Child Custody Attorney in Sarasota

Protecting the Best Interests of Children in Sarasota County ​

At Boeller Law, P.A., our Venice child custody attorneys have helped many families through divorce. When drafting time-sharing agreements, Attorney Sara Sawyer Boeller uses her background in counseling, mental health education, and experience as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator. We always consider our client's wishes and preferences in court. At Boeller Law, P.A., we believe our clients are the captains of their ships, and we are here to steer them in the right direction and guide them through the often difficult aspects of child custody.

Our child custody attorneys provide you with:

• Experienced legal professional
• Personalized & effective legal solutions
• Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator
• Exceptional track record
• Safe & healthy environment

Our Sarasota child custody attorneys bring local insight into community expectations and court preferences within the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. We understand the specific steps involved in Sarasota County proceedings and keep up with local court requirements that can affect your custody case. In every case, we build practical strategies that fit each family's routines and needs. When issues arise—whether time-sharing disputes or modifications—you can count on us to clarify procedures and help you make informed decisions at every step.

Contact our trusted child custody lawyer in Sarasota at (941) 315-8598 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Types of Child Custody in Florida

Family law cases often become highly emotional and challenging when parents must decide who will have child custody during a divorce. In Florida, a court can grant two forms of child custody:

1. When sole custody is granted, the court makes one parent responsible for the child's welfare and authorizes them to make decisions about the child's daily life.
2. When joint custody is awarded, the court grants both parents legal and physical custody so the child can spend meaningful time with both.

Courts often grant shared custody to foster strong parent-child relationships. A time-sharing agreement helps parents avoid conflict and ensures both spend time with the child.

Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody

Legal custody gives a parent the right to make decisions about a child's welfare and upbringing. This includes choices about religion, education, healthcare, and more. Physical custody refers to where the child lives. If you have sole physical custody, your child lives with you, and their other parent usually has visitation rights.

Custody agreements can include various combinations of joint or sole physical and legal custody. In Florida, courts usually prefer joint custody—when suitable—so both parents can play active roles in raising the child.

When developing custody arrangements in Sarasota County, parents must follow Florida law along with local practices set by area judges. Sarasota courts, part of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, typically require parents to submit a detailed parenting plan covering school responsibilities, healthcare, and ways to resolve future disagreements. A well-prepared, thorough plan that reflects your family’s routines can support a smoother hearing and help transitions go more smoothly for the child.

Factors Courts Consider in Custody Decisions

During a custody hearing, a judge will decide custody based on the child's best interests. Sarasota courts review several factors but pay close attention to any issues that affect a child's health and safety. Key considerations include:

• Which parent is more likely to take care of the daily emotional and physical needs of the child
• Which parent is more likely to maintain a stable and nurturing relationship with the child
• Which parent is more likely to help foster the relationship between the child and their other parent

You should consult with an experienced child custody attorney who can help protect your relationship with your child.

Modifying & Enforcing Child Custody Orders in Sarasota

Child custody orders issued by Sarasota judges can change if families' circumstances evolve. If a parent's job changes, a relocation occurs, or a child's needs shift, a parent may request a modification through the Sarasota County court. The judge reviews whether a significant change has happened and whether the proposed adjustment supports the child’s best interests. Judges in Sarasota typically require clear evidence and updates to parenting plans that reflect new circumstances. Our team supports families through the modification process by helping prepare documents and communications that align with local expectations.

Sometimes, enforcing a custody order is necessary if one parent fails to follow the terms set by the court. Sarasota courts address these matters seriously and may order mediation or further hearings to ensure both parents comply. Staying current with court rules and keeping organized records helps you protect your case. Working with a child custody attorney who knows local procedures can clarify your rights and next steps if the other parent does not follow the order.

Grandparents’ & Third-Party Custody Rights in Sarasota

Florida law gives grandparents and some relatives the chance to seek visitation or custody if certain conditions apply. Sarasota courts review these requests based on the child's best interests and the strength of the existing relationship. While Florida courts generally prefer parental custody, judges in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit may grant visitation or time-sharing to grandparents or other relatives if it benefits the child or addresses specific issues such as abandonment or parental unfitness.

For Sarasota families, pursuing third-party rights involves clear legal steps that depend on the child’s needs and family background. Our team helps clarify these options, outlining when a grandparent or relative may have standing and explaining what information the court looks for. Knowing how local laws work, what documentation is needed, and what matters most to Sarasota judges can help set realistic expectations. Learning about these options helps families decide on an approach that maintains bonds and creates stability for the child.