Divorce cases involving businesses, marital homes, and child support often hinge on the sufficiency of financial evidence. Florida trial courts are tasked with weighing competing affidavits, financial statements, and testimony to arrive at equitable outcomes. A recent opinion issued by a Florida court highlights how appellate courts defer to trial…
When former spouses return to court over alimony, the battles are often as much about procedure as they are about money. Florida courts frequently stress that trial judges must follow both statutory requirements and jurisdictional rules. A recent case from a Florida court demonstrates how crucial timing is in post-judgment…
Florida family courts must balance procedural safeguards with the need to assess credible testimony in sensitive domestic violence proceedings. One issue that sometimes arises is whether a minor child may testify in such hearings without a prior court order. A recent case from a Florida court clarifies that the rule…
In Florida divorce proceedings, courts are tasked with making equitable decisions on financial issues, including child support, life insurance to secure that support, and the division of marital liabilities. However, these determinations must be grounded in both statutory requirements and factual findings. A recent Florida decision highlights the importance of…
In Florida family law cases, courts possess broad authority to ensure compliance with discovery and support obligations. However, this authority is bounded by due process and the requirement that coercive sanctions, such as daily fines, be imposed only after careful judicial consideration of the contemnor’s ability to pay. A recent…
In Florida, alimony determinations require careful application of a statutory two-step analysis designed to protect both parties’ financial rights while maintaining consistency with equitable principles. The process begins with a clear determination of each party’s actual financial need and the other party’s ability to pay. A recent decision from a…
In Florida, family law courts must exercise precision and completeness when entering final judgments, especially in matters involving child support and attorney’s fees. Omissions related to stipulated financial obligations or procedural safeguards may warrant reversal on appeal. A recent decision from a Florida court highlights how failure to incorporate stipulated…
In Florida family law, courts have the authority to suspend a parent’s timesharing rights on a temporary basis when emergency conditions threaten the welfare of the child. Although such suspensions may occur outside of the usual modification process, they are permissible when the situation presents an imminent risk of harm.…
In Florida, the modification of a timesharing agreement requires proof of a substantial and unanticipated change in circumstances that affects the best interests of the child. Once such findings are made by the trial court after an evidentiary hearing, appellate review is significantly constrained, especially when the record on appeal…
In Florida family law, trial courts are granted broad discretion in making decisions related to parenting responsibilities, the division of marital assets, and the allocation of attorney’s fees. Appellate courts will not disturb such decisions unless they are unsupported by evidence or involve legal error. A recent ruling by a…