Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. 2026-06-03T10:59:43Z https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1304159/2020/03/cropped-favicon-32x32.png On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[3 tips for effective communication during a Florida divorce]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247254 2026-06-03T10:59:43Z 2026-06-03T10:59:43Z 1. Focus on the practical Parents who have children together may need to communicate daily about their children. Spouses with businesses or mortgages likely need to interact occasionally to address their shared responsibilities. Keeping all communication focused solely on relevant practical matters instead of on fault or the intense emotions that arise during divorce can limit opportunities for arguments.

2. Use a written communication system

Divorcing couples often agree to communicate solely in writing through text messages, emails or even co-parenting apps. Face-to-face conversations and phone calls may become too emotional. Written communication inspires calmness, as there is a permanent record of every email or text message sent.

3. Use lawyers for negotiations

There is no rule stating that spouses must communicate directly to negotiate a settlement during divorce. It is practical for spouses to establish clear expectations with their attorneys and then let their lawyers try to settle the details. Allowing for communication through attorneys can help spouses avoid direct interactions that could devolve into shouting matches. People who prioritize calm and effective communication can potentially avoid disputes and reach settlements that allow them to file uncontested divorces. Establishing clear communication rules early in the divorce process can help people protect their peace of mind and limit divorce-related arguments.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[Factors that are considered when child custody is decided]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247253 2026-05-19T19:45:10Z 2026-05-19T19:45:10Z Child custody decisions can have a lasting impact on both parents and children. During custody proceedings, courts focus on creating an arrangement that supports the child’s safety, emotional well-being and long-term stability. Every family situation is different, which means child custody decisions are based on several important factors. Courts carefully review each parent’s ability to provide a healthy and supportive environment for the child.

1. The best interests of the child

The most important factor in custody cases is the best interests of the child. Courts aim to create arrangements that protect the child’s emotional, physical and developmental needs. Judges may consider the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s adjustment to school and community as well as the stability of each home environment before making a decision.

2. The ability of each parent to provide care

Courts also examine each parent’s ability to meet the child’s daily needs, which includes providing food, housing, education, emotional support and proper supervision. A parent’s work schedule, living conditions and willingness to encourage a healthy relationship with the other parent may also influence custody decisions.

3. Health and safety considerations

Mental health, physical health and any history of substance abuse or domestic violence can play a major role in custody cases since courts prioritize the child’s safety above all else. If there are concerns about abuse, neglect, or unsafe living conditions, the court may limit custody or visitation rights to protect the child from harm.

5. The child’s preferences and family stability

In some cases, older children may be allowed to express their preferences regarding custody arrangements. Courts may consider these wishes depending on the child’s age and maturity level. Judges also look at the importance of maintaining stability in the child’s life, including relationships with siblings, extended family members and consistent routines. Seeking experienced legal guidance can help parents better understand custody laws and prepare for the custody process.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[Addressing anxiety when your child is with your ex]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247252 2026-05-05T08:09:29Z 2026-05-05T08:09:29Z It is common for coparents to feel anxious when their child is at the other parent’s house. In some cases, this could also cause the child to feel anxious, so it is a good idea to learn how to manage these emotions and concerns. One key step is to work together with the other coparent and focus on communication. If the two of you can communicate regarding the child’s needs and well-being, it can really ease your anxiety. You know that they are doing well and that they are being cared for, even when they are not under your direct supervision.

Focus on distractions

In some situations, you may be able to communicate with the child. If you have a teenager who has a cellphone, for instance, you may be able to text them or use video calls, even when they are staying with your ex. But there are also naturally going to be times when you are simply out of contact with the child until you have custody again. At these times, it can be helpful to distract yourself and focus on your own life and your own goals. Examples include:
  • Spending time with friends
  • Focusing on hobbies, like reading a book
  • Getting exercise or going for a walk
  • Focusing on work so that you can get ahead and have more time to spend with your child when you have custody again
It is natural to feel anxious, but it often feels worse if you are sitting around waiting for the next custody exchange. If you are proactive about spending this time doing other activities, you will likely feel less anxious, and the time will seem to pass more quickly.

Navigating shared custody

Anxiety is just one thing to consider when addressing shared custody issues. If you have any questions about your legal or physical custody rights as a coparent, it can be helpful to work with an experienced family law attorney.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[What does having the best interests of the child mean in Florida?]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247251 2026-04-21T16:00:02Z 2026-04-21T16:00:02Z How do Florida courts evaluate a child's best interests? In Florida, parenting plan arrangements are centered on your child’s best interests. This means the court prioritizes your child's safety, stability and overall well-being. The court generally starts with the rebuttable presumption that equal time-sharing serves your child's best interests unless evidence proves otherwise. Judges often consider many factors when determining a child’s best interests. These factors may include:
  • Each parent's ability to provide a stable home environment
  • Each parent's relationship with the child
  • Each parent's mental and physical health
  • Each parent's ability to support the child's relationship with the other parent
  • The child's community ties, routines and school performance
The judge might even consider your child’s reasonable preferences – but only if the judge finds them mature and intelligent enough to express their opinion. The court may also look into your or the other parent’s criminal history. If the court finds evidence of domestic violence, neglect, child abuse or abandonment, it could restrict time-sharing or shared decision-making to protect the child. This includes ordering supervised time-sharing, if necessary.

Navigating parenting plans with legal guidance

By focusing on what is best for your child, it can become easier to find an arrangement that works for everyone involved. Keep in mind that family situations are unique. You can navigate a parenting plan case more effectively by learning the relevant procedures and developing a stronger understanding of complex Florida family laws.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[What to know about financial support after a Florida divorce]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247250 2026-04-08T16:06:56Z 2026-04-08T16:06:56Z You are going through a divorce, and one of your biggest concerns is how you will support yourself or your children once it is final. Whether you expect to pay or receive financial support, understanding how Florida handles these obligations can help you plan for what comes next. The rules changed significantly in 2023 for cases filed on or after July 1, 2023, and knowing how the current system works puts you in a better position to protect your future.

How Florida's alimony rules changed

Florida eliminated permanent alimony payments in 2023 under Senate Bill 1416. Courts now limit post-divorce support to a set period. The law recognizes three main types of alimony:
  • Bridge-the-gap alimony: Helps you cover short-term needs as you transition to single life and is capped at two years.
  • Rehabilitative alimony: Supports education or job training that will help you become self-sufficient, with a maximum of five years.
  • Durational alimony: Provides longer-term support after divorce but is tied to the length of your marriage.
Each type serves a different purpose, and the court will determine which one fits your situation based on the specific circumstances of your case.

How the court determines the amount and duration

Florida courts consider several factors when deciding alimony. These include each spouse’s income and earning ability, age, health, standard of living during the marriage, contributions to the marriage and the length of the marriage. The court cannot award more than the lower of two amounts: the recipient spouse’s reasonable need or 35% of the gap between the spouses’ net incomes. The law also limits how long durational alimony can last:
  • For marriages under 10 years: Up to 50% of the marriage’s length.
  • For marriages between 10 and 20 years: Up to 60%.
  • For marriages over 20 years: Up to 75%.
These limits give the court a framework, but the final award still depends on the facts of the marriage and each spouse’s financial situation.

Child support follows different rules

Child support is separate from alimony. Florida calculates it under child support guidelines that look at both parents’ incomes, the number of overnights each parent has and the cost of health insurance and child care. Courts usually follow the guideline amount and need written reasons to deviate by more than 5%.

When support can change

Support orders can sometimes change after divorce. If you face a substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss, serious illness or retirement, you may ask the court to modify support. Courts cannot modify bridge-the-gap alimony. They may adjust rehabilitative or durational alimony if the change is substantial and lasting. Courts usually do not change the length of durational alimony unless exceptional circumstances exist. They may also reduce or end alimony if the receiving spouse enters a supportive relationship.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[When your co-parent stops following the parenting plan]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247242 2026-03-11T09:24:04Z 2026-03-17T12:22:01Z Keep track of what is happening If problems begin to appear, it may help to keep a record of what occurs. Writing things down can help you determine whether the issue is occasional or part of a pattern. Parents sometimes track situations such as missed exchanges, denied parenting time, unexpected schedule changes or messages related to the conflict. Clear records can provide helpful context for you if the situation continues and you need to seek further help.

Try communication or mediation

Some parenting plan conflicts begin with misunderstandings or schedule changes. In some situations, a calm and direct conversation with your co-parent may help clarify expectations. Communicating in writing may also help you both review what was said and reduce confusion later. If the problem continues, some parents explore mediation. Mediation allows both parents to discuss concerns with the help of a neutral third party. This can often resolve issues without the need for a stressful court hearing.

When court involvement may occur

If disagreements persist, some families return to court for further review. A judge may look at the parenting plan and the circumstances surrounding the conflict. Depending on the situation, the court may direct parents to follow the existing plan, adjust parts of the schedule or issue additional orders meant to support the child’s stability.

Focus on stability for your child

Parenting conflicts can feel stressful, especially when you are trying to maintain a consistent routine for your child. Taking thoughtful steps early may help prevent the situation from becoming more complicated. Every family situation is different. Learning about your options can help you move forward with more confidence and focus on creating a consistent, supportive environment for your child.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[4 situations that can trigger custody modification in Florida]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247239 2026-02-20T10:59:04Z 2026-03-10T09:46:02Z As a divorced parent, you know that life rarely stands still. Your job changes, your child grows or you need to relocate. These shifts can make your current custody arrangement hard to follow. Fortunately, Florida law recognizes that families change. Thus, you can request a custody modification when major changes affect your parenting plan.

When a parent relocates

First, you must formally modify your time-sharing schedule if either you or your ex-spouse moves more than 50 miles away for at least 60 days. This distance makes your current arrangement difficult to maintain. As a result, the court needs to approve a new schedule that works with the relocation.  Additionally, you'll need to give notice and potentially explain how the move serves your child's best interests. Beyond relocation, work schedule changes can also similarly disrupt your parenting time.

When your work schedule changes drastically

Having a new job, different working hours or military deployment may also prevent you from following your current visitation schedule. Hence, these major changes can also call for a modification request. After all, you can't spend time with your child if you're working during your scheduled parenting time. Fortunately, the court understands that job changes happen and will consider reasonable adjustments. In addition to work changes, your child's needs also change over time, requiring flexibility in your arrangement.

When your child’s needs changes

Your child's age, growth, school requirements or health needs changes over time. For instance, they may need a new therapy schedule or have different school activities. These shifts may require adjusting your time-sharing plan. The court recognizes that what worked for a toddler may not suit a teenager. Sometimes, however, problems with the other parent require court help.

When a parent blocks time-sharing

On the other hand, if one parent regularly prevents the other from exercising court-ordered visits, custody modification becomes necessary. This interference harms your child and breaks the court order. As a result, you can seek enforcement and potentially request schedule changes to protect your parenting time.

Accommodating your family’s changing needs

Your family's changing needs deserve legal recognition. A modified custody order makes sure everyone's interests stay protected. Understanding your options and the modification process helps you speak up for arrangements that truly work for your family's changing situation.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[2 ways to maintain co-parenting while avoiding conflict]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247240 2026-02-20T15:26:39Z 2026-02-20T15:26:39Z Nesting Nesting is an approach that focuses on stability for your child. Instead of making them transfer between two homes, the child stays in the family home full-time. The parents are the ones who swap, depending on their assigned schedule. This strategy minimizes disruption of a child's routine and social life during the transition of a divorce. While this strategy minimizes disruption for the child, it requires a high degree of business-like cooperation between parents to manage the shared living space and expenses.

Parallel parenting

If all forms of communication fail, you may find parallel parenting a better option. While this limits contact between parents, each party can set its own rules during their scheduled time. However, under Florida law, co-parents must maintain shared parental responsibility on significant life decisions. Through this method, you can only communicate with the other parent on specialized apps and only for emergencies or logistics.

Maintaining a caring environment

If limiting contact with the other parent protects your child’s best interest, it may be for the family’s benefit. Navigating these high-conflict waters is exhausting. If your current arrangement feels like a constant legal minefield, it may be worth sitting down with a family law attorney to formalize boundaries that protect your peace and your children’s future.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[How can you set realistic financial goals before alimony?]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247237 2026-02-06T14:57:39Z 2026-02-06T14:57:39Z Divorce often changes your finances in ways that feel stressful. Before finalizing alimony, setting realistic financial goals can help you focus on what you truly need. Clear planning supports calmer discussions and more workable outcomes.

Start with a clear picture of your current finances

Start by writing down your income, expenses, assets, and debts. Include monthly bills, everyday spending, and costs that come up only a few times a year. Florida courts rely on accurate financial information, so knowing your numbers helps keep discussions focused on facts instead of emotions.

Understand how alimony fits into your budget

Alimony provides financial support, but it usually works alongside other income. Your goals should show how support payments fit into your overall budget. Florida law looks at financial need and ability to pay, so realistic planning matters, especially if your income may change in the future.

Consider the standard of living during the marriage

Florida law considers the lifestyle you had during the marriage when reviewing alimony. Looking at past household expenses can help set reasonable expectations. At the same time, living in two separate households often costs more, so some financial adjustments may be necessary.

Account for everyday and child-related costs

Many costs do not stand out at first, especially when children are involved. Expenses like school supplies, transportation, activities, and health care can add up quickly. Florida child support guidelines address some of these costs, but planning for everyday expenses helps support stability during change.

Build flexibility into your financial goals

Life changes, and finances can shift over time. Setting goals that allow room for adjustments can help reduce future disagreements. Flexible planning supports better problem-solving if income or expenses change later. Realistic financial goals come from honest budgeting and a clear understanding of how Florida law approaches alimony and support. When you base your expectations on real numbers and likely expenses, you create space for steadier and more cooperative outcomes.]]> On Behalf of Law Office of Timothy S. Keough, P.A. <![CDATA[Can a parent restrict overnight guests under a parenting plan?]]> https://www.tskeoughlaw.com/?p=247236 2026-01-23T15:15:47Z 2026-01-23T15:15:47Z Florida custody orders center on a child’s best interests, not adult disagreements. Disputes sometimes arise when one parent seeks limits on overnight guests during time-sharing. Whether a court allows those limits depends on specific facts and how the request affects the child.

How Florida parenting plans work

Florida law requires a written parenting plan in cases involving minor children, and that plan must address time-sharing and parental responsibility. Judges expect the plan to promote stability and reduce conflict, and any requested condition must support the child’s best interests rather than a parent’s personal preferences.

When overnight guest restrictions appear

Overnight guest restrictions most often involve romantic partners, not friends or relatives. Courts examine why the restriction is requested and whether it relates to safety, supervision, or household consistency. Requests based on discomfort, jealousy, or moral objections carry little weight without evidence tied to the child.

What judges consider when deciding

Judges evaluate whether an overnight guest restriction protects the child from actual or likely harm. Courts look for specific facts, such as disruption to routines, inappropriate sleeping arrangements, or exposure to instability. Broad or morality-based limits rarely survive without proof that the conduct affects the child.

How restrictions may appear in a plan

When approved, restrictions are usually narrow and clearly defined. A parenting plan may limit overnight romantic guests during time-sharing, require advance notice, or address situations where the child shares a bedroom. Courts avoid blanket bans and may revise these terms if circumstances change. Overnight guest restrictions are not automatic in Florida custody cases. Courts focus on evidence and the child’s well-being, not adult conflict. A request that stays child-centered and fact-specific aligns most closely with how judges apply Florida law.]]>