Recent Blog Posts
Suspected Child Abuse Post-Divorce
Recently in West Palm Beach, a mother of three children was arrested and charged with child abandonment after she forcibly removed her daughter from the family vehicle at a gas station at 5 am, and then abandoned her 3 year old son at a Publix grocery store several hours later. Police released an APB… Read More »
What is Stalking and How Do I Protect Myself From a Stalker?
Engaging in threatening, violent or abusive behavior repeatedly after the victim has asked the perpetrator to cease contact is stalking. In Florida, a defendant determined to be stalking a victim can be charged with a third degree felony and face prison time. It is a serious charge and serious criminal behavior, that in the… Read More »
No Fault Divorce in Florida
What is no fault divorce and what does it mean for a party who has other grounds for divorce? Can you file for separation under multiple grounds? What is the difference between no fault and irreconcilable differences? Each state has different laws and rules for divorce proceedings. For example, in Maryland, no fault divorce… Read More »
My Ex-Spouse Won’t Pay Child Support: Now What?
A divorce judgment was issued and the custodial parent and non-custodial parent are finally living separate lives. The judge ordered that one parent have primary custody of the shared child and that the ex-spouse and co-parent is required to pay a monthly child support order to the custodial parent. Unfortunately, the other parent either… Read More »
What is an Inchoate Crime?
In Florida, an inchoate crime is another term for the crime of criminal attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit a crime. Even though the bad act, or actus reus, was not committed, the defendant can still be charged with an inchoate crime because he or she had the malevolent intent(mens rea) and was planning… Read More »
January: The Month of Divorce?
It’s not a myth that more couples file for divorce in January than any other time of the year. Experts note that people tend to take an accounting of their personal, financial and professional endeavors from the past year, including resolutions. Sometimes couples resolve that they are no longer working as a family unit,… Read More »
Florida House Bill 675: Indecent Exposure Definitions
Florida House Bill 675, introduced by Representative Amy Mercado, is an update to Florida indecent exposure laws. It expands the definition to encompass any display of nudity in a public setting. HB 675 also makes certain acts of exposure a felony and allows the police to arrest a suspect without a warrant and without… Read More »
How Does a Domestic Battery Charge Affect Child Custody?
In Florida, while domestic battery involves familial issues, domestic violence is a criminal law matter and is prosecuted by the State. If you are in the middle of a divorce with shared children and are seeking primary or joint custody, a domestic violence charge or conviction can severely hamper custody arrangements. Ultimately, a family… Read More »
Florida Senate Bill 1082:Update to Domestic Violence Injunctions
Senate Bill 1082 is an important update to domestic violence protection orders. The bill allows the petitioner to retain possession of the family pet(s) while a final protective order is pending. If you or a loved one are seeking a protective order against a spouse or intimate partner and are concerned about the welfare… Read More »
Third Party Custody
Are you a grandparent or relative of a minor child who was recently orphaned or lives in an unsafe home? Are you seeking visitation with your grandchildren? Grandparents’ rights and third party custody vary from state to state. In Florida, grandparents and third parties are only awarded custody if they can establish that the… Read More »
