Panama City Child Custody and Child Support Lawyer
Last updated on May 12, 2025
Your children mean everything to you, which increases the anxiety and intensity in disputes involving child custody or child support. These are the times when you need experienced legal counsel – both to help you stand strong and to be the voice of reason.
The lawyer and staff of McCauley Law Offices, P.A., are protective of your child’s best interests and your parental rights. We strive for solutions to these complex and emotional disputes that are conducive to peaceful and productive co-parenting. However, when the other party won’t negotiate or when a legal ruling is needed, you can depend on us for skilled advocacy in contested court proceedings.
More than 25 Years of Child Custody Litigation Experience
The Florida family courts have moved away from the traditional custody-and-visitation arrangement. The timesharing model presumes more equalized roles and responsibilities. Though the child may live with one parent the majority of the time, the other parent is encouraged to be actively involved in the child’s life and child-rearing decisions. This requires a greater degree of communication, cooperation and compromise than some parents can embrace, leading to conflicts.
Our office excels at providing you with that kind of representation. We help clients assert their rights and their wishes in parenting plan negotiations and custody litigation:
- Timeshare – The child’s primary residence and proportion of time with each parent
- Timesharing schedule – Overnights, weekends, holidays, vacations, extracurriculars
- Parenting plan details – Pickup time, notifications, contact with child, etc.
- Parent relocation within Florida or out of state
- Possession of the house
- Timesharing rights in paternity cases
- Interference with visitation
- Modifications of custody arrangements
We pride ourselves on our commitment to understanding the facts and details that make your case unique and, very often, that can make the difference in your child custody and support matter.
We can deliver those services because we have spent more than 25 years working with people just like you throughout the Panama City area. As a result, we hold the seasoned legal judgment that makes it possible to communicate effectively with people, even during their most difficult and emotional proceedings.
What Are The Best Interests Of The Child?
In Florida, the best interests of the child is the standard that guides matters of custody and visitation. It means that the court prioritizes the child’s health, safety and emotional well-being. Florida courts consider factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the parents’ ability to care for a child, and the child’s home, school and community environment. The court may also consider the child’s preference, depending on age and maturity.
Let Our Office Handle Confusing Child Support Details
The level of support is largely governed by Florida’s child support guidelines. However, timesharing is factored in and there may be other reasons to deviate up or down from the presumptive amount of support.
Panama City child custody attorney Carroll L. McCauley III can represent the paying parent or recipient parent in initial determination of support or modifying child support after a substantial change in circumstances. In doing so, he works to solve problems for you in a manner that is both practical and wise.
Peace Of Mind Through Strong Legal Advocacy
In all family legal matters involving children, we also aim for an economical solution that avoids a showdown and lingering resentments between parents. However, we have litigated many custody cases, winning important victories on behalf of clients and their children. Whether we litigate on your behalf or not, though, you will rest easier knowing that you can rely on us to pursue efficient legal strategies narrowly tailored to the goals of your case. Our years of experience enable us to recognize those strategies that are as efficient as they are effective.
Frequently Asked Questions On Child Custody
Regarding raising children after a separation or divorce, we understand how many questions and concerns can come up. That is why we have put together answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about child custody and child support in Florida. These responses should help parents in Panama City and throughout Florida feel more informed and empowered during a difficult time.
How is child custody decided in Florida, and what factors does the judge consider?
Florida uses the term “time-sharing” instead of custody. Time-sharing is how much time each parent spends with their child and how responsibilities are divided. Judges make decisions based on what is in the child’s best interest. Some of the key factors considered include:
- Each parent’s ability to care for the child
- The child’s emotional and developmental needs
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s willingness to encourage a relationship with the other parent
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
The court’s goal is always to create a stable and supportive environment for the child.
Can I get full custody of my child in Panama City, Florida?
In rare cases, yes, but Florida courts favor shared time-sharing unless one parent is deemed unfit.
To be awarded sole parental responsibility, commonly referred to as “full custody,” we would need to show that the other parent poses a danger to the child’s well-being, such as through abuse, neglect or ongoing substance use.
How is child support calculated in Florida?
Florida uses a statewide guideline to calculate child support. The formula considers:
- Each parent’s income
- The number of children involved
- The number of overnights each parent has with the child
- Health insurance and medical expenses
- Childcare and other related costs
These numbers are entered into a standard worksheet, but sometimes adjustments are made based on special circumstances.
What can I do if my ex is not paying child support?
If child support payments stop, we can take action to enforce the court order. Florida has strong enforcement tools, which may include:
- Wage garnishment
- Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
- Seizing tax refunds or placing liens on property
We can help you file the proper motions and work with the Department of Revenue to hold the other parent accountable if needed.
Can a custody or child support order be changed later?
Yes, custody (time-sharing) and child support orders can be changed later if there has been a substantial, material and unanticipated change in circumstances.
Florida law allows for modifications when the original court order no longer meets the child’s needs or reflects the parents’ current situation.
Once we determine a valid change, we can help you petition the court for a modification.
Tell Us About Your Situation In A Consultation
McCauley Law Offices, P.A., serves Bay County and neighboring jurisdictions. To arrange a consultation with Mr. McCauley, call 850-299-4070 or contact us online.