Brandon Child Custody Attorney
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Our Promise

Providing enthusiastic legal counsel with confidence, integrity, and compassion.
We promise to protect you and your family through life’s many legal challenges.
Our focus is on your family.
When your family law needs are divorce, custody, child support, alimony, or custody related, we’ve got you covered.
When your family law needs are Estate Planning, Probate, civil lawsuits, or even criminal matters, we’ve got you covered.
We promise caring and vigorous legal representation while respecting your time and wallet. You deserve the highest quality representation possible, and we offer that legal support and personal attention.
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With These Family Law & Divorce Services

Divorce Attorney

Child Custody

Child Support

Alimony

Military Divorce

Collaborative Divorce

Same-sex Divorce

Child Custody
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are custody decisions (parenting plans) binding? Can they be altered?
Parenting plans become enforceable when issued and remain in effect until modified. You can petition the court to modify the parenting plan to adjust for unanticipated, material, and substantial change(s) in circumstances that no longer serve the children’s best interests.
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What exactly is a Parenting Plan?
Instead of traditional legal and physical custody definitions, Florida adopted a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule. The parenting plan specifies how the parents divide decision-making
authority and responsibilities. For example, the plan sets who will be responsible for the child’s education, health care, and extracurricular activities.A parenting plan also specifies where the child will live and the time the children spend with each parent. Again, because each family’s needs and circumstances are unique, time-sharing schedules are flexible. But, again, the facts of the case determine the timeline.
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What is the Child's Best Interest Standard?
In Florida, courts consider time-sharing under the best interests of the child standard. Therefore, custody decisions are made by courts based on what is best for the child.
These factors could include the following:
- The child’s age
- The quality of the child’s existing relationship with the parents
- The ability of either parent to provide a stable, safe environment
- Which parent is more likely to encourage the child’s ongoing relationship with the other
parent
Judges have wide latitude in determining how much weight to give to each factor.

Debunking Child Custody & Timesharing Myths
Children Can Chose Which Parent To Live With.
Children, especially young children, are not mature enough to make the decision of which parent they should be with in the eyes of the court. The reasonable preference of the child (especially older children) is one of many factors that the courts may consider in deciding timesharing. The number one factor, is always, “What is in the best interest of the children”.
Women Have an Advantage Over Men in Custody
Florida law expressly states that there is no advantage to custody based on gender. Custody is no longer a current legal term. Today the courts speak to Timesharing. Factors governing Timesharing between parents are typically guided by one overarching factor, the child’s best interest.
Courts Automatically Order A Child Time-Sharing Plan.
Child time-sharing arrangements are not required by law. The top priority is to protect the child’s best interests, meaning each parent’s current and prior relationship with the child, as well as any factors that could endanger the child, will be considered. If a mutual agreement can’t be reached, one can petition the court for a court-ordered Timesharing plan. The goal is to foster a close, loving bond between the child and both parents and to remain in each other’s lives.
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Our Clients That Matter Most
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BRANDON LEGAL GROUP, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED (813) 902-3576
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We'll review your situation. At the same time, you have a chance to evaluate Brandon Legal Group without investing a penny.
From there, we'll formulate a legal strategy and provide you with a transparent estimate of fees to protect you and resolve your legal situation.
Case Study: Because legal issues rarely stand their own
We were able to have the spouse’s accounts frozen until he complied with the original terms of the Marital Settlement Agreement.

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WHO WE ARE
Full-service family law law firm serving the greater Brandon and Tampa area.
Lower your stress volume. When you place your family's legal matter in Brandon Legal Group's attorneys' hands, you are putting it in the hands of professionals deeply committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case and your family.
Whether divorce, Estate, Probate, or any of the legal challenges families face, We've Got You Covered.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
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Brandon Legal Group - Service Overview
We've Got You Covered

Family Law & Divorce

Alimony

Child Custody

Child Support

Mediation

Estate Planning

Veterans Benefits

BUI/DUI Defense

Workers' Compensation

Business & Civil Litigation

Criminal Defense

Personal Injury
Some matters in Criminal, DUI, Bankruptcy, Estate planning, Personal Injury, VA Benefits, and Workers’ Compensation may be referred to an outside attorney
Meet Our Attorneys

Ingrid Hooglander
In 2008 after gaining years of experience under the watchful eyes of her predecessors, Ms. Hooglander opened her own private practice that has grown into what Brandon Legal Group is today.
Her weight lifting and Kick Boxing training contribute to a reputation as a "force of nature" in both her personal life and her presence in the court room.

Luke Mattson
Mr. Mattson found his niche in family law and has focused his practice in that area since 2000. In particular, Luke often handles matters involving divorce, timesharing, parenting plans, child support, alimony, paternity, and civil domestic violence.
Mr. Mattson might look like he’s all business, but you'd be surprised to discover the incredible fun loving attitude he brings to the practice. When outside the courtroom, Mr. Mattson can often be found watching Lightning games or riding his bike around downtown Tampa.
Brandon Legal Group More Client Reviews:

Ingrid is a gifted attorney with significant subject matter experience in family law matters. She has a ton of experience and is an expert in this practice area. She is a hard worker and puts clients first. She is able to gain exceptional results for her clients. Without hesitation I endorse Ingrid.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
(813) 902-3576
Brandon Legal Group
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Hours
Monday 8:00 AM-5 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM-5 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM-5 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM-5 PM
Friday 8:00 AM-5 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
(Closed Daily from 12 - 1 PM for lunch)
Or Call Us Now At (813) 902-3576
Understanding Child Custody Arrangements and Parenting Plans
Understanding Child Custody Arrangements and Parenting Plans What exactly is "parental responsibility?" The term "parental responsibility" refers to...
How Do You Create a Parenting Plan in Florida?
How Do You Create a Parenting Plan in Florida? A parenting plan is a requirement under Florida Statues, for parents that are divorcing. Creating a...
Frequently Asked Questions: Child Support
Frequently Asked Questions: Child Support What is a child support order? Do I have one? A child support order is a legal paper that sets up parents’...
Extended Family Temporary Custody
Important Information to Review Before Filling Out Your Forms There is no lawyer-client relationship. Brandon Legal Group is providing this...
What Exactly is a Parenting Plan?
What exactly is a parenting plan? A "parenting plan" is a document that defines each parent's role in making decisions about their child's...
Millennials in the Child Support Program – Conclusion
Millennials in the Child Support Program - Conclusion This brief takes a closer look at millennial custodial and noncustodial parents. It shows that...
Millennial Noncustodial Fathers are Less Likely to Work vs Generation X
Millennial Noncustodial Fathers are Less Likely to Work vs Generation X Using data from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), conducted by...
Work Force Status of Millennial Custodial Parents VS Generation X
Work Force Status of Millennial Custodial Parents VS Generation X The Census data on custodial parents collected in April 2018 asked respondents...
Marital Status, Millennial Custodial Parents vs Generation X
Millennial Custodial Parents are More Likely to Be Never Married vs Generation X Using Census data on custodial parents collected in April 2018, we...
Is It Possible To Reclaim Lost Custody?
Is it possible to reclaim custody if a parent loses it? Yes, even if a parent has already lost custody rights, he or she can reclaim custody. The...
What Is The Function of a Guardian Ad Litem?
What is the function of a guardian ad litem? A guardian ad litem (or GAL) is a person appointed by the court to function as an independent...
Is It Possible For Me to Move With My Child?
Is It Possible For Me to Move With My Child? If you're married and want to move with your kids, the court won't intervene unless the other parent...