Alimony isn't automatic and it isn't ordered in every divorce. Florida law provides that in order to award alimony, there must be a determination that one spouse/partner has a need for maintenance and the other has the ability to pay. The...
CHILD SUPPORT IN FLORIDA – WHAT, WHEN AND HOW MUCH
Every parent has a fundamental obligation to support his or her minor or legally dependent child. BUT WHO GETS TO DECIDE WHAT, WHEN AND HOW MUCH? Florida has created a process that simplifies the process of determining child support so that parents can avoid the need for litigation. This system...
HOW MUCH TIME WILL I GET WITH MY CHILDREN AFTER DIVORCE OR SEPARATION*
(*IT IS NO LONGER CALLED “CUSTODY” IN FLORIDA) When minor children are involved, whether in a dissolution of marriage (divorce) case or in a paternity case, decisions must be made for how the parents will share time with them. The term “custody” is no longer used in Florida law; the...
PATERNITY IN A NUTSHELL
Paternity laws vary from state to state making it difficult for parents to know what to expect. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding Florida paternity laws. I CHILDREN BORN OUTSIDE MARRIAGE The Mother is the natural guardian of a child born out of wedlock and is...
DO YOU NEED A DIVORCE ATTORNEY OR CAN YOU GO IT ALONE?
If you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, one of the first questions you'll have is whether you need a divorce lawyer. It's not a simple question and the answer will depend on your particular situation. As a general rule, the less that you have...
SOCIAL SECURITY VS MEDICARE: WHO DO I CALL?
Social Security offers retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits. Medicare provides health insurance. Because these services are often related, you may not know which agency to contact for help. The list below can help you quickly figure out where to go. Please share this list with family and friends; it...
THE 10 MOST IMPORTANT SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES FOR 2021
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced changes to Social Security benefits and taxes for 2021. All or some of these changes may affect deductions from your paycheck, amount of entitlement and retirement benefits, as well as eligibility for disability benefits. The 10 Most Important SSA Changes for 2021: *...
5 REASONS TO ACT QUICKLY IF YOU ARE IN A CAR ACCIDENT
2020 is coming to an end and I think we can agree that it's about time. Enjoy the holiday season but please be safe. Sadly, with the joy and merriment of the holidays comes an increase in auto accidents so please drive carefully. Often when someone is in an accident,...
SIX EXAMPLES OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
6 Types of Medical Malpractice That You Need to be Aware of According to the National Institutes of Health, about one in 5 Americans will experience a medical error in their lifetime while only 10% of all medical errors are reported. Because health care has become increasingly complex, it leaves...
NURSING HOME AND ALF NEGLECT AND ABUSE: YOUR RIGHTS (AND COVID19 LITIGATION UPDATES)
Note: See important Covid-19 update below. You or your loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or by an aide from a Home Health Agency. Do you know what your rights are? Here are the basics of what you...