Protecting What Matters Most
If you are facing a child custody dispute, you need the right legal team standing behind you. As a father, it’s crucial to make the strongest case for custody. For your children and your future, put your child custody case in the hands of Kenny Leigh & Associates.
As a man, you face significant challenges during custody proceedings. Men pay a median of $3,600 annually in child support compared to $2,400 for women. It is extremely difficult for fathers to receive full custody, as courts have historically been reluctant to separate mothers from children. Every day, fathers lose custody in contested cases despite being fit, loving parents. However, we shatter those statistics with expert, unrelenting case work to ensure you’re well represented.
guide to
Types of Child Custody Under Current Florida Law
Florida law outlines several types of child-custody arrangements, each designed to support a child’s best interests and unique family circumstances.
At Kenny Leigh & Associates, we work to ensure every custody plan is fair, practical, and aligned with Florida’s current standards—promoting stability, shared responsibility, and a healthy environment for the child.
Child Custody for Unmarried Men in Florida
Understanding Your Rights as an Unmarried Father
Under Florida Statute § 744.301, unmarried mothers automatically have sole legal custody at birth. The mother controls all legal, medical, and educational decisions until paternity is legally established.
Florida’s 2023 “Good Dad Act”
Florida’s House Bill 775 (2023) reformed parental laws for unwed fathers. Once paternity is legally confirmed, unwed fathers now gain parental rights equal to the mother’s—a major shift from the previous law that automatically designated mothers as primary custodians.
Establishing Paternity
Voluntary Acknowledgment
Both parents sign a document (typically at the hospital) acknowledging paternity. This establishes recognition but doesn’t automatically grant custody or visitation.
Paternity Action in Court
Fathers can petition the court to establish paternity through DNA testing if the mother disputes paternity or won’t voluntarily acknowledge it.
After Paternity
You must still petition the court for custody, time-sharing, and decision-making rights through a parenting plan.
Relocation Rights
Without established paternity, mothers can relocate freely with the child. Once you have legal paternity and time-sharing rights, she must seek court approval before moving the child more than 50 miles away.
Fight for Your Rights as a Father
Whether you are the primary breadwinner or the hands-on caregiver, it’s important to understand that you have child custody rights. While some courts may still show bias, they are steadily moving toward more balanced treatment between parents. Kenny Leigh & Associates fights to ensure your parental rights are recognized and protected.
our approach
Why Choose Kenny Leigh & Associates
The statistics speak for themselves. Men face unique challenges in Florida’s family court system. Despite progress toward equality, biases persist that can cost you time with your children. At Kenny Leigh & Associates, we’ve worked with hundreds of men who are looking protect their rights as a father.
Child Custody Laws for Grandparents in Florida
Bottom Line: If one fit parent exists, grandparents have extremely limited rights. Florida strongly protects parental authority over grandparent access.
If you’re concerned about grandparents seeking custody or visitation of your children, Kenny Leigh & Associates can protect your parental rights.
Attorneys Serving All North and Central Florida
From Offices Including:
FAQs
If Both Parents Share Custody, Does Anyone Pay Child Support?
Yes, even with shared custody, also known as time-sharing, one parent typically still pays child support. Florida includes shared custody details when determining child support.
When Can My Child Decide Which Parent To Live With?
In Florida, there is no specific age at which a child can legally decide which parent to live with. However, judges may consider a child’s preference if the child is of sufficient age, maturity, and understanding to express a reasonable preference. The child’s preference is just one factor among many that the court takes into consideration. The judge always makes the final decision based on the child’s best interests, not solely on the child’s wishes.
What Is a Parenting Plan, and Do I Need One?
A parenting plan is a required legal document in all Florida custody cases that outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children. It details the time-sharing schedule, how parents will make decisions about education, healthcare, and religion, how parents will communicate, and how they’ll handle disputes. Every custody case in Florida requires a parenting plan approved by the court, whether parents create it together or the judge imposes one after trial.
What if We Cannot Agree on a Custody Arrangement?
If you cannot reach an agreement, Florida courts require you to attend mediation, where a neutral mediator helps you negotiate a resolution. If mediation fails to resolve all issues, your case will proceed to a final hearing, where a judge will make custody decisions based on the child’s best interests. The judge will hear evidence and testimony from both parents, consider factors such as each parent’s ability to care for the child, and issue a court order that establishes parental responsibility and outlines time-sharing arrangements. This is why having experienced legal representation from Kenny Leigh & Associates is crucial. We ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected when custody decisions are presented before a judge.