In family law matters involving minor children, the Florida courts’ driving concern is what is in the children’s best interest. As such, in cases in which the parents’ ability to care for their children in a safe and healthy environment is called into question, a court may find it necessary…
Florida law allows courts to order parties to pay alimony in divorce actions. Generally, the courts will take multiple things into consideration when determining what constitutes an appropriate alimony award. As such, as explained in a recent Florida opinion, a party that wishes to modify an alimony order usually must…
Florida law presumes that when a baby is born to a married man and woman, the man is the father of her child. Similarly, if a man acknowledges he is the father of a child born out of wedlock, the court will presume he is the child’s father. Issues can…
Many step-parents have loving relationships with their step-children and eventually wish to adopt them. If the biological parents consent to the adoption, the process should be relatively seamless. As demonstrated in a recent Florida case, though, problems can arise if the court has concerns about an adoption agreement’s language. If…
It is not uncommon for parents who share custody of a child to disagree over where the child should live or whether one parent should be able to move to another state with the child. In such instances, the parties will typically seek input from the courts to determine their…
Florida custody disputes can become contentious, and it is not uncommon for one parent to accuse the other of trying to alienate them from their child. In some instances, a parent may go so far as to accuse a co-parent of tortious interference with custodial rights. While Florida law allows…
When faced with custody disputes, the Florida courts will typically take great care in drafting a parenting plan that is in the best interest of the children involved. As such, a party that wishes to modify a parenting plan must show that a change has occurred since the plan was…
Divorce actions are often contentious, and it is not uncommon for a Florida court to issue an order in a divorce proceeding that prevents a party from taking intentional or inadvertent actions that harm the other party’s interests. If a person fails to comply with the terms of such order,…
Many people involved in divorce proceedings in Florida cannot resolve their disputed issues without a trial. Once the trial is held and the court makes its determinations, it will issue a final order of dissolution. Parties can appeal such orders, but they must follow the procedural rules and guidelines. Otherwise,…
When a married couple with minor children decides to divorce, they will typically have to determine their parental rights. Making custody determinations can be a lengthy process for Florida courts, and in most instances, they will issue temporary custody orders prior to delivering final orders. As explained in a recent…