Compassionate Guidance For Custody Arrangements
Last updated on April 8, 2025
Determining child support, child custody and visitation are three of the most difficult challenges that any parent could encounter. If you face these issues yourself, you need the guidance of an experienced attorney who can help you protect your child’s best interests.
At The Law Office of Tonya D. Cromartie, P.A., Florida-based attorney Tonya Cromartie is here to work with you. She has more than 20 years of legal experience in a spectrum of practice areas. When you need an experienced, compassionate attorney who can advocate for you with strength, she is here for you.
Certified In Family Mediation By The State Supreme Court
Tonya is one of the rare attorneys who is a Supreme Court-certified family mediator. This certification requires extensive training and education in family law and mediation. Whether you need an attorney to represent you in mediation or you already have representation and seek a qualified mediator, she is here for you. She can assist you and your co-parent in reaching mutually satisfactory arrangements for support, custody, visitation and post-decree orders.
Prevent Criminal Charges From Impacting Custody
Sometimes, family legal issues intersect with criminal law. Whether you have a criminal history or face current allegations, you may find your time with your children in jeopardy. Often, judges reduce the custodial rights of parents who have certain charges, especially those involving abuse, on their records. Tonya will assertively stand up for your rights as a parent, ensuring that you get as much custody and visitation with your children as possible.
Modifying A Child Custody Order In Florida
When life circumstances change, your custody arrangement may need to change too. Florida courts recognize that families evolve over time, which is why the law allows for modification of existing custody orders when necessary.
To modify a custody order, you must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances that was not anticipated when the original order was created. This change must be significant, material and permanent in nature. Examples include:
- Relocation for employment
- Changes in a child’s educational needs
- Concerns about a child’s safety in their current environment.
The court will carefully evaluate whether the proposed changes align with your child’s best interests. This includes reviewing factors such as each parent’s ability to maintain a stable environment, willingness to foster a relationship with the other parent and the child’s established routine and community connections.
Pursuing a modification without proper legal guidance can be challenging. Courts generally prefer to maintain stability in a child’s life, so the burden of proof rests on the parent seeking the change. Attorney Tonya Cromartie can help you navigate this complex process. Her past experience in such cases means she can help ensure that your petition clearly demonstrates why the modification serves your child’s needs.
Enforcement Of Child Custody Orders In Florida
A custody order is legally binding and both parents must adhere to its terms. Unfortunately, violations do occur, potentially disrupting your child’s sense of security and your relationship with them. Some of the common violations include:
- Repeatedly returning a child late after visitation
- Denying scheduled visitation
- Making unilateral decisions about a child’s education or health care contrary to the order
- Relocating with a child without proper notification or permission.
If you are facing a situation where your co-parent is not following the custody order, it is important to document each violation with specific dates, times and circumstances. Communication attempts to resolve the issue should be preserved as evidence of your good-faith efforts.
Attorney Tonya can help you petition the court for enforcement through a motion for contempt or other appropriate legal remedies. The court has various tools to enforce compliance, including makeup parenting time, financial penalties or in serious cases, modification of the custody arrangement.
Rather than attempting to handle enforcement issues independently, which could potentially escalate tensions, working with a reputable family lawyer like Tonya can help ensure your rights and your child’s stability remain protected through proper legal channels.
Seek The Guidance Of A Custody Attorney
Tonya Cromartie of The Law Office of Tonya D. Cromartie, P.A., understands how important your kids are to you. Contact her at her office in Daytona Beach to speak with her about your rights. To schedule your initial consultation, call 386-319-2658 or send her an email.