Recent Blog Posts
Parenting Plan Enforcement: Parenting Coordinators, Part 2
March 25, 2015 Parenting coordination can be a valuable tool for minimizing the negative impact of a divorce on a child. It is an alternative dispute resolution method used to promote the best interests of the child. Parenting coordinators are often used after a parenting plan has been finalized, if parents are not adhering… Read More »
Vanilla Ice Arrested for Home Burglary in Florida
February 24, 2015 Robert Van Winkle, better known as ‘90s rapper Vanilla Ice, was arrested Wednesday, February 18th, and charged with burglary of a residence and grand theft. Furniture, a pool heater, a bicycle, and other items were taken from a Lantana home; police believe that the burglary took place between December and February. The… Read More »
Valuing Real Property in Divorce
February 23, 2015 When a couple divorces, one of the biggest issues is the division of the couple’s assets. Determining what happens to the family home is often the most important decision regarding property division. Homes or other real property are frequently the most valuable asset that a couple owns and are difficult to… Read More »
Revenge Porn Bill Proposed
February 10, 2015 Florida State Representative Tom Goodson (R-Titusville) announced recently that he is sponsoring a bill that would criminalize revenge porn. Bill HB 151 would make disseminating pornography for the purpose of harassment a third degree felony. This is the third time that an attempt has been made to pass this bill in Florida…. Read More »
Collateral Consequences of Crime – Part 2
February 18, 2015 Criminal convictions can have far-reaching consequences, beyond jail time, fines, or probation. Felons lose the right to vote, those convicted of drug crimes lose driver’s licenses, and non-citizens who reside in the U.S. may be deported. Besides these and other legal penalties, there can be social and economic repercussions as well…. Read More »
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 »
