Blog Posts - Divorce
What are the First Steps in Getting a Divorce in Florida?
Divorce is a complex legal process that many often know little about until they consider it an option. Prior to beginning the journey, you want to make sure you understand what to expect. Without a notion of where to start, you may be faced with several questions. If you’re considering...
Continue ReadingWhat if my spouse is violent or harasses me during the divorce process?
Navigating a divorce is challenging enough, but when abuse is involved, the victim may fear backlash and be unwilling to move on from an unsafe situation. Domestic violence is illegal. Unfortunately, however, it is shockingly not uncommon in marriage. If your spouse is harassing you or threatening you with violence,...
Continue ReadingWhat If I Want to Move Out of State With My Children?
Relocation disputes are among the most difficult and emotionally charged family law cases. It can be particularly challenging when you want to move out of state and your co-parent is not on board with your decision. Under Florida law, you will need the permission of your co-parent and or a...
Continue ReadingWhat is Alimony?
Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, is financial support that one spouse must pay another after a divorce. The main goal is to help make sure that the lower or non-earning spouse’s standard of living will not be drastically affected. This is especially true for couples where there’s...
Continue ReadingChallenges of Co-Parenting During Summer Break
You and your child’s other parent might have an effective parenting plan in place that you follow with ease during the school year. However, things can change once school lets out for summer. Childcare needs, work conflicts, travel, camps, and more can all make your usual parenting schedule difficult to...
Continue ReadingHow are Marital Assets Distributed in FL?
If you’re getting divorced, you likely have many concerns. Where will you live? How often will you see your children? What will your post-divorce life look like? One determining factor of your post-divorce situation is how your assets and property are distributed in your divorce case. Florida has laws dictating...
Continue ReadingHow to Avoid Common Mistakes in Divorce Proceedings
Each divorce comes with its own unique set of circumstances, some being more contentious and challenging than others. Most people make the same mistakes when going through a divorce. If you are contemplating filing for divorce or are going through negotiations with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse, here are tips for dealing with...
Continue ReadingI Lost My Job. What If I Can not Provide Child Support?
If you recently lost your job and can’t provide child support, you are not alone. Many child support issues are usually the result of parents being unable to make payments because of specific circumstances that they cannot possibly control, which normally include job loss, an injury or health problem, or...
Continue ReadingHow is Property Divided in Divorces?
Marital property is divided between spouses when they get a divorce. There are different ways to divide property in a divorce. Florida follows the equitable distribution method. Before you start panicking about losing your house, vehicles, and other possessions, keep reading to learn how equitable distribution works and how it...
Continue ReadingWhat to Do If My Ex is Not Paying Child Support?
It can be incredibly stressful and frustrating when your ex is not paying child support. After all, you rely on those payments to help pay for the costs of rearing your child. If you have discussed the matter with your ex, and they are still refusing to pay child support...
Continue ReadingWhy is Probate Important?
Talking about probate isn’t something that people want to do since it involves someone that recently passed. A loved one’s loss is among the hardest things you can go through. This time is understandably difficult, and the thought of dealing with all the legal processes needed during this challenging time...
Continue ReadingWhat is the Cost of a Divorce in Florida?
If you are facing a divorce – or are considering divorce – you recognize that it can be a costly endeavor. The fact is that it’s more expensive to maintain two households than one, which means both you and your ex are likely to face a financial setback. There is...
Continue ReadingHow is Child Support Determined?
If you are facing a divorce that involves children or are breaking up with someone with whom you share a child, child support is likely a concern. The same is true if you already have a child support order but need a modification. Florida, like other states, requires parents to...
Continue ReadingWhat Happens if One Parent Will Not Pay Support?
Florida courts determine if child support is necessary in cases involving children. If so, they will also determine which parent pays and in what amounts. Child support is a legal obligation. Parents who receive a court order to pay must do so, or they can face severe and long-lasting penalties....
Continue ReadingCan Child Support Be Waived if Both Parents Agree?
In Florida child support child support is a calculation primarily based on income and the amount of overnights that the parent has the child. At times, parents wonder if they can mutually agree to waive child support obligations. While this might seem like a legal agreement between two adults that...
Continue ReadingSteps in the Divorce Process in Florida
As much as you want your divorce to be over with and to live a separate life from your soon-to-be ex-spouse, divorce is a process that doesn’t happen overnight. The State of Florida requires certain steps to be taken for a once-married couple to become officially divorced and recognized as...
Continue ReadingHow to File for Child Custody Contempt in FL
Court-ordered child custody arrangements are legally enforceable orders that set out the specific terms and conditions of visitation and parenting time for parents and their kids. If your ex or co-parent doesn’t want to comply with the order, they can be held in contempt of court. Violating a Child Custody...
Continue ReadingAre Mothers Favored in Divorce Court?
During a divorce - and specifically when it comes to resolving child custody disputes - courts have, in the past, favored mothers when awarding child custody due to the antiquated tender years doctrine. This legal doctrine has been around since 1800 and states that child custody during their tender years...
Continue ReadingHow Old Does a Child Have to Be to Refuse Visitation in FL
There’s no lawfully defined age at which the wishes or preferences of a child regarding visitation would be honored. This sticky situation is very common and places the parent in an ethical and legal predicament. Under the law, it is the state’s public policy that all minor children have continuing...
Continue ReadingDoes Child Support Increase If My Salary Increases?
Under Florida law, both parents are financially responsible for helping raise their kids, regardless of whether they are together or not. This is why family courts impose financial obligations on parents during paternity cases and divorce proceedings. When judges calculate how much child support the non-custodial parent must pay, they...
Continue ReadingDoes a Stepparent Have Any Legal Rights in Florida?
Becoming a stepparent comes with new challenges and responsibilities, and when you assume your new role as a stepparent, losing your stepchildren is the farthest thing on your mind. But not all relationships last. During a divorce, it can be immensely challenging to maintain the relationship you’ve built with your...
Continue ReadingCan a Divorce Affect My Retirement Fund?
Protecting your retirement fund may not be a priority when considering or are in the middle of a divorce. Most likely, the emotional toll of the divorce on you and your family is probably at the top of your list. However, your financial health also matters, and this includes ensuring...
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