CONTESTED CHILD CUSTODY

Handling Your Child Custody Case with Care

One of the worst things a parent will have to deal with in a divorce is an ugly, contested child custody case. There are many pitfalls when time sharing and child custody becomes a contested issue. If these cases are not handled properly at the beginning, the emotional and financial costs can spiral out of control.

Minutes, days and months of time lost between a parent and child are magnified to a young child and can be very traumatic. 

Lisa is also experienced in dealing with cases where drug, alcohol, and mental health issues of a parent become a serious threat to the children.

Lisa has many years of experience dealing with investigators from the Department of Children and Families, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social investigations. These cases are not something that should be dealt with by a novice. 

Call Attorney Lisa Macci at (561) 361-8528 for a free telephone consultation. Handling cases throughout South Florida, the east coast of Florida from Jacksonville south, and most of Central Florida.

Understanding Who’s Involved with Contested Child Custody

  • Court Appointed Special Advocate - CASA

    A professional is appointed by the court to speak on behalf of the child. This person can come from various professional backgrounds including psychology, education, and others. The CASA is professionally trained to speak with the child in order to better understand what they want, which is used to help determine where the child will live and which parent is fit to make the child’s legal decisions moving forward.

  • Guardian ad Litem – GAL

    Like a CASA volunteer, a GAL is also a court-appointed professional, and in most cases a licensed attorney. However, a GAL has more influence and power. GAL’s are typically permitted to obtain medical and financial information from the child’s doctor and to speak with the child’s teachers about how the divorce proceedings are affecting their education. GAL’s can also subpoena witnesses for trial. After the GAL’s investigation is concluded, they’ll submit a report detailing recommendations for the child’s living space and visitation rights.

  • Government Agencies

    All states have an agency dedicated to the well-being of children, and though they are called different things, the Department of Social Services is the most used. Employees of these agencies are typically psychologists and therapists and are qualified to investigate cases regarding the safety of children. While the role of these individuals only arises in limited situations, if a DSS caseworker is assigned to your child custody case, it’s important to hire a professional attorney. Don’t go through your contested child custody case alone, call Lisa Marie Macci, P.A. at (561) 361-8528today.

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