Parental Rights in Clermont
Over 40 Years of Combined Experience Protecting Parents & Families
When a parenting dispute threatens your authority, your time with your child, or your ability to remain involved in important decisions, knowing exactly what Florida law protects is the starting point.
In Florida Chapter 61 parenting cases, two core concepts are parental responsibility and time-sharing. Parental responsibility addresses authority over major decisions involving a child, while time-sharing governs the schedule each parent follows. Both are addressed through a parenting plan.
At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we represent parents in disputes involving parenting plans, time-sharing, parental responsibility, paternity, enforcement, relocation, and related family law matters. Our Clermont-based team brings more than 40 years of combined legal experience and a practical approach built around honest assessments, organized preparation, and clear communication.
Call (888) 835-5840 or contact us online to discuss your rights and the legal steps available to protect them.
Voices of Victory
4.8 Google Rating from 150 of our Clients
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“Angela Alcime was a Godsend who helped us navigate some muddy waters and resolve some tough issues. She really knows what she's doing. More than that, she actually cares.”- David L.
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“We were so pleased and appreciative of the friendliness and professionalism of Mr. Rickman and the staff that we couldn’t have been happier.”- Gregg S.
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“Angela was exceptional in assisting my family. Within a 5-minute conversation, she knew exactly how to assist my family and worked within our time constraints.”- Norma V.
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“If you want a upfront, straight forward, professional go-getter, Justin and his team are all that and more!”- Nathan P.
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“He and his staff made me feel like my needs were a priority, exuded professionalism, and I always felt like I had an advocate in my corner.”- Christopher F.
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“He is a straight shooter and doesn't sugar coat, which was also very appreciated. I recommend Justin 100% and would definitely use him again if the need arises.”- Shannon Z.
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“I will always continue to recommend Mr. Rickman to anyone in need and I am confident that him and his team will be able to take care of them!”- Brandon T.
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“I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney. I am very thankful for his service and kindness.”- Jimmy
Situations That Can Put a Parent's Role at Issue
A parental-rights dispute can arise when an existing arrangement is no longer working or when one parent's actions threaten the other parent's involvement.
A Parenting Plan or Time-Sharing Schedule May Need to Change
Florida generally requires a substantial and material change in circumstances before a court modifies parental responsibility, a parenting plan, or a time-sharing schedule. The requested modification must also be in the child's best interests.
A change in preference alone is not enough.
The evidence may involve changes in the child's needs, safety concerns, a parent's conduct, geographic circumstances, or other facts that materially affect the existing arrangement.
Our child custody and time-sharing practice addresses both initial parenting plans and disputes over existing arrangements.
A Parent Is Not Following the Existing Schedule
A court-ordered time-sharing schedule is enforceable.
When a parent improperly denies time-sharing, Florida law gives courts several possible remedies. Depending on the circumstances, those remedies may include compensatory time-sharing, fees or costs, contempt, sanctions, or modification when the legal requirements for a modification are satisfied.
If the dispute centers primarily on denied parenting time, our visitation and time-sharing attorneys can review the existing order and the pattern of noncompliance.
Paternity Has Not Been Fully Addressed
For unmarried parents, establishing legal paternity can be an important part of establishing enforceable parental rights and responsibilities.
Florida law recognizes both the mother of a child born outside marriage and a father who has established paternity under the applicable statutes as natural guardians with parental rights and responsibilities.
If paternity has not been legally established, the mother's starting legal position is different. Even after paternity is established, parents may still need a parenting plan or court order defining parental responsibility, time-sharing, and support.
Our Paternity & Fathers' Rights practice addresses these issues when parentage and parenting rights need to be established or clarified.
A Parent Wants to Relocate With the Child
Florida has a specific statutory process for relocation.
A relocation generally involves changing the child's principal residence by at least 50 miles for at least 60 consecutive days, excluding certain temporary absences allowed by law.
When everyone with time-sharing or access rights agrees, relocation may be addressed through a written agreement meeting the statutory requirements. When agreement is not possible, the relocating parent generally must use the court process before relocating the child.
A relocation dispute can affect school schedules, transportation, holidays, electronic communication, and the amount of meaningful time available to each parent.
Domestic Violence or Safety Allegations Affect Parenting
Allegations involving domestic violence, child abuse, abandonment, neglect, or serious safety concerns can materially affect a parenting case.
They may influence parental responsibility, time-sharing conditions, exchanges, or other provisions of the parenting plan.
When an injunction is also involved, its restrictions must be considered alongside the existing parenting order. Our domestic violence injunction attorneys handle protective-order matters that can intersect with family-law disputes.
Restricting Parenting Rights Is Not the Same as Terminating Them
A court can change parental responsibility, restrict time-sharing, impose conditions, or otherwise modify a parenting arrangement when Florida law and the evidence support that result.
Permanent termination of parental rights is different.
Termination is governed by a separate statutory framework under Florida Chapter 39 and involves specific grounds, procedures, and consequences. It should not be confused with an ordinary custody, parenting-plan, or time-sharing dispute under Chapter 61.
For most parents dealing with divorce, paternity, modification, enforcement, or relocation, the immediate issue is how the court will define or protect their parenting rights within the existing parent-child relationship, not whether that relationship will be permanently terminated.
The Evidence Can Shape the Parenting Plan
Parental-rights cases often turn less on broad accusations and more on what the evidence actually shows.
Depending on the dispute, useful evidence may include:
- Existing parenting plans and court orders
- Messages between the parents
- School and attendance records
- Medical information relevant to the child's needs
- Records of missed exchanges or denied time-sharing
- Calendars documenting parenting involvement
- Witness testimony
- Evidence relating to safety or domestic violence concerns
- Information showing how a proposed change would affect the child's routine
We organize the facts around the legal issue the court must decide rather than allowing the case to become a collection of unsupported accusations.
Clear Strategy From the Beginning
Parents often come to us without knowing whether a problem should be addressed through negotiation, mediation, an enforcement motion, a modification request, or a contested hearing.
We begin by reviewing the existing orders, identifying the immediate issue, and explaining the options that fit the circumstances.
Realistic Advice
We do not promise outcomes that the evidence cannot support.
Our attorneys explain the strengths and risks in the case, what the other parent may argue, and the range of realistic possibilities before major decisions are made.
Organized Preparation
Some disputes can be resolved through focused negotiation. Others require hearings or trial preparation.
We prepare with both possibilities in mind so a case does not have to be rebuilt from the beginning if an agreement cannot be reached.
Communication That Keeps the Case Moving
Our attorneys and experienced paralegals work together to manage documents, deadlines, client communication, and case preparation.
The firm's approach emphasizes prompt communication and practical explanations so clients understand what is happening and what information we need from them.
Our Core Values
We always provide our clients with a realistic assessment of their likelihood of success and are driven by three core values:
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True Commitment
At our firm, unwavering dedication defines everything we do. We stand by our clients with integrity, diligence, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
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Delivery of Effective Results
We are a dedicated team of legal professionals committed to delivering strategic, timely, and results-driven solutions tailored to our clients' needs.
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Bang for Your Buck
We want you to receive maximum value for your legal investment - experienced representation, transparent pricing, and results that matter.
Get a Clear Plan for Protecting Your Role as a Parent
If your parenting time, decision-making authority, or ability to remain involved in your child's life is being challenged, the first step is understanding what the existing orders say and what Florida law allows you to do next.
The Law Offices of Justin Rickman can review the current parenting arrangement, identify the legal issue, and explain the evidence and procedural steps that may matter.
Call (888) 835-5840 to schedule an initial consultation with The Law Offices of Justin Rickman.