Category Archives: Family Law
Contesting Service Of Process In Florida
One of the key components of filing a complaint for divorce, custody, or even a modification is also serving the defendant or respondent in the case with a copy of the pleading you file with the court of jurisdiction. A pleading is a legal document filed with the court asking the court to do… Read More »
Will Your Florida Divorce Case Go to Trial or Settle?
Considering a trial separation is one thing, but actually filing for divorce is another. If you have started the divorce process by filing a complaint in the court of jurisdiction, you may have questions about the progression of a typical case. You may also be wondering if you will be deposed, be called to… Read More »
Divorce & Vacation Custody
The unofficial start to summer is almost here. Teenagers are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. Flights are resuming, albeit expensively. Summer vacation is nearly here. That means summer vacation plans begin for families across the United States. COVID-19 is not over yet, and millions of Americans are fully vaccinated. But is it truly safe… Read More »
What is Voluntary Impoverishment?
Are you stuck in a marriage with a spouse who refuses to work? Are you considering divorce but are concerned you will be forced to pay alimony to a husband or wife who has not contributed periodically throughout the marriage? This scenario is not uncommon. Voluntary impoverishment is defined as making a conscious choice… Read More »
Divorced Parents & Child Vaccinations: Guiding Your Decision-Making
Covid-19 vaccinations are on our minds as older Americans are inoculated throughout the country. Teachers have also been prioritized in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties for vaccination so that kids can get back to in-person learning. While some jurisdictions are still learning virtually, most districts in Florida are back to in-person learning or hybrid learning… Read More »
Divorce & Your Finances
Divorcing couples that have commingled finances, bank accounts, and other intangible assets are faced with difficult decisions to make. Equitable division of joint property is always tenuous, and often the most expensive and drawn-out issue in contested divorces. Courts encourage parties to resolve issues collaboratively and with limited judicial interference if possible. Some couples… Read More »
Co-Parent Not Using Visitation Time: Options for Resolution
If you and your ex-spouse/co-parent already have a final custody order in place, including parenting plan details for drop-off/pick-ups of shared children, all your problems are over, right? Just because an agreement has been filed with a court and a final order has been issued, doesn’t mean both parties will adhere to it. What… Read More »
Taxes After Divorce
If you are considering divorce, or are legally separated, you may have questions about your tax filing status, what deductions you can claim, or which parent claims the children as a dependent for tax credit purposes. Fortunately, most tax considerations are contemplated and agreed upon in a marital settlement agreement. Conversely, not all parties… Read More »
Same-Sex Divorce & Child Custody Disputes
The landmark case Obergefell v. Hodges, decided in 2015 by the Supreme Court, granted numerous rights to same sex couples. These rights include the right to marry, and consequently, the right to divorce. Unfortunately, in many states including Florida, same-sex couples face numerous challenges including equal treatment under the law. Family law is emotionally… Read More »
Contested Child Custody
Unfortunately for some families, the subject of divorce also means serious decisions regarding child custody. While some divorces are amicable, some are extremely tumultuous. Some parties sadly use the shared child as leverage in uncontested proceedings or over routine decisions like drop-off location or extracurricular activities. Divorce is a pivotal moment for many families…. Read More »
