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...
Restraining Orders in Florida
Unfortunately, domestic violence is a serious issue for many people. In the state of Florida, victims of domestic violence may be able to obtain a restraining order against their abuser. According to the Family Violence Law Center website, a restraining order is a court order that acts to protect a...
Florida Divorce Law Basics
The decision to divorce is often a difficult one for any couple to make. While the reasons and circumstances surrounding a divorce greatly vary, many times, those involved experience the same emotions during this difficult time. If you are considering divorce in the state of Florida, there are some basic...
Foreign Law Cannot Be Used in Florida State Court
Attorneys who practice in the area of civil litigation are responsible for a myriad of items. For example, an attorney representing a client in civil court must not only be familiar with the relevant state law that is the basis of the impending action, but they must also demonstrate a...
Florida Supreme Court: Civil Rights Act Protects Pregnant Women
Between the state of the current economy and the ever-shifting gender roles within family, it seems that more families than ever are doing what they have to do to meet their financial and other requirements. Unfortunately for some women, their careers and, correspondingly, their finances may suffer unnecessarily when...
Child Custody Law in Florida: 20 Things You Need to Know
Cases involving parents as opposing parties over the custody of their children present unique issues and difficulties to overcome for everyone involved. Emotions often run high, especially if the custody case is being worked out in the context of a divorce. However, Florida child custody law is set up...