Fathers' Rights Attorney in St. Petersburg
Protecting Your Relationship With Your Children
If you are a father worried about losing time with your children, you are not alone. Many fathers come to us feeling like they are being pushed to the sidelines or are unsure what Florida law really allows them to do. Our goal is to help you protect your role as a parent and move forward with a clear plan.
Plotnick Law Offices is a full service law firm with an office in St. Petersburg that helps fathers facing custody, time sharing, paternity, and child support issues. Our attorneys bring more than 35 years of combined experience to every case, and some of that experience comes from time as former prosecutors.
When you work with us, you work with the same family law attorney from start to finish. You are not passed from person to person and you do not have to keep retelling your story. If you are ready to talk about what is happening in your family and what your options might look like, we invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation.
Protect your future and your family by calling (727) 619-1827 or contacting Plotnick Law Offices online for a consultation with a fathers' rights lawyer in St. Petersburg.
Understanding Fathers' Rights Laws in Florida
Florida law does not favors one parent over the other based on gender. Under Florida Statute § 61.13, the primary focus of the court is the "best interests of the child," but the starting point for that determination has changed.
Presumption of Equal Time-Sharing
One of the most significant victories for fathers in Florida is the rebuttable presumption that equal (50/50) time-sharing is in the best interest of the child. This means that, unless the other parent can provide a preponderance of evidence that an equal split would be detrimental to the child—such as proof of abuse, neglect, or substance issues—the court begins with the assumption that the child should spend half of their time with their father.
This landmark shift has leveled the playing field, making a St. Petersburg fathers' rights attorney an essential ally in maintaining your daily presence in your child's life.
Rights for Unmarried Fathers
For years, unmarried mothers in Florida were considered the "natural guardians" of a child born out of wedlock, leaving fathers with no legal standing until a court order was issued. However, following legislative reforms, once paternity is established, an unwed father now enjoys the same "natural guardian" status and immediate parental rights as the mother. This allows fathers to participate in medical and educational decisions from day one.
Parental Responsibility vs. Time-Sharing
It is crucial to distinguish between these two legal concepts:
- Shared Parental Responsibility: This is the default in Florida. It means both parents must confer and agree on major decisions affecting the child’s welfare, including healthcare, religious upbringing, and schooling.
- Time-Sharing: This refers to the actual schedule of when the child is physically in your care.
Parenting plans are written documents that set out these details, including regular schedules, holidays, and communication guidelines.
Family law cases for parents in St. Petersburg typically move through the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Pinellas County. The procedures and expectations are guided by Florida statutes and local rules. Our attorneys help fathers understand how these rules apply in real life and what to expect as a case moves forward, so you are not walking into a courtroom without context.
Why Choose Plotnick Law Offices?
Experience, Commitment, and Personalized Care
As a former prosecutor, we understand how to build strong cases. Our hands-on approach ensures you’re supported every step of the way.
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Experience That Matters
Led by a former prosecutor, Plotnick Law Offices offers unique insights and strategic advantages for every case. Our deep understanding of the legal system ensures that we can effectively advocate for your rights and best interests.
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Relentless Preparation
Success begins with preparation. We leave no stone unturned when investigating and building your case, ensuring that every detail is thoroughly examined to strengthen your position.
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Hands-On Advocacy
When you choose Plotnick Law Offices, you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney from start to finish. We don’t shuffle clients between attorneys—you’ll always have consistent and reliable guidance.
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Personalized Representation
At Plotnick Law Offices, we prioritize building strong, lasting relationships with our clients. We take the time to understand your unique needs and goals, ensuring that your case strategy is tailored to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Fathers' Rights
At Plotnick Law Offices, we recognize that fathers often face an uphill battle in the court of public opinion, if not the court of law. Our methodology is designed to neutralize biases and highlight your essential role.
We assist fathers with:
- Modification of Time-Sharing: If your child's needs have changed or the mother has relocated, we fight to update your schedule to reflect the current reality.
- Relocation Defense: If the other parent intends to move more than 50 miles away with your child, we file immediate injunctions to stop the move and preserve your bond.
- Contempt and Enforcement: If you are being denied your court-ordered time, we take swift action to enforce the order and hold the other parent accountable.
- Paternity Contests: If you are being asked to pay support for a child that may not be yours, we utilize genetic testing to establish the truth and protect your financial future.
At Plotnick Law Offices, we handle father focused issues within our broader family law practice. This often includes parenting plans, time sharing schedules, parental responsibility, paternity actions, and child support.
Because our practice also includes criminal defense and personal injury, we are able to understand how a criminal charge or injunction might affect your case and your parenting time.
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“I cannot thank you enough for your help, Marc, honestly. I made a stupid mistake and it took you no time to take care of the situation.”- Frank M.
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“I would definitely recommend them to someone in need of any attorney services.”- Priestly V.
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“He is compassionate and helpful.”- Carolyn A.
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“In the end, the result was way over my expectations.”- J. Hughes
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“Quick to respond to communications and always kept me informed during the entire process.”- Michael K.
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“I truly appreciate everything he did and his communication with me was greatly appreciated.”- Tawna L.
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“Nothing is worse than waiting around wondering what’s going to happen to you, which didn’t happen at all after hiring Marc.”- Jared
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“When I tell you they treat you like family, that's no lie!”- Jeffrey B.
Want to learn more about the team behind your case? Visit our About page to meet Marc F. Plotnick and Paul S. Horning, and discover how their experience can make a difference for you.
What To Do Now To Protect Yourself
When emotions are high, it is easy to make quick decisions that can affect your legal position later. Moving out of the home without a plan, agreeing to informal arrangements you do not understand, or sending angry messages can all complicate your case. Taking a few careful steps now can help protect both you and your children.
If you are in the middle of a dispute, these steps can help:
- Stay involved in your children’s daily lives as much as circumstances allow and keep records of your involvement.
- Communicate with the other parent in writing whenever possible and keep the tone focused on the children.
- Avoid making promises or signing any agreement about custody, time sharing, or child support without legal advice.
- Gather important documents, such as school records, medical records, and any existing court orders or agreements.
- Write down a timeline of significant events in your relationship and your children’s lives to share with your attorney.
We understand that many fathers need guidance quickly. Our attorneys are available to meet at our office in St. Petersburg or at another one of our locations in the region. Before you agree to a parenting plan, child support terms, or any modification, we encourage you to have a conversation with a lawyer who is focused on protecting fathers’ roles in their children’s lives.
Our Approach To Fathers' Rights Cases
When handling fathers’ rights cases, we begin by listening carefully to understand your children, schedule, existing court orders, and priorities—whether that’s securing overnights, maintaining frequent contact, or protecting decision-making authority. This helps us tailor a strategy that aligns with your goals and ensures you know exactly who is managing your case throughout the process.
We explain the legal options available under Florida law, including filing a new paternity or dissolution case, modifying an existing parenting plan, or addressing violations of a current order. Our experience as former prosecutors is especially valuable when allegations of abuse, neglect, or substance use arise, allowing us to evaluate evidence, respond effectively, and protect your time with your children.
Because our attorneys handle family law, criminal defense, and personal injury, we understand how different cases can intersect—such as a domestic-related criminal charge affecting a parenting matter. We focus on integrity, clear communication, and realistic guidance to help you make informed decisions and work toward a resolution that safeguards your relationship with your children and supports family stability.
Contact Our Fathers' Rights Lawyer in St. Petersburg
If you are a father facing a custody, time sharing, or paternity dispute in this area, you do not have to navigate it alone. Our attorneys at Plotnick Law Offices are here to listen, explain your options, and help you take the next steps with confidence. To talk with a fathers' rights lawyer in St. Petersburg and learn how we can assist, call us today.
Call (727) 619-1827 or reach out online to speak with our fathers' right lawyer in St. Petersburg.