Many divorces involve dividing retirement assets. Dividing these assets can be tricky. Most people have either 401-K or Individual Retirement Accounts. However, dividing these can also cause problems. The biggest issue often is deciding when to evaluate the asset. Some people want to use the date the parties separated, while others use the date on … Read more
The Florida Supreme Court has recently revised the Florida Family Law Rules. These rules outline how a case proceeds, from start to finish. This includes what is required when you file a case, and how to proceed. The Family Law Rules tell all parties what financial information is needed, and when it is due. For … Read more
Dependency Cases often interact with family law cases. They are filed when parents are alleged to have abused, abandoned, or neglected their children. Dependency cases are usually handled by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). However, anyone with knowledge can file a dependency petition. There are very distinct definitions. Abandoned means a parent, while … Read more
A hot topic these days is Child Custody by Extended Families. The parents may have a drug problem, or they may be in jail. Parents also ask extended families to help out while he or she is in college, or the military. In all of these circumstances, it’s good to know when and whether you … Read more
Special Olympics is a wonderful program throughout the United States, and here in Florida. Special Olympics is a program with great benefits. Special Olympics began in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Eunice Kennedy Shriver helped create Special Olympics. She organized events for people with intellectual disabilities, and she served on President Kennedy’s panel on … Read more
Relocation is a common event for all of us. Our jobs change. We remarry or enter into new relationships. So it’s important for a custodial parents to know when they can move, and how far. America is a mobile society. We are able to connect with each other via FaceTime, Skype, and other forms of electronic … Read more
Guardianships are an important bridge between parents and caretakers. There are many different types of guardianships. Preneed Guardianships Preneed Guardianships are used to declare who cares for one’s children, if the parents die or become incapacitated. Our office handled of these cases recently, and I think that they are good to use. Simply put, a Preneed Guardian … Read more
New Year’s Resolutions are fabulous, if you actually follow them. Many people promise themselves that they will lose weight, or spend less money. Here’s four common sense tips that are helpful to all, especially anyone who is divorced or is about to divorce. First, don’t blame yourself for what happened. It takes two to create … Read more
The Florida court system uses Magistrates every day. However, many people do not understand their role. Magistrates are appointed by circuit judges to handle a variety of cases. They work directly under the circuit judges, running their courtroom just like a judge. In family law cases, magistrates hear divorces, modification cases, and paternity cases. … Read more
A federal judge recently dismissed a case filed under the ADA to stop disabled kids from being placed in nursing homes in Florida. This is a travesty of justice. The ADA refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Passed in 1990, this act forbids discrimination against people with special needs. It is modeled after the … Read more