This past January was an important anniversary to many gay and lesbian couples in Florida. Five years ago on January 6, same-sex couples were, for the first time, legally able to marry in the Sunshine State. With that event, and with the U.S. Supreme Court’s marriage equality ruling the following…
Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer Blog
When Your ‘Income Property’ Isn’t: Accounting for Your Money-Losing Rental Property When it Comes to Calculating Child Support in Florida
Today, more than ever in recent memory, people have side businesses. Perhaps they drive for Uber, housesit, walk dogs, deliver groceries or have some other freelance gig. For others, it’s owning rental property, as changes in the economy have made owning rental property very attractive in recent years. Whatever your…
New Changes to Florida Rules of Evidence Could Alter the Way You Go About Pursuing Your Family Law Case
Late last May, the Florida Supreme Court issued an opinion called In re Amendments to the Florida Evidence Code. As a spouse contemplating divorce or a parent potentially facing a parental responsibility/timesharing case, you may think that a thing like a Supreme Court opinion on “amendments to the Florida Evidence…
The Importance of Taking Proper Legal Action in Florida to Protect Your Relationship with Your Non-Biological Children
Recently, an appeals court here in Florida ruled that a stepfather was not entitled to timesharing or visitation with his stepchild, even though his evidence established that he was the father figure in that child’s life. This harsh result is a reminder of the status of Florida law and the…
My Ex Just Racked Up a $60K Bill Taking My Child to a Florida Doctor Not Covered by My Insurance. Do I Have to Pay for That?
If you watch or read the news much, you know that one of the most frequently recurring topics is the matter of paying for healthcare and healthcare insurance in this country. If you are a parent going through a divorce or a paternity action, health insurance for your children is…
Misadventures in Self-Represented Family Law Litigation: A Judge (Unsurprisingly) Denies a Husband’s Request for Trial by Sword Fight
When people think about the services that their skilled Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney provides, the first thing probably involves the attorney standing before a judge (or filing legal documents) to make strong and persuasive arguments that get the client to a successful outcome versus their ex-spouse or partner. Certainly, that…
How to Combat an Ex Who Is Seeking to ‘Weaponize’ the Legal System in Florida Against You
In a 1980s film, the movie’s protagonist (played by Tom Cruise) opines that “everything ends badly… otherwise it wouldn’t end.” While that isn’t always true with marriages, an unfortunately large number do end in bitterness and acrimony. If you find yourself in the aftermath of a bitter divorce, you may…
The Florida Legislature Will Once Again Consider Implementing Alimony Reform in 2020
Florida, like all states, has laws governing awards of spousal support (also known as alimony) following a divorce. Typically, alimony involves a monetary payment from one spouse to the other to help the less well-off spouse maintain something close to the standard of living he/she enjoyed during the marriage. Florida…
My Parent(s) Made a Loan to Me and My Spouse During Our Marriage. What Happens to That Debt After We Divorce in Florida?
Several experts recommend against doing business with family. A few years ago, CBS News published an article about “5 Dangers of Doing Business With Family and Friends.” Many times, though, the pull of familial love and the desire to help out a child, sibling or parent may overcome concern about…
When the Court Can (and Can’t) Add Terms to Your Florida Timesharing Agreement
It is once again the holiday season. It is the time of vacations from school and (perhaps) work, along with family get-togethers. For divorced spouses with children, it is also a time for managing the challenges of timesharing. Hopefully, the parents will work together cooperatively to facilitate the growth of…