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Orlando Divorce Lawyer > Orlando Visitation Lawyer

Orlando Visitation Lawyer

Protecting Your Parenting Time and Ensuring Meaningful Parent–Child Relationships

The Donna Hung Law Group practices family law in Orlando to help parents secure and protect their visitation rights—also known in Florida as timesharing. Whether you are seeking a fair timesharing schedule, trying to resolve a dispute, defending against unreasonable restrictions, or enforcing existing visitation orders, our attorneys provide strong, compassionate representation designed to preserve parent–child relationships and promote stability.

Clients of the Donna Hung Law Group receive clear guidance, practical advice, and ongoing support throughout their case. Our Orlando visitation lawyers take a solution-focused approach, working to negotiate or litigate a parenting arrangement that serves the child’s best interests while safeguarding your parental rights.

Understanding Visitation (Timesharing) in Florida

Florida no longer uses the terms “custody” and “visitation.” Instead, the state follows a parenting plan model that includes:

  • Timesharing schedules (when the child spends time with each parent)
  • Parental responsibility (decision-making authority)
  • Communication expectations
  • Transportation arrangements
  • Holiday and vacation schedules

Visitation disputes arise when parents cannot agree on how time with the child should be shared.

The Best Interests of the Child Standard

Florida courts rely on the “best interests of the child” when determining visitation. Factors include:

  • Stability of each parent’s home environment
  • The child’s physical and emotional needs
  • Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life
  • Work schedules and availability
  • Mental and physical health of both parents
  • History of domestic violence or substance abuse
  • Ability to co-parent and communicate respectfully
  • The child’s school and community connections

We help parents present compelling evidence supporting their timesharing requests.

Types of Visitation in Florida

Depending on the circumstances, the court may order:

Standard Visitation / Shared Timesharing

A balanced schedule where both parents have frequent and continuing contact with the child.

Majority Timesharing

One parent has the child for most overnights, while the other has scheduled visitation.

Supervised Visitation

Required when safety concerns exist, such as:

  • Substance abuse
  • Domestic violence
  • Neglect
  • Emotional instability
  • Risk of abduction

Supervised visitation may occur with a family member or through a professional visitation center.

No Contact

Ordered only in extreme situations where contact would endanger the child.

Creating a Visitation Schedule

A comprehensive visitation schedule should address:

  • Weekday and weekend timesharing
  • Holiday rotations
  • School breaks and summer vacation
  • Birthdays and special occasions
  • Overnight arrangements
  • Pick-up and drop-off procedures
  • Communication via phone, video, or text

Our attorneys help parents create realistic, detailed schedules that reduce future conflict.

Common Visitation Disputes

Parents may face challenges such as:

  • One parent refusing to follow the schedule
  • Disagreements over holidays or travel
  • Relocation issues
  • Allegations of parental alienation
  • Requests for supervised visitation
  • Safety concerns involving substance abuse or violence
  • Late or missed visits
  • Communication breakdowns

We work to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary.

Visitation Rights of Unmarried Parents

In Florida, unmarried fathers must establish legal paternity to secure visitation rights. Once paternity is confirmed:

  • A parenting plan can be created
  • Timesharing can be ordered
  • Child support can be established
  • Parental responsibility can be shared or sole

We assist fathers and mothers in establishing enforceable visitation rights.

Modification of Visitation Orders

Visitation orders may be modified when circumstances have changed substantially and permanently. Common reasons include:

  • A parent’s relocation
  • Changes in work schedules
  • Child’s needs or age-related adjustments
  • Safety concerns
  • Significant changes in parental behavior
  • School or medical developments

We help parents petition for or oppose modifications, always focusing on the child’s best interests.

Enforcement of Visitation Orders

If a parent violates the visitation schedule, enforcement actions may be necessary. Violations include:

  • Denying scheduled visits
  • Interfering with communication
  • Failing to return the child on time
  • Repeated cancellations
  • Conditioning visits on payment of child support

Florida courts enforce visitation through:

  • Make-up timesharing
  • Contempt proceedings
  • Attorney’s fees
  • Modifying the parenting plan

Our attorneys work to restore your visitation rights quickly and effectively.

Visitation and Relocation Cases

If a parent wants to move more than 50 miles away for more than 60 days, Florida requires:

  • Consent of the other parent, or
  • A court-approved relocation petition

Relocation can drastically affect visitation, and courts consider:

  • Impact on the child’s relationship with both parents
  • Reason for the move
  • Educational opportunities
  • Travel logistics and cost sharing

We represent parents seeking or contesting relocation.

Supervised Visitation Cases

Supervised visitation may be ordered temporarily or long-term when:

  • Safety concerns exist
  • A parent is rebuilding trust
  • There is a history of abuse or neglect
  • Substance abuse issues exist
  • Reintroduction to the child must be gradual

We help clients navigate supervised visitation requirements and pursue transitions to unsupervised time when appropriate.

Virtual Visitation

Technology allows parents to maintain relationships even when distance or schedules make in-person visits difficult. Parenting plans may include:

  • Video chats
  • Scheduled phone calls
  • Email communication
  • Messaging guidelines

Virtual visitation supplements—but does not replace—physical timesharing.

What to Do If You Are Denied Visitation

If the other parent blocks your visitation:

  • Document each denied visit
  • Save all communication
  • Do not retaliate or escalate conflict
  • Follow the current order to the extent possible
  • Contact an attorney immediately

Denial of visitation is a serious matter and may result in court sanctions.

What to Do If You Have Safety Concerns About Visitation

If you believe visitation endangers the child:

  • Document all concerns
  • Collect evidence of unsafe behavior
  • Seek temporary relief
  • Avoid self-help (unilaterally withholding the child)
  • Request supervised visitation or modified orders

Courts act quickly when legitimate safety concerns are documented.

The Visitation Process in Florida

While each case is unique, visitation disputes generally follow these steps:

Filing a Petition or Motion

The case begins with a request for visitation, modification, or enforcement.

Mediation

Florida requires mediation to encourage settlement.

Evidence Gathering

Documents, messages, school records, and witness testimony may be collected.

Hearing or Trial

The judge reviews evidence and testimony before making a final decision.

Final Order

The court issues binding visitation terms.

Comprehensive Orlando Family Law Practice

The Donna Hung Law Group handles all family law matters involving visitation and parenting, including:

  • Parenting plans and timesharing
  • Visitation enforcement
  • Modification of parenting schedules
  • Paternity and father’s rights
  • Relocation cases
  • Domestic violence and safety-based restrictions
  • High-conflict custody disputes
  • Child support establishment and modification

We offer knowledgeable advocacy to help parents protect their relationships with their children.

Orlando Family Courthouse Information

Visitation cases are heard at the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

Orange County Courthouse
425 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-2000
Website: www.ninthcircuit.org

Mediation is often required before trial.

Orlando Visitation FAQs

What if the other parent keeps denying me visitation?

You may file for enforcement, contempt, or modification of the parenting plan.

Can visitation be changed later?

Yes. Visitation may be modified if a substantial, permanent change occurs.

Do fathers have the same visitation rights as mothers?

Yes. Florida law treats both parents equally.

What is supervised visitation?

A structured form of visitation monitored by a third party for safety reasons.

Can I withhold visitation if child support is not paid?

No. Visitation and child support are separate legal obligations.

Serving Throughout Orlando

  • Baldwin Park
  • College Park
  • Lake Nona
  • Winter Park
  • Thornton Park
  • Dr. Phillips
  • MetroWest
  • Hunters Creek
  • Avalon Park
  • Windermere
  • Celebration
  • Waterford Lakes
  • Mills 50 District
  • Audubon Park
  • Conway
  • South Eola
  • Bay Hill
  • Lake Como
  • Lake Mary
  • Vista Lakes

Orlando Visitation Lawyers Here for You When You Need Us

At the Donna Hung Law Group, we understand how deeply visitation issues affect families. Whether you are seeking meaningful time with your child, working to resolve a dispute, or defending your rights, our experienced attorneys stand ready to provide strong advocacy and compassionate support. We work to create fair, enforceable visitation arrangements that protect children and promote positive parent–child relationships.

Call the Donna Hung Law Group at 407-999-0099 to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your visitation case.