Dividing Assets in a Divorce is not Always Easy
Dividing assets in divorce cases seems easy at first. But it requires many factual decisions. Courts must first determine what’s marital and non-marital. This can be tricky, as the date used to determine property must be set. Most courts use the date on which you marry and the date on which the divorce is filed. … Read more
Back Child Support
Back Child Support is something to ask for. The problem is getting it. In every initial case, Courts have the discretion to make it retroactive. Cases on this tell the courts that retro support is the norm rather than the exception. But it’s also one of the most confusing areas to handle. Back Child Support … Read more
No Fault Divorce? What does that mean?
In a Florida divorce proceeding, you will hear the term “No Fault” – a lot. However, what does this term really mean? You made a commitment to become married, and probably made many sacrifices. Is it fair to hear that your partner’s infidelity doesn’t matter? What about a spouse who has not been honest about … Read more
With Summer Parenting It’s Best to Plan Ahead
Summer Parenting time is soon upon us. It’s the one time many parents change the parenting schedule. Prior Planning will ensure a smooth process. For many, Spring Break has ended or is about to end. Some students had Spring Break in mid-March. Other children, like those in Gainesville, Florida, are on Spring Break the … Read more
Dividing Retirement Accounts in a Florida Divorce
Dividing retirement accounts in a divorce is a pivotal issue for many. Detailed information is needed as to what kind of retirement accounts exist (company pensions or Individual Retirement Accounts, for example) and what the balances were at the time the parties married. In addition, parties to a divorce need to consider the tax consequences … Read more
Adoptions
Adoption is a great alternative for many grandparents and step-parents. Many grandparents and step-parents find themselves thrust into being a parent. Most relish the chance, but not everyone starts by considering adoption. Many adoption cases have come into our office recently. They all have one major thing in common – a parent who is missing. … Read more
Adult Dependent Children and Florida Guardian Advocacy
Adult Dependent Children is an issue near to my heart. Kids are being diagnosed with autism at an alarming rate. Many others have other challenges, such as Downs Syndrome or a combination of physical and mental challenges. Most school districts today have programs for kids with special needs; however, it’s never enough. There are not … Read more
Father’s Rights
Father’s Rights took a nice step in the right direction recently. The Florida Supreme Court held that unmarried dads can pursue their rights, even if the mother was married to someone else. This set aside a decades old approach that was long overdue. Before this ruling, unmarried dads could not pursue such rights. Children whose … Read more
Homestead Protection in Florida
Homestead Protection is a fundamental part of most probate cases. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase: “Your house is your castle”. Well in Florida, that’s true. There is broad protection for homes, and that protection passes on to your heirs. At the top are surviving spouses and minor children. For them, there are certain types … Read more
Divorce and Income Taxes (Video)
It’s officially tax season, and anyone getting a divorce should know how taxes may affect you. There are several things to consider with taxes, especially with the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. These include how it affects support payments, when to file jointly, and how to claim dependents. Divorce and income taxes … Read more
Martin Luther King Championed Equality for All
We honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this coming Monday. It’s an important day for all of us. Dr. King’s ideas go beyond the Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King championed equality for all. He marched to promote freedom and opportunity for all. In his “I have a Dream” speech, Dr. King talked about people … Read more
Summary Probates Offer a Much Faster Alternative
Summary Probate is a quicker format for those with small estates. Probate cases are used after a person has passed away. There are two basic types of probate cases in Florida – Summary and Formal. Formal probate cases involve estates which have more than $75,000.00 in assets, and are a bit more complex. A personal … Read more