Our firm handles all aspects of family law matters. Learn more about our most common areas of practice below.
DIVORCE
Dissolution of marriage (divorce) is the legal process for terminating a marriage. Upon divorce, the court will divide the assets and liabilities of the parties and award alimony, child support, child custody, and attorney fees, as appropriate under the circumstances of each case.
At the Law Office of Joshua Coffman, our commitment is to guide each client through a difficult process as smoothly as possible, keeping costs reasonable while delivering unparalleled service.
CHILD CUSTODY
A parenting plan is the court order that governs the relationship between the parents with respect to decisions impacting their minor child or children. A parenting plan includes how the parents will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of children as well as the time-sharing schedule that specifies the time a minor child will spend with each parent.
A parenting plan may be designed and agreed to by the parties to a custody dispute. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court will establish the parenting plan.
At the Law Office of Joshua Coffman, we are committed to encouraging healthy relationships, staying focused on the long-term outcome, while always seeking to protect the children involved in a family law dispute.
CHILD SUPPORT
A suit for child support is designed to obtain a court order requiring one or both parents to pay for a child’s financial and medical support. The award of support to one party for the benefit of a child is based on the needs of that particular child as well as a parent’s ability to pay.
The Florida Statutes provide child support guidelines, which are presumed to be the proper amount of support awarded.
If you are facing a child support proceeding and would like to speak with a family lawyer, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.
MODIFICATION OF PRIOR ORDERS
The primary objective of a suit to modify is to change the terms of a prior court order. A parenting plan, including parental responsibility, time-sharing and child support, may be modified if a party or child has experienced a “substantial change” in circumstances.
Alimony may also be modified by a court upon a showing of a “substantial change” in circumstances.
It is important to consult with a lawyer before filing a modification suit.
ENFORCEMENT OF PRIOR ORDERS
Enforcement and contempt proceedings provide a way for a party to enforce a child custody, child support or alimony award. These situations arise when one party is non-compliant with a court order.
Florida law provides a variety of mechanisms to punish the disobedient party and to coerce him or her into compliance.
MEDIATION
Mediation is the most common type of alternative dispute resolution. It is a process whereby individuals work through a neutral third-party (mediator) to reach agreements.
Due to increased costs and the uncertainty of litigation, mediation is the most favored method to resolve disputes between litigants.