Joint Custody in Pensacola
Need to Fight for Joint Custody? Call – 800-822-5170!
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., we provide knowledgeable legal assistance to clients facing divorce and family law issues. Joint custody in the state of Florida is granted based on the child’s best interests. Our child custody lawyers will work diligently to build your case and represent you as you seek custody of your child. We know family law cases are emotionally challenging. From start to finish, our team will answer your questions, help you make informed decisions, and guide you through the process.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
What You Need to Know About Joint Custody Laws in Pensacola
In the state of Florida, the courts do not like to use the term “custody.” Instead, they refer to custody arrangements as time-sharing schedules. This specifies the time each parent has with the child, including holidays, weekends, and vacations. In joint custody situations, the parents may receive a fairly equal amount of time with the child. However, in most cases, the court will grant one parent primary residence with the child ( known as majority time-sharing status), while the other parent will have visitation rights (minority time-sharing status).
In addition to physical time with the child, the parents will be granted decision-making power, known as parental responsibility. Shared parental responsibility requires both parents to work together to reach an agreement regarding various aspects of the child's upbringing. This may involve healthcare, religious training, education, and extracurricular activities.
The Child's Best Interests Determine Joint Custody Arrangements
Even if you and the other parent agree on a time-sharing schedule, you will need to get it approved by the court. Your son or daughter’s best interests will be the determining factor regarding joint time-sharing schedules and shared parental responsibility. We will work diligently to not only uphold your rights, but to protect your child’s best interests.
When determining the child’s best interests, the courts will consider several factors:
- The physical, emotional, and mental health of each parent
- Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect
- The age, sex, and health of the child
- Each parent’s ability to care for the child
Furthermore, the child’s wishes will be considered if he or she is deemed to be of sufficient maturity, intelligence, and understanding. The time-sharing schedule will need to be reasonable for each parent, and will need to provide the child with stability and security. If one parent poses a threat to the child, the court may order supervised or restricted visitation.
We Will Work Diligently to Meet Your Specific Needs
If you are seeking custody of your child, The Virga Law Firm, P.A. will provide compassionate representation. Our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined legal experience, and will discuss your options regarding joint time-sharing schedules. We are committed to protecting your relationship with your children. From start to finish, we will work diligently to meet your legal needs and uphold your son or daughter's best interests.
Call our office today at 800-822-5170 to discuss your case with a member of our legal team.
Our Core Values
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The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
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Authenticity and TransparencyWe believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
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Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
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Growth MindsetWe continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
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OwnershipWe take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
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Results DrivenWe focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
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Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
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Unquestionable IntegrityWe stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
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We are in it TogetherWe are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
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ReputationReputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
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Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office
Job Title: Family Law Associate Attorney Position
The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL
Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?
We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.
Who We Are
The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.
Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.
Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate:
- Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
- Has a passion for family law
- Excels at identifying crucial case details
- Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
- Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
- Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
- Is committed to helping others and leading by example
Minimum Qualifications
- An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
- Demonstrated experience in family law
- Proven history of passionate representation and client service
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
- Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
- Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
- Ability to work independently and produce superior work product
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
- Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
- Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
- Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
- Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
- Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
- Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
- Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package based on experience
- Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
- Progressive Paid Time Off:
- One week per six months
- Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
- Paid holidays and one flex holiday
- Parental and bereavement leave
- Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive team environment
Why Choose The Virga Law Firm
- Unified company culture dedicated to success
- Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
- Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
- An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
- Commitment to personal and professional growth
- No-drama, no-judgment work environment
- Strong focus on team collaboration
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Current resume
- Writing sample
- Two letters of recommendation
- Cover letter
How to Apply
- Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
- Submit required documents
Additional Information
- Website: www.thevirgalawfirm/careers
- Email: careers@thevirgalawfirm.com
- Work Location: In-person at Panama City Beach office
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts
The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates.
Meet Your Attorneys
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