Tampa Parental Rights Attorney

Providing Stability and Equality for Florida Families

Navigating the complexities of parental rights can be overwhelming. Whether you are seeking to establish custody, protect your visitation rights, or address legal challenges related to your child, having an experienced attorney by your side is crucial. At Givens Law Group, our dedicated Tampa parental rights lawyer is committed to helping parents understand their legal rights and advocate for the best interests of their children.

Our firm handles the following cases:

• Father's Rights
• Mother's Rights

Schedule a consultation by calling (813) 328-6159 today.

What Are Parental Rights?

Parental rights refer to the legal rights and responsibilities a parent has regarding their child. These rights include making decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare. Parental rights also encompass custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and, in some cases, child support obligations.

In Florida, parental rights are protected by state law, but disputes can arise for various reasons, including divorce, separation, or allegations of neglect or abuse. Understanding the scope of your rights is essential to ensure your child’s well-being and your involvement in their life.

Common Types of Parental Rights

Parents have several legal rights that may be asserted or defended in court. These commonly include:

Custody Rights

Custody determines where a child will live and who will make important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. Florida recognizes two types of custody:

• Legal custody: The right to make major decisions about the child’s life, including schooling, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
• Physical custody: The right to determine where the child will live and the day-to-day care of the child.

Visitation or Parenting Time

Even if one parent has primary custody, the other parent typically retains the right to visitation. Courts in Florida aim to maintain the child’s relationship with both parents whenever it is safe and in the child’s best interest.

Consent for Medical and Educational Decisions

Parents have the right to consent to medical treatment for their child and to make decisions about their education. Disputes may arise when parents disagree about treatments, school choice, or extracurricular activities.

Inheritance and Legal Status

Parental rights also affect a child’s inheritance and legal recognition. Establishing paternity, for example, ensures a child has legal rights to benefits such as Social Security or health insurance coverage.

Protection from Termination

In certain circumstances, a parent may face the threat of losing their parental rights. Courts must follow strict legal standards before terminating a parent’s rights to ensure that such a serious action is justified and in the child’s best interests.

How to Remove Parental Rights

While parental rights are fundamental, there are situations where the law allows for their removal or termination. Florida law permits parental rights to be terminated voluntarily or involuntarily.

Voluntary Termination

A parent may choose to relinquish their parental rights voluntarily, often as part of an adoption process or due to personal circumstances. Courts typically require that voluntary termination is in the best interest of the child and that the parent understands the legal consequences.

Involuntary Termination

Involuntary termination occurs when the court determines that a parent is unfit to care for the child. Common grounds for involuntary termination include:

• Abuse or neglect of the child
• Abandonment or failure to provide support
• Chronic substance abuse
• Conviction of serious crimes
• Long-term incapacity to care for the child

The process of terminating parental rights is complex and requires careful legal guidance to protect both the child’s well-being and the rights of all parties involved.

Parental Rights FAQs

Q: Can a non-biological parent have parental rights?

Yes. In cases of adoption, step-parent relationships, or legal guardianship, non-biological parents can acquire parental rights through court orders or legal agreements.

Q: How do parental rights affect child support?

Parental rights and responsibilities often go hand-in-hand with child support obligations. A parent with custody may receive child support, while a non-custodial parent is typically required to contribute financially to the child’s upbringing.

Q: Can parental rights be reinstated after termination?

In rare cases, parental rights may be reinstated if circumstances change, and the court determines that reinstatement serves the child’s best interest. Legal counsel is essential to pursue such action.

Q: What if the other parent is denying visitation?

If a parent is being denied court-ordered visitation, legal remedies are available. Our Tampa parental rights lawyer can file motions to enforce visitation rights and ensure compliance with custody orders.

Why Choose Givens Law Group?

At Givens Law Group, we understand the emotional and legal complexities of parental rights cases. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, effective representation for parents in Tampa, FL. When you work with our attorneys, you benefit from:

• Personalized legal strategies tailored to your family’s unique situation
• Experienced advocacy in custody, visitation, and parental rights termination cases
• Clear guidance through all stages of the legal process
• Commitment to protecting your relationship with your child

Protecting your parental rights is essential for maintaining a meaningful relationship with your child and ensuring their welfare. If you are facing challenges related to custody, visitation, or termination of parental rights, trust our family law attorneys to guide you through the legal process with expertise and care.

Contact a Tampa parent's rights attorney today to discuss your legal issue.