Child Specialists And Their Role In Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Proceedings

At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, LLC, children come first. When divorcing or single parents have problems reaching child time-sharing agreements, false allegations are made, or one engages in behavior that puts the child at risk, we provide the trusted, local legal representation you need. In some cases, certain types of specialists may be called in. Find out more about these professionals and the role they play in Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing proceedings.

The Role Child Specialists Play In Child Time-Sharing Proceedings 

Under the Florida Statutes, protecting the rights and well-being of children is a top priority. This includes during divorce and paternity proceedings in Fort Lauderdale. Child time-sharing arrangements are generally encouraged and considered to be in the child’s best interests.

However, as the parents involved may not get along or may have parted on bad terms, making arrangements that benefit everyone often proves challenging. This is when child specialists may be called in. While the parents are defending their individual rights, a child specialist looks beneath the surface. There are three types of specialists that are often used in Fort Lauderdale child time-sharing proceedings:

• Child psychologists and other therapists: Child time-sharing can become a battleground for divorced or single parents, and it is not uncommon for one party to make serious accusations against the other. To determine if any type of abuse or other harm is taking place, a child psychologist or other therapist may need to interview the child.
• Guardian ad litem: When any type of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect is suspected and one or both parties are alleged to be at fault, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem. This is a specially trained professional whose top priority is protecting the child and ensuring their safety.
• Parenting coordinator: When disputes between the parents prevent them from reaching agreements regarding time-sharing, a parenting coordinator may be called in. This serves as a form of dispute resolution through the Florida Courts, helping the parties create a reasonable parenting plan and resolve other issues that arise.

Request A Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Child Time-Sharing Lawyer

Child therapists, a guardian ad litem, and parenting coordinators perform different jobs but have the same primary purpose-to protect the rights and best interests of children. Common issues they can help address:

• Cases in which parents may not have previously been in the child’s life;
• When the parents are unable to get along;
• When one or the other refuses to comply with a child time-sharing order;
• When they otherwise engage in behavior that puts the child at risk.

If you are divorced or single and have serious disputes involving the other parent, Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto is here to help. We are qualified as a parenting coordinator through the Broward County Court and provide the caring support and trusted legal guidance you need. To request a consultation, call or contact our office online today.

Sources:

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Alternative-Dispute-Resolution/Parenting-Coordination#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20parenting%20coordination,the%20prior%20approval%20of%20the

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Alternative-Dispute-Resolution/Parenting-Coordination#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20parenting%20coordination,the%20prior%20approval%20of%20the