Recent Blog Posts
Adopting A Stepchild In Florida
Adoption is a beautiful beginning for all parties involved. While it might not seem obvious, adoption can be complicated, taking years in some cases. Sometimes a couple is seeking a child and will use all resources available, including public and private agencies. The cost of adoption ranges depending on services utilized. Sometimes a grandparent… Read More »
Child Negligence & Weapons Laws In Florida
A terrible occurrence was reported in Orlando, Florida after a toddler got a hold of a loaded handgun and fatally shot his mother while she was engaged in a Zoom video call. When officers arrived, they found the mother deceased and two children present. The handgun was not secured and reportedly belonged to the… Read More »
Understanding Florida Trespassing Laws
Dan and Brandon are goofing around on school grounds the weekend before senior graduation. They decide it would be funny to spray paint the gymnasium and break the awards display case in the principal’s office. A silent alarm is triggered and both students are arrested for trespassing on school grounds, vandalism and criminal mischief…. Read More »
Dealing With An Absentee Co-Parent? You Have Options.
You and your ex share two tweens, an 11-year-old and 13-year-old. You got divorced two years ago, and you were awarded primary physical custody, with your ex getting visitation weekly from Saturday mornings to Sunday evenings. Over the last year, your ex has shown up for visitation three times. Your kids have come to… Read More »
Preparing For Divorce In Florida? Check Your Social Media Accounts First
You have been thinking about separating for a couple years now, but COVID-19 delayed your plans to move out. Now that you and your soon-to-be ex are vaccinated and you have secured an apartment, it’s time to separate. You have prepared a complaint and financial statement and are ready to serve your ex. Is… Read More »
What Is A Step-Up Parenting Plan?
Alice and Michael share a 3-year-old son, Jeff, but Michael has only met Jeff once since he was born. While Michael does not deny paternity, he has never been involved and also never paid child support. Alice obtained a court order to enforce child support payments, and now Michael’s income is garnished. Michael stated… Read More »
Gray Divorce: Implications For Divorce Over 50
Divorce is on the rise among middle-aged and elderly seniors across the U.S. and in other countries. Since 2000, divorce rates in total have leveled off, but rates amongst adults 50 and older have skyrocketed. While some might argue “gray divorce” is due to a mid-life crisis of sorts, others argue quite the opposite…. Read More »
Divorce & Bankruptcy in Florida
Your divorce is final. Your ex-spouse has agreed to terms of the marital settlement agreement, including monthly alimony payments owed to you, in addition to child support for your two shared kids. Now he is calling to tell you he filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy and can no longer meet his obligations. What do you… Read More »
Federal Child Tax Credit Updates
Most readers are aware that the American Rescue Plan Act (the Covid-19 Relief Package) contained provisions to provide direct stimulus payments in the amount of $1,400 to Americans with a single adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less, and married couples with adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less. In addition to direct stimulus… Read More »
Legal Custody and Physical Custody: What’s the Difference?
A mother has filed for divorce from her husband, and she wants primary custody of their two children. After all, her spouse was an absentee parent to the kids, and even before the separation, never wanted to spend time with them. What would he be missing if she were awarded primary custody? Custody awards… Read More »
