Alimony Reform has come to Florida.

Alimony reform has come to Florida.

On June 30, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law significant changes to Florida’s alimony law. The bill eliminates permanent alimony, and sets new standards for what is considered a long-term marriage. It also changes what courts call durational alimony. The alimony reform bill also makes it easier to change an existing parenting plan. The … 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.  

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

The Two Types of Contempt of Court

Understanding the Two Main Types of Contempt of Court

Contempt of court is a common method to enforce judgments. There are two types – criminal and civil.   The most common form is Civil Contempt. Unlike criminal contempt, civil is used to compel someone to follow an order. The best known type involves collecting money in child support cases. A custodial parent can file … Read more

Florida Supreme Court Revises Family Law Rules

Florida Supreme Court Revised 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

Understanding the Role of Florida Magistrates

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

Top 3 Benefits of Mediation Over Going To Court

Before you ever reach a trial, try using mediation. Mediation is one of the best tools around. It is also called Alternative Dispute Resolution. And it provides a way for people to resolve problems without risking it all in court. It is a great forum for outlining differences, and it provides a safe and secure … Read more

Florida Collaborative Law

Florida is on the verge of becoming another State which has its own Collaborative Law statute.

Florida is on the verge of becoming another State which has its own Collaborative Law statute. Collaborative Law is a unique process. It involves having the parties consent to negotiating rather than litigating. A collaborative team works together. And it may include a collaborative attorney, counselors, and accountants. The process can begin at any time. … Read more

Alimony Reform Bill Passed in Florida, Now Before The Governor

Attorney's fees is an important issue in many family law cases.

The Florida Legislature passed an alimony reform bill this week which is now before the Governor. This bill substantially changes the alimony laws, and provides a presumption that children should spend approximately equal amounts of time with both parents. If signed into law, the bill will be a substantial change. It requires courts to make certain … Read more

Understanding The Legal Process – A Quick Tutorial

The legal process is something all people in a lawsuit should understand. Too often, new clients come to us and are confused by the process. So here's a quick tutorial.

The legal process is something all people in a lawsuit should understand. Too often, new clients come to us and are confused by the process. So here’s a quick tutorial. The legal process is always started by filing a Petition, or Complaint.   In legal terms, it’s called a pleading. The other party must usually … Read more

Florida Divorce and Non-Residents

Florida Divorce and Non-Residents

Several cases we see involve divorces in which one of the parties is a non-resident. That is, the Husband and Wife lived in Florida, but moved away. In many instances, the non-resident is in the military, or works in a field in which they have to work out of state. In other cases, both parties lived here … Read more