Visitation Rights Experience You Can Trust, Support You Can Count On

Child Visitation Attorney in Fort Walton Beach

Protecting Your Time with Your Child Under Florida Law

Many parents searching for help with “custody” or “visitation” in Fort Walton Beach don’t realize Florida law no longer uses those terms. What most people call visitation is now governed by a court-approved parenting plan with a detailed time-sharing schedule. Whatever language brought you to this page, the goal is the same: protecting your relationship with your child.

If you need help establishing, modifying, or defending your time with your child, contact Henderson Law Firm P.A. today at (850) 920-8959. We offer virtual consultations and bilingual support in English and Spanish to make the process as accessible as possible.

How Florida Structures Time-Sharing & Parenting Plans

In 2008, Florida restructured Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes, replacing terms like “custody,” “visitation,” and “noncustodial parent” with parenting plans and time-sharing schedules. Under Florida Statute 61.13, every case involving minor children, whether it arises from divorce or a paternity action, requires a court-approved parenting plan that includes a specific time-sharing schedule.

The controlling standard is the best interests of the child, evaluated against a list of statutory factors under Florida Statute 61.13(3). Those factors cover everything from each parent’s ability to communicate and honor the schedule, to the child’s school and community ties, to any history of domestic violence. Florida law doesn’t create a presumption in favor of any particular schedule. When parents can’t agree, the court sets the terms based on those factors.

A Family Law Practice Built for Cases Like Yours

Attorney Clark Henderson has more than a decade of focused practice in Florida family law and has represented hundreds of clients in cases involving divorce, child custody, and paternity. Henderson Law Firm P.A. handles family law exclusively, which means every consultation, every strategy session, and every court appearance is grounded in the specific rules, procedures, and judicial expectations that govern these cases.

We take a hands-on approach. Rather than fitting your situation into a standard template, we work to understand your circumstances and build a time-sharing strategy around what actually matters in your case. That kind of personalized attention is what you should expect when your relationship with your child is on the line.

Where Your Case Is Heard in Okaloosa County

Fort Walton Beach time-sharing cases are heard in the Unified Family Court at the Okaloosa County Courthouse Annex Extension, part of Florida’s First Judicial Circuit, which serves Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. Knowing the local court’s procedures and expectations is a practical advantage in any family law matter, and it’s something we bring to every case we handle across the Emerald Coast.

Talk to a Child Visitation Lawyer in Fort Walton Beach

Whether you’re going through a divorce, establishing paternity, or trying to enforce an existing parenting plan, your time with your child deserves serious legal attention. Call Henderson Law Firm P.A. at (850) 920-8959 to schedule a consultation with a child visitation attorney serving Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County.

Types of Time-Sharing Arrangements in Florida

Florida parenting plans aren’t one-size-fits-all. The schedule that works for one family may be completely unworkable for another, and the court has broad discretion to craft arrangements that reflect a child’s actual needs. Florida Supreme Court-approved parenting plan forms also address electronic communication, covering phone calls, email, and video-conferencing between a child and the parent who doesn’t currently have them.

In cases where a child’s safety is a concern, courts use a separate Supervised/Safety-Focused Parenting Plan form. Supervised time-sharing is reserved for situations where unsupervised contact would put the child at risk, and it’s typically structured as a temporary arrangement until the underlying concern is resolved.

Modifying or Enforcing a Time-Sharing Order

Life changes, and parenting plans sometimes need to change with it. Florida law permits modification of a parenting plan or time-sharing schedule when there is a substantial and material change in circumstances since the last order was entered. A parent’s move, a significant change in a child’s needs, or a shift in either parent’s work schedule can all potentially meet that threshold.

Relocation adds a separate layer of complexity:

Moves within 50 miles: If the parents were living more than 50 miles apart when the last time-sharing order was entered, a parent’s later move to within 50 miles of the other parent may qualify as a substantial change in circumstances that justifies revisiting the schedule.
Relocations beyond 50 miles: A parent wishing to relocate more than 50 miles away with a child must obtain written agreement from the other parent or court approval under Florida Statute 61.13001.

When a parent violates an existing time-sharing order, Florida Statute 61.13(4) gives courts meaningful enforcement tools. Remedies can range from ordering make-up time-sharing to holding the non-complying parent in contempt of court.

Grandparent & Non-Parent Visitation in Florida

Florida law takes a narrow view of grandparent visitation rights. Courts can grant a grandparent time with a child only in limited circumstances: when both parents are deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state, or when one parent meets one of those conditions and the other has been convicted of a felony or an offense involving violence that poses a substantial threat of harm to the child. Outside those specific situations, Florida courts defer to a parent’s right to decide who has access to their child. If you have questions about whether your situation qualifies, a visitation attorney at our firm can review the facts with you.

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Why Choose Henderson Law Firm P.A.?

Work With a Firm Who Provides Honest, Experienced Counsel

Trusted Family Law Experience

Experienced legal guidance you can rely on. With over a decade of focused practice in Florida family law, Clark Henderson has represented hundreds of clients in complex cases involving divorce, child custody, paternity, and more, giving clients confidence that their case is in knowledgeable hands.
Personalized, Caring Representation
You’re treated with humanity, not like a case number. The firm emphasizes thoughtful, respectful, and individualized attention, taking the time to understand each client’s unique situation and clearly explain options and next steps.
Clear Communication & Support
Responsive and accessible when it matters. Client reviews and site messaging highlight consistent communication, including timely responses and availability, which helps reduce stress and uncertainty during difficult legal processes.
Proven Recognition & Credibility
Awards and high professional ratings reflect quality. The firm displays multiple accolades and high attorney ratings, signaling industry recognition and a track record of strong client outcomes.
Providing Service in Spanish

Legal guidance should be accessible and easy to understand. Spanish-speaking services are available to ensure more families can receive clear, effective representation.
Exclusively Handle Family Law

The firm focuses exclusively on family law matters. This dedicated focus allows for deeper knowledge, stronger strategies, and more effective advocacy for clients facing divorce, custody, and other family issues.

Real Experiences

Helping Clients Move Forward with Confidence

"One of the best attorneys in the county"
He was amazing! The dissolution process is excruciatingly slow (no fault of his or his office) but he did an absolutely excellent job on my case. Often people believe that their family law attorney is at fault for any issue in the process, but he is very knowledgeable about the law and the process, and he’s one of the best attorneys in the county. Lori is also just so great to work with as well! She’s so kind and professional. His firm put me in an excellent position during the pendency of my case. I highly recommend his firm.

- Nel S.
"Communication was outstanding"
Highly impressive! I would recommend Mr. Clark Henderson to anyone in need of a good lawyer in this area. He is very knowledgeable, and he did an excellent job concerning my family divorce case. The communication was outstanding. All emails were answered in a very timely manner. Clark handled all of my questions and concerns with true professionalism, and I always felt like he genuinely cared about my case and my well-being. I will definitely hire him again if the need arises in the future!

- Jillian G.
"The best and most knowledgeable lawyer"
I wish I had known Mr. Clark Henderson when I was filling my divorce. I wouldn’t have wasted my time and money. I went through so many lawyers, and to be honest, they are NOT good. Mr. Henderson is the best and most knowledgeable lawyer I have ever met. He is very professional, he listens to you and answers all your questions and concerns you have. He helped me through my case until it finished. He also gives you advice on what is the best thing you can do, and he has so many options for you to choose from. Everyone, this is my honest review: if you are going through a difficult family matter, he is the right lawyer for you. You would not regret letting him represent you and your case. Thank you so much Mr. Henderson.

- Sophia S.
"A great attorney"
Mr. Henderson was a great attorney. I was out of the country when I first reached out and got a response immediately from him, even though it was about 10 pm locally. His professionalism and presence was top notch. Mr. Henderson and Ms. Lori were very helpful and friendly. They both went over and beyond what they had to do for the custody case. They helped comfort my son after everything was over. This office made me feel very comfortable and confident from the very beginning. We were in constant contact through the case. I truly cannot thank them enough. I highly recommend Mr. Henderson.

- Will M.
"Extremely helpful firm"
Very professional and extremely helpful firm. It's nice to know there are people that still do what they say. My case was settled in my favor and the price was reasonable. If I ever need representation again, Henderson Law will be my first call.

- Joey F.
"I recommend him 100%"
You will be glad Clark is by your side. He will guide you through, probably, the most difficult period of your life. His guidance, assurance and no-b.s. approach helped make me feel prepared to take on what needed to be done. I recommend him 100%.

- Lynn B.
"Attentive, meticulous, and caring"
Clark is one of the best attorneys I have ever worked with and he is certainly not the only one I have worked with. Clark was attentive, meticulous, and caring when trying to get information related to my specific issue. He was willing to help and provided the best legal guidance possible given my situation. He not only followed-up with through his secretarial staff ,but also made himself personally available for contact. I knew that I could reach him any time of day/night and receive a response and he was true to his word with a 24-hour response time. I plan to use his services again if needed; 5/5 recommendation.

- C.S. Shen
"I’m overjoyed by the outcome"
Clark did an excellent job representing me in my divorce and child custody case. Emails were timely, and discussions were effectively communicated. Clark was authentic and only advised/provided me with realistic expectations. I’m overjoyed by the outcome of the case - thanks to Clark! You will not be disappointed by choosing Clark Henderson to represent you.

- T.G.