — can make all the difference in how the next chapter of your life unfolds. At Mindy Lasley, P.A., Tampa child custody attorney Mindy Lasley handles these cases with the focus and care they deserve.
Florida does not use the word “custody” the way most people think of it. Courts use parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and shared parental responsibility. The legal framework is specific, and getting it wrong in the early stages can affect your rights for years.
Mindy has handled hundreds of custody cases — from parents trying to protect their children from an unfit co-parent, to fathers fighting for equal time-sharing, to families navigating relocation disputes. She knows what judges look for and how to build a case that holds up.
How Florida Child Custody Works
Florida courts make all decisions regarding children based on the best interests of the child. The law strongly favors both parents remaining involved in a child’s life unless there is a documented reason otherwise.
The key terms in Florida family law are:
- Parental responsibility — Who makes decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Florida courts typically award shared parental responsibility.
- Time-sharing — The schedule that determines when the child is with each parent. Replaces the old term “visitation.”
- Majority time-sharing — The parent the child lives with most of the time. Replaces the old term “primary residential parent.”
- Parenting plan — A detailed document every case with minor children must have. It outlines the time-sharing schedule and all major decisions affecting the child.
What Goes Into a Florida Parenting Plan
A parenting plan must be highly detailed. Florida courts require it to address:
- Day-to-day time-sharing schedule, including school year and holidays
- Healthcare decisions and medical providers
- Educational decisions and school choice
- Religious upbringing
- Extracurricular activities
- Communication between the child and each parent
- Transportation arrangements
Mindy takes the time to build parenting plans that actually work in real life — not just on paper. She has seen cases where a poorly drafted plan created years of conflict between parents, and she works hard to make sure her clients do not end up in that situation.
Contested Custody Cases in Tampa
Not every custody case is straightforward. Some involve allegations of an unfit parent, substance abuse, domestic violence, or a parent attempting to limit the other’s time. These cases require an attorney who will not back down.
One client came to Mindy in the middle of a divorce where the other parent was making it extremely difficult to maintain a relationship with their child. The accusations were false, the pressure was immense, and the stakes were everything. Mindy worked through the evidence, challenged every claim, and secured a time-sharing arrangement that kept the client’s relationship with their child fully intact.
When the situation is serious, having an attorney who has been through difficult custody battles before — and who knows how to win them — matters.
Sole Custody in Florida
True sole custody — where one parent has all decision-making authority — is not easy to obtain in Florida. Courts prefer shared parental responsibility. However, in cases involving abuse, neglect, substance issues, or documented harm to the child, Mindy knows how to build the legal argument for sole responsibility.
Related Practice Areas
- Tampa Parenting Plan Lawyer
- Tampa Child Support Attorney
- Paternity Lawyer Tampa
- Modification Lawyer Tampa
- Tampa Divorce Attorney
- Tampa Family Relocation Attorney
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Florida favor mothers in custody cases? | No. Florida law treats both parents equally. Courts focus solely on the best interests of the child, not the gender of the parent. |
| What is shared parental responsibility? | Both parents share decision-making authority for major decisions. It does not necessarily mean equal time-sharing. |
| Can I get sole custody in Florida? | It is possible but requires significant evidence that shared responsibility would harm the child. |
| What if my co-parent is not following the parenting plan? | You can file a motion for enforcement with the court. An attorney can help you document violations and take action. |
| Can custody be modified after it is set? | Yes, if there is a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances. See: Modification Lawyer Tampa. |
| What factors does the court use to decide time-sharing? | Courts weigh over 20 factors including each parent’s relationship with the child, willingness to co-parent, stability, and the child’s preferences if age-appropriate. |
Talk to a Tampa Child Custody Attorney Today
Your relationship with your child is worth protecting. Mindy Lasley, P.A. is ready to help you fight for the outcome your family deserves. Call (813) 873-9047 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation. The sooner you have the right child custody lawyer in Tampa on your side, the stronger your position.
About Mindy Lasley, P.A.
Mindy Lasley, P.A. is a Tampa family law firm dedicated exclusively to Florida family law. Attorney Mindy Lasley has handled hundreds of custody cases, parenting plan disputes, and contested divorce matters throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County. The firm is located at 1005 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602.