Parenting Plans
Florida no longer has custody orders. They are called Parenting Plans. The change was made in 2008 based on the recommendations of a Family Law Committee. The Committee is made up of attorneys and professionals who work in the family law field. The reason for the change is to move away from common problems seen … Read more
Time-Sharing and Florida Law
Many people consult with us about time-sharing here in the State of Florida. It’s very different than how other States address this, especially with the wording. The Florida Legislature abolished words as “custody” and “primary residential parent” in 2008. Instead, we use words such as time-sharing and parenting plans. The reason is simple – it … Read more
Estate Planning Now Can Prevent Mishaps Later
Many people put off their Estate planning, and it’s often a mistake. It’s an easy point – prior planning will prevent mishaps later. Do you need a will, or is a trust a better option? Do you need to transfer assets now, or is it better to wait? Answering these questions now will prevent headaches … Read more
Alimony
Alimony is an issue which is often litigated. There is no objective way to assess it, but it comes up in many cases. Support is based on need and ability to pay. This is as vague as it sounds. However, it is the primary way to determine alimony. Florida law provides several different types of … Read more
Revocable Trusts
Revocable Trusts are a great estate planning tool. Unlike wills, revocable trusts do not require probate court to transfer assets after a loved one passes away. Instead, assets can be held by that person and transfer without a court order. This includes land, retirement accounts, and bank accounts. It also includes household goods. For example, … Read more
Administrative Child Support in Florida: How Does It Work?
We have a little known system called Administrative Child Support in Florida. You need to know how this system works. It all starts with many people receiving a Notice of Commencement. If you receive a Notice of Administrative Child Support, then you have 20 days in which to notify the Department of Revenue that you … Read more
Modification is Useful with Parenting Time and Child Support
When can you seek a modification of your final judgment? This question comes up during a series of different issues. Modification means changing your final judgment, but that’s not easy. There are a few select areas where courts allow a Modification. It’s important to know when you can seek it, especially before you finish an … Read more
Co-parenting and COVID-19
We are getting calls now about co-parenting and COVID-19. Most of the focus is on whether the other parent is follow social distancing. There are are no easy answers to the current situation, and we are in new territory. But here are some tips that will hopefully help. Follow your parenting plan. If you already … Read more
The Growing Need for Guardian Advocates
There is a growing need for Guardian Advocates. These are often parents who care for their kids well past the age of eighteen. The rise in people with autism is one reason, but there are many other types of challenges. Guardian Advocates carry on certain tasks often done by parents of a minor. They are … Read more
Holiday Time-Sharing
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time to ensure that your Holiday Time-Sharing goes smoothly. This is not a problem with many divorced couples, but it’s best to resolve issues now. The number of different Time-Sharing schedules people use is as diverse as the number of couples themselves. Many people equally divide the Thanksgiving … Read more
Putative Father’s Rights in Florida: Update
Putative Father’s rights changed last year when Florida’s highest court held that a putative father can file for paternity. This can be done over the objection of the wife and her Husband. Until then, a putative father had no right to file. Several cases have now been filed using this change as a basis, and … Read more
America’s Birthday
This coming Thursday is America’s Birthday, and it’s a great thing to celebrate! We have so many things in our country for which to be thankful. Freedom of speech and the press is a wonderful right that we enjoy both at the national and State level. Freedom of Religion, likewise, is protected in both the … Read more