Latest Blog Posts By Category

Florida’s Attempt to Reform an Alimony Bill

A bill to change Florida’s alimony system headed to the House this April. The bill would end permanent alimony payments unless both parties agreed to it. It would also create the presumption that it would be in the best interests of a child for their parents to split timesharing equally. The House debated on the bill for over an hour and then decided not to move it forward. The Components of ...

Modifying Alimony Payments

If part of your divorce decree involved alimony payments, you may be wondering if it is possible to modify it. After all, circumstances can change and your financial situation may not be what it was when your divorce finalized. Even if your current predicament is only temporary, you can still request a modification of your alimony payments. Before you take your former spouse to court to petition ...

What You Should Know About Post-Divorce Modifications

Life can change substantially after a divorce and the terms that were once acceptable and practical for your situation may not continue to be suitable for you or serve the best interests of your children. Family courts understand that modifications are sometimes necessary, which is why you can file a petition to modify child support, spousal support, or child custody. However, unless fraud somehow ...

Bankruptcy in America: How COVID-19 Has Impacted Personal and Commercial Bankruptcies

COVID-19 has affected almost every industry in the United States economy. Stay-at-home orders slowed or halted normal business operations and many business owners had to pivot to continue to run their companies. Unemployment hit historic levels and that appeared to be just the beginning. Commercial bankruptcy filings in 2020 were higher than they were during the same period in 2019; however, the ...

What Not to Do Before Filing for Bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy can help steer you down the right financial path. While it is a difficult decision, doing so can help you take control of your financial future. If you recently made this decision, you should know that many of the steps you take, or do not take, during this time will have a considerable impact on the success of your bankruptcy case. Today, we compiled a list of the so-called ...

How Bankruptcy Can Impact Your Estate Plan

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people across the US file for bankruptcy. In 2019, 772,646 Americans filed for bankruptcy. While most people who file for bankruptcy understand it can significantly impact their lives, many don't expect it to affect their estate plans. If you're considering filing for bankruptcy, knowing how it will influence your estate plan can allow you to preserve your ...

Will a Joint Custody Agreement Impact Child Support Payments?

Many people are currently raising their children in a joint custody agreement, meaning they share custody responsibilities with the other parent whom they are not in a spousal relationship with. Joint custody is one of the most used legal avenues for ensuring both proper care for the child and adequate time spent with both parents. In joint custody, both parents share all responsibilities and time ...

Frequently Asked Questions about Child Custody

Child custody is often one of the most contentious issues spouses fight over during their divorce. Of course, child custody matters can arise outside of the context of divorce and be just as divisive. What this says is that parents are often very unwilling to relinquish custody of their children and often seek as much of it as possible. Because child custody is such a hot topic, a lot of questions ...

The Best Co-Parenting Apps for Divorced Parents

Technology has made co-parenting easier than ever thanks to new co-parenting applications. These apps help separated or divorced parents plan, stay organized, and share information about their children as they navigate co-parenting. This increases effective communication and encourages collaboration among both parents, minimizing any opportunities for conflict. Today, we review some of the best ...

What Is Considered "Income" for Child Support Calculations?

Parents in Florida are legally obligated to financially support their child, whether they are the custodial parent or the noncustodial parent. Noncustodial parents will provide support in the form of monetary payments, and the payment amount is determined based on both parents’ incomes. In today’s blog, we will discuss what types of income flows are considered to calculate child support. ...

Will a Joint Custody Agreement Impact Child Support Payments?

Many people are currently raising their children in a joint custody agreement, meaning they share custody responsibilities with the other parent whom they are not in a spousal relationship with. Joint custody is one of the most used legal avenues for ensuring both proper care for the child and adequate time spent with both parents. In joint custody, both parents share all responsibilities and time ...

They Refuse to Pay Child Support. Can I Refuse to Let Them See Our Child?

For many custodial parents, child support isn’t funny money – it’s a vital financial resource that can make a significant difference in a child’s general welfare. The State of Florida would be inclined to agree, because failing to pay child support for four consecutive months or owing at least $2,500 in back child support is a felony in this state. If you’re a parent trying to make ends meet, ...

The Best Co-Parenting Apps for Divorced Parents

Technology has made co-parenting easier than ever thanks to new co-parenting applications. These apps help separated or divorced parents plan, stay organized, and share information about their children as they navigate co-parenting. This increases effective communication and encourages collaboration among both parents, minimizing any opportunities for conflict. Today, we review some of the best ...

What Should Be Included in a Parenting Plan?

Per Florida law, a parenting plan is required for any family law case that involves timesharing of a minor child. Therefore, even if you and your co-parent agree on all matters regarding custody and visitation, you will still need to establish a court-approved parenting plan. So, how do you know what should be included in this document? Today, we will review what a parenting plan is and what ...

Figuring Out How to Schedule Vacations as Co-Parents

How can you schedule vacation time with you kids when you don’t have an agreement on which parent on when they can take the children on vacation, how many times per year, and how many days’ notice the other parent should have of the impending vacation. To avoid further delay, the other parent has only a set number of days to respond if there is a scheduling problem or any other conflict. Schedules ...

Bankruptcy in America: How COVID-19 Has Impacted Personal and Commercial Bankruptcies

COVID-19 has affected almost every industry in the United States economy. Stay-at-home orders slowed or halted normal business operations and many business owners had to pivot to continue to run their companies. Unemployment hit historic levels and that appeared to be just the beginning. Commercial bankruptcy filings in 2020 were higher than they were during the same period in 2019; however, the ...

Your Prenuptial Agreement Could Be Invalidated

Marriage is a big undertaking. In the short term, it requires a lot of time to plan a wedding, as well as a lot of money. In the long term, it is a commitment to another person, but also a legal commitment. It changes the legal status of those getting married and provides new benefits, such as the ability to open joint bank accounts and file taxes jointly. However, marriage does not always work ...

The Best Co-Parenting Apps for Divorced Parents

Technology has made co-parenting easier than ever thanks to new co-parenting applications. These apps help separated or divorced parents plan, stay organized, and share information about their children as they navigate co-parenting. This increases effective communication and encourages collaboration among both parents, minimizing any opportunities for conflict. Today, we review some of the best ...

How Does Adultery Impact a Florida Divorce Case?

Adultery is one of the most common causes of divorce . So, what are the effects of adultery as it relates to divorce? Can it affect how spousal support, child support, or asset and property division will be determined in court? Today, we discuss how infidelity impacts a divorce in Florida. Will Infidelity Be Considered When Determining a Divorce Agreement? While Florida is a no-fault state, ...

Enforcing a Restraining Order in Florida

In Florida, restraining orders, better known as protective injunctions, offer legal protection to individuals in fear of violence or harm. Injunctions are court orders, so they are enforceable by the court. One important way the court might enforce the terms of an injunction is through criminal penalties for violations. In today’s blog, we will review the specific protections granted in an ...

How Do You Prove a Domestic Violence Case?

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, getting help and determining a safe exit strategy is crucial. If you are in immediate danger, contact 911. If you or someone you love needs help transitioning out of an abusive home, you can call a local domestic violence shelter, such as Harbor House of Central Florida . This shelter is open 24 hours a day and can help you secure a new ...

FAQs About Domestic Violence

It is estimated that almost 1 million people in the United States experience domestic violence a year. With such a staggering number, it is understandable to be concerned and want to educate yourself on the subject. Today, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding domestic violence and domestic violence laws in Florida to shed some light on the subject. If you or your loved ...

Your Prenuptial Agreement Could Be Invalidated

Marriage is a big undertaking. In the short term, it requires a lot of time to plan a wedding, as well as a lot of money. In the long term, it is a commitment to another person, but also a legal commitment. It changes the legal status of those getting married and provides new benefits, such as the ability to open joint bank accounts and file taxes jointly. However, marriage does not always work ...

Will a Joint Custody Agreement Impact Child Support Payments?

Many people are currently raising their children in a joint custody agreement, meaning they share custody responsibilities with the other parent whom they are not in a spousal relationship with. Joint custody is one of the most used legal avenues for ensuring both proper care for the child and adequate time spent with both parents. In joint custody, both parents share all responsibilities and time ...

The Best Co-Parenting Apps for Divorced Parents

Technology has made co-parenting easier than ever thanks to new co-parenting applications. These apps help separated or divorced parents plan, stay organized, and share information about their children as they navigate co-parenting. This increases effective communication and encourages collaboration among both parents, minimizing any opportunities for conflict. Today, we review some of the best ...

What Should Be Included in a Parenting Plan?

Per Florida law, a parenting plan is required for any family law case that involves timesharing of a minor child. Therefore, even if you and your co-parent agree on all matters regarding custody and visitation, you will still need to establish a court-approved parenting plan. So, how do you know what should be included in this document? Today, we will review what a parenting plan is and what ...

Examples of Time-Sharing Schedules in FL

An important part of a parenting plan—also known as a court-ordered visitation schedule—in Florida is the time-sharing schedule, which sets forth how the child will spend time with each parent. These schedules should foster a continued and loving relationship between each parent and their child, protect the child from conflict, minimize any disruption to the child’s routine, ensure the child’s ...

Can Grandparents Obtain Visitation Time in FL?

Grandparents play a significant role in their grandchildren’s lives. In many families, grandparents even contribute to raising their grandkids. Unfortunately, if the grandchild’s parents get divorced, the relationship between the grandchild and the grandparents may very well end. But in many states, grandparents may seek court-ordered visitation time in order to ensure a continued lasting and ...

Your Prenuptial Agreement Could Be Invalidated

Marriage is a big undertaking. In the short term, it requires a lot of time to plan a wedding, as well as a lot of money. In the long term, it is a commitment to another person, but also a legal commitment. It changes the legal status of those getting married and provides new benefits, such as the ability to open joint bank accounts and file taxes jointly. However, marriage does not always work ...

Can a Judge Invalidate a Prenuptial Agreement in Florida?

It is more common now than ever to enter into a prenuptial agreement . Many couples, especially those with a considerable net worth, decide to be proactive in the event of a divorce and hire an attorney to assist them with this process. This is also an important step to ensure that your prenup is legally binding and will be able to protect you and your interests if you were to get divorced. So, ...

Prenuptial Agreement Checklist

When properly negotiated a prenuptial agreement can protect various finances and assets that each spouse acquired before marriage, including real estate, and educational and/or retirement funds. The agreement serves as a contract between both spouses that sets forth everyone’s interests in the hopes of reducing any disputes in the event of a divorce. However, how do you know what to include in a ...

How to Divide Equity in a House After a Divorce

When it comes to dividing marital assets during a divorce, determining what to do with your house will probably be one of the most difficult decisions you will have to make. Florida is an equitable division state, meaning the court will divide marital assets in a manner it deems fair. Any marital property will be divided equally upon divorce. As your house is not a liquid asset, it can be hard to ...

Who Gets the Pet in a Florida Divorce?

For many families, a pet is considered another member of the family. Pet owners have a special bond with their pet as they invest time, energy, and love into caring for them. In return, they receive ongoing companionship and love. It is common to question which spouse will get custody of the pet after a divorce – especially if both spouses have a close bond with the animal. In many ways, a pet ...

How Is Debt Divided in Divorce?

Florida practices equitable distribution of property. It’s important to note that equitable does not necessarily mean equal distribution, and the state considers certain debts marital and others separate. Premarital & Non-Marital Debts Premarital and non-marital debts will not be divided upon divorce. A premarital debt is one a spouse incurs before marriage, the most common being credit card debt. ...