For months, maybe years, you've been the parent doing the day-to-day work. School drop-offs, doctor's appointments, homework, meals, bedtime. The other parent has been inconsistent, rarely around, or almost entirely absent. Then, out of nowhere, they want 50/50 time-sharing. If that's where you are right now, your question is probably...
Thinking About Divorce in Florida? 10 Things to Do Before You Tell Your Spouse
Deciding whether to end a marriage is personal. But once divorce becomes a real possibility, there are practical steps to take before you have that conversation with your spouse. This isn't about hiding assets or preparing for war. It's about understanding your situation before you make decisions that are hard,...
Back to School After a Florida Divorce: Who Decides Which School, Who Pays for Supplies, and What Happens When Parents Disagree
The school year is starting. For most Florida families, that means supply lists, new schedules, and the usual August scramble. For divorced and separated parents, it can mean something else entirely — a disagreement about which school your child attends, a dispute over who's covering the costs, or a co-parent...
Can You Give Up Your Parental Rights to Avoid Paying Child Support in Florida?
The Short Answer: No. It's one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions we hear from parents facing difficult family situations: "If I sign away my parental rights, do I still have to pay child support?" The answer, in almost every case, is no. Simply giving up your parental rights does...
Florida Parenting Plans: What Happens When One Parent Stops Following the Agreement
You have a parenting plan. A judge signed it. It's a court order. And your co-parent is ignoring it. Maybe they're consistently late for exchanges. Maybe they're keeping the children past their scheduled time. Maybe they're canceling visits without notice, undermining your relationship with your kids, or refusing to communicate...
Summer Vacation and Florida Time-Sharing: Can You Take the Kids Out of State Without Your Ex’s Permission?
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti | Over 40 Years Representing South Florida Families Every June, the same question lands on our desk: "I want to take the kids on vacation this summer — do I need my ex's permission?" The honest answer is the one no one wants to hear: it depends...
Served with Divorce Papers in Florida? The 20-Day Clock Starts Now
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti | Over 40 Years Representing South Florida Families Few moments rearrange a life faster than opening the door to a process server. Whether you saw it coming or not, the petition in your hands has started a clock — and that clock does not pause...
When a Child Refuses Time-Sharing in Florida: What Parents Need to Know
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti | Over 40 Years Representing Florida Families When a child refuses to spend time with a parent, it can be one of the most painful and confusing situations a parent faces. Many parents ask: ...
Getting Married with Kids from a Prior Relationship? Why You Need a Prenup and Parenting Plan
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti | Protecting South Florida Families for Over 40 Years Blended families are increasingly common—and while a new marriage is an exciting chapter, it also comes with real legal and financial considerations. If you or your future spouse have children from a prior relationship, it’s not just...
Do Grandparents Have Rights in Florida? What You Need to Know About Today’s Legal Landscape
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti | Protecting Florida Families for Over 40 Years At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we’ve guided Florida families through custody and visitation matters for over four decades—and we’ve seen how emotionally charged grandparent visitation cases can be. In Florida, the law continues to prioritize a parent’s constitutional...