When Kissimmee parents cannot reach agreement on a parenting plan, the dispute goes before a circuit court judge for resolution. Before that happens, Florida requires the parties to attempt mediation. A trained mediator facilitates discussion between the parents and their attorneys, working toward a negotiated agreement. If mediation produces a settlement, those terms become the court-ordered parenting plan. If it does not, the case proceeds to a contested hearing where the judge evaluates the evidence and imposes a plan.
A judicial determination of parenting arrangements is final unless subsequently modified by demonstrating a substantial change in circumstances. The stakes of a contested custody hearing are therefore durable. Brodzki Jacobs prepares Kissimmee clients for this process thoroughly, because what is argued and documented at that hearing forms the evidentiary record for any future modification attempt as well. Contact the firm well in advance of your hearing date to build the strongest possible case.
