Recent Blog Posts
Simplified and Regular Dissolution of Marriage
February 18, 2015 Florida is a no fault divorce state. This means that the only requirement for the dissolution of marriage is that the marriage is irreconcilable. Either spouse can file for dissolution. To obtain a divorce in Florida, you must prove that There is an existing marriage, One spouse has been a Florida… Read More »
Withdrawal of Guilty Pleas in Florida
February 26, 2015 When you are charged with a crime, you can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Entering a plea of not guilty means that your case will go to trial, while a guilty or no contest plea means that you will receive a sentence without going through the trial process. If… Read More »
Alimony Reform in Florida
February 16, 2015 A new bill will be considered by Florida lawmakers that would modify the state’s alimony framework, most notably by eliminating lifetime alimony. The details of the bill have not been finalized. Rep. Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland, plans to sponsor the bill in the legislative session beginning March 3rd. Groups on both sides… Read More »
Collateral Consequences of Crime – Part 1
February 12, 2015 When we think about the consequences of being convicted of a crime, the first things that likely come to mind are imprisonment, fines, and probation. But, criminal convictions can have many other consequences as well. Some of these consequences, such as the loss of civil liberties, loss of driving privileges, or housing… Read More »
Guardians Ad Litem: An Introduction
February 12, 2015 On January 28th, Florida Governor Rick Scott proposed a $77 billion budget for the new fiscal year. One of the highlights of Governor Scott’s budget proposal is its inclusion of funding for an additional 77.5 guardian ad litem positions in the state. Children often become involved in the legal system, whether… Read More »
Parenting Plans
February 10, 2015 Heather Hironimus and Dennis Nebus have a four year old son together from a six-month relationship. When the relationship ended, they agreed to a parenting plan, which was approved by a court. The plan, among many other specifications, stipulated that the child was to be circumcised, that the father of the… Read More »
Passports and Child Custody
February 5, 2015 For divorced parents, traveling with minor children can be a challenge. In Florida, parents are generally permitted to travel with their children during the times when they have regularly scheduled physical custody or visitation rights. However, things become more complicated if a divorced parent wants to take a child out of… Read More »
Grounds for Divorce in Florida
February 3, 2015 Florida, since the 1970s, has had a no-fault divorce law. This means that to obtain a divorce, officially known as a “dissolution of marriage,” neither party has to prove bad behavior, such as adultery, abuse, or abandonment, on the part of the other spouse. Instead, there are two grounds for divorce:… Read More »
Defenses to Drug Possession
February 1, 2015 Being charged with the possession of drugs is frightening. In addition to the legal penalties—whether probation, fines, or incarceration—come the collateral costs. A conviction for a drug offense can deter possible employers, make it more difficult to obtain professional licenses, cause loss of eligibility for welfare benefits or student loans, and… Read More »
The Consequences of Marijuana Possession
January 28, 2015 A conviction for drug possession can be devastating and life-altering. The serious consequences of this crime mean that it is very important to understand the nature of the crime. In Florida, drug possession is the offense of holding, but not manufacturing or selling, a controlled substance, presumably for personal use. To… Read More »
