Florida Family Law Articles
Collaborative Divorce Law
The Collaborative Law Process Act is now law, and it’s a great step for families. The Florida Legislature recently passed this new law, which gives people an alternative to litigation. A rather unique approach, Collaborative Law is based on the idea that parties work strictly to resolve things without litigation. Parties must agree to participate, … Read more
Dividing Retirement Assets Can Be Tricky During Divorce
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
Florida Supreme Court Revises Family Law Rules
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
Blended Families Face Challenges but it’s Worth the Effort
Many blended families exist today. More than ever, people are getting divorced. They often remarry and bring together their children. Often the new couple may have two households, or live in different towns. They face many challenges when trying to put their family together. When blending such a family, it’s important to know where the … Read more
Understanding Florida Child Dependency Cases
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
Child Custody by Extended Families
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
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
How Does The Florida Relocation Statute Work?
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
Opposite Ideas? Reasons for Choosing Mediation Over a Trial
Mediation is an important step in every family law case. And it’s a better solution than going to trial in almost all cases. More people are satisfied if they have a say in the outcome. Trials are expensive, and you never know how a judge is going to rule. It’s better to control your own … Read more
Guardianships: An Important Bridge Between Parents and Caretakers
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
Four Practical New Year’s Resolutions Helpful For All
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
Understanding the Role of Florida Magistrates
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