Child Custody & Visitation Attorney in Florida
Helping Tampa Bay Families Build Parenting Plans That Put Children First
A Florida Child Custody Attorney Who Puts Your Children First
When parents separate, the most urgent question is almost always the same: what happens to the children? Florida law no longer uses the terms “custody” or “visitation” — instead, it focuses on parenting plans and time-sharing arrangements designed to keep both parents actively involved in their children’s lives. But getting to a plan that actually works for your family takes more than paperwork.
At the Law Offices of Kerya L. Koeut, P.A., we help parents in Pinellas County and throughout the Tampa Bay area establish parenting plans that reflect the real needs of their children and protect each parent’s role in their life. Attorney Koeut’s background includes experience as a Guardian ad Litem, Attorney ad Litem, and as a prosecutor in the child welfare division of the Pinellas County State Attorney’s Office — giving her a depth of perspective on what courts prioritize when children are involved that few attorneys can match.
Decisions made during this process will shape your children's daily lives for years to come. Having an attorney who understands both the legal framework and what courts truly look for can make a meaningful difference.
Why Florida Families Trust Kerya Koeut
Rare Depth of Experience
Attorney Koeut's background spans family law, Guardian ad Litem work, and child welfare prosecution — giving her a grounded, court-informed perspective on what judges consider in custody matters.
Focused on your family's reality
Every family is different. We take the time to understand your children's needs, your circumstances, and your goals before advising on strategy.
Experience across complex cases
From straightforward parenting plan agreements to contested custody disputes, we have helped families across Pinellas County reach outcomes that serve their children's long-term well-being.
Steady Guidance through a difficult process
Custody proceedings are emotionally difficult. We provide honest, grounded counsel — helping you understand what to expect and what decisions are truly within your control.
Serving Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay Area
We represent clients in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, and surrounding Pinellas County communities.
Understanding Parenting Plans and Time-Sharing in Florida
Florida’s approach to child custody centers on detailed parenting plans that address both day-to-day time with the children and long-term decision-making. Here’s an overview of how the process works.
What a Parenting Plan Covers
Every Florida family case involving children requires a Parenting Plan. It outlines how parents will share time with the children and make decisions about education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and childcare.
Time Sharing Arrangements
The Parenting Plan includes a detailed time-sharing schedule specifying which days and times each parent will spend with the children—including holidays, school breaks, and special occasions.
Legal Decision Making
Parenting Plans address who makes major decisions for the child, including medical care, education, and religious upbringing. These responsibilities may be shared jointly or designated to one parent depending on the circumstances.
The Best Interests Standard
Florida courts use a “best interests of the child” standard when resolving custody disputes. Judges consider factors including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s school and community ties, and each parent’s ability to foster a healthy relationship with the other parent.
Modifying a Parenting Plan
An existing parenting plan can be modified if a parent can demonstrate a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances—and that the modification serves the child’s best interests.
When Parents Can't Agree
If parents cannot reach an agreement, a judge will determine the parenting plan after hearing evidence. Having an experienced attorney advocate for your position is critical in contested cases.
Common Questions About Child Custody in Florida
No. Florida law does not give preference to either parent based on gender. Courts make decisions based solely on the best interests of the child, considering a range of statutory factors.
The parenting plan is the broader legal document that covers all parenting responsibilities and decision-making. The time-sharing schedule is the specific calendar included within the plan that details when each parent has the children.
Florida does not give children the automatic right to choose. However, as children get older, the court may take their preferences into consideration as one of many factors in determining the best arrangement.
Parenting plans are court orders. If a parent is violating the terms, you can file a motion for enforcement. The court takes violations seriously and can impose penalties, including modification of the plan.
Not necessarily. If parents can agree on the terms, the plan can be submitted to the court for approval without a trial. Mediation is often used to help parents reach an agreement and can save significant time and expense.
Relocating more than 50 miles with a child requires either the other parent’s written consent or a court order. Florida has specific laws governing parental relocation—see our Relocation page for more detail.
A Guardian ad Litem is an attorney or trained volunteer appointed by the court to represent the best interests of the child — separately from either parent’s attorney. Attorney Koeut has served in this role, which gives her direct insight into how courts evaluate what truly serves a child’s well-being.