Recent Blog Posts
Voluntary and Involuntary Paternity in Florida
In Florida, paternity can be established voluntarily or involuntarily, and doing so can be part of determining child support, custody, and visitation rights. To learn more about when it’s necessary to establish paternity and what it entails, consult with a West Palm Beach family attorney. Voluntary vs. Involuntary Paternity If the parents of a… Read More »
Penalties for Not Making Child Support Payments
A legal obligation, child support payments are awarded to help ensure children receive the financial support they need from both parents. In Florida, parents who fail to meet their payment obligations face penalties, as the state is committed to enforcing these rules to protect children. If you’re struggling to make child support payments, talk… Read More »
When It Is Necessary to Prove Paternity Through DNA Testing
Establishing paternity is sometimes necessary to ensure a child’s rights and well-being are protected. To learn more about the process, talk to a seasoned West Palm Beach family attorney about when DNA testing is helpful and how the data could assist you in navigating a complex legal matter. Situations Involving DNA Testing There are… Read More »
How a Family Lawyer Can Help With Adoption
Adoption is one of the most rewarding ways to grow a family, but it is also a legal process. For those considering adopting in Florida, working with an experienced West Palm Beach family attorney can make the journey smoother, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and potential challenges are navigated. Choosing the Right… Read More »
Is My Reason for a Child Support Increase Valid?
To ensure that the needs of children are met, support payments are put in place when parents divorce or separate. While sometimes the amount remains the same over time, other times circumstances change and the amount of support initially ordered no longer feels sufficient to the receiving parent. When considering pursuing a child support… Read More »
Unhappiness and Deciding It’s Time for a Change
Every union experiences moments of joy as well as challenges. Marriage is full of ups and downs. Yet for some Florida couples, the difficult times may outweigh the good, leading to feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Deciding to separate or pursue a divorce is a deeply personal choice and often comes after much reflection… Read More »
Common Law Unions in the Sunshine State
A concept that often creates confusion, common law is a term that refers to couples who are not formally married but do live together as partners. While some states recognize common law unions and provide certain legal protections to these couples, Florida is not one of them. Have a conversation with a West Palm… Read More »
Specific Concerns for Teenagers When Their Parents Separate
As teenagers navigate their identity and social pressures, the added stress of a parental separation can be incredibly upsetting. A West Palm Beach family attorney can assist parents in navigating the legal and emotional complexities of a divorce, including the specific needs of teenagers. How Divorce Affects Teenagers Differently Teenagers are more aware of… Read More »
Mom or Dad Relocation and Custody
When a parent in Florida needs to relocate, whether for a job, family, or personal reasons, the move can have a significant impact on existing child custody arrangements. Florida law recognizes that maintaining a stable environment for children is important, and as a result, moving, especially a long-distance move, can require adjustments to the… Read More »
Civil Cover Sheets and Other Important Paperwork
To secure the divorce outcome you are seeking, paying meticulous attention to legal paperwork is key. Understanding the various documents involved in ending a marriage is part of making informed decisions. From civil cover sheets to financial affidavits, each piece of paperwork serves a specific purpose in ensuring the process is completed correctly and… Read More »
More Lows Than Highs, When It’s Time to Consider Separation
Every marriage has its ups and downs, but when the lows start to outweigh the highs, it may be time to consider a separation. If you find yourself in a situation where communication has broken down or unhappiness has become a constant companion, you’re not alone. Deciding to end a marriage is never easy,… Read More »
Can I Put Custody Rules in a Prenuptial Agreement?
Couples considering prenuptial agreements often focus on protecting assets, defining financial responsibilities, and setting alimony terms. But each family is unique, and some parents wonder if they can address child custody in their prenup. The short answer is no, child custody cannot be predetermined in a premarital agreement. Talking to a West Palm Beach… Read More »
What Equitable Distribution Means in the Sunshine State
When a marriage ends in the state of Florida, the principle of equitable distribution governs how property and debts are divided between spouses. Equitable distribution refers to the fair, but not necessarily equal, division of marital property and debts. Essential, equitable means just and reasonable, and in order for these determinations to be made… Read More »
How Connecting with Others Can Help When Divorcing
It’s essential to remember that you don’t have to go through challenging times alone, including when you are moving through a divorce. Connecting with friends and seeking support from professionals can make the process more manageable and less stressful. In Florida, numerous resources are available to help you navigate the personal, financial, and legal… Read More »
DCF Cases and the Importance of Legal Support in Florida
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is a state agency responsible for ensuring the welfare and safety of children. While the organization is committed to the DCF mission of protecting children from abuse, neglect, and abandonment, there are situations where parents are accused and need to defend themselves. Being involved in a DCF… Read More »
Assessing the Possibility of a Collaborative Divorce
There are many who are ready to exit a marriage but also want to sidestep the traditional adversarial divorce process. If this is true for you, know that one alternative is a collaborative divorce, a structured method that emphasizes cooperation and mutual respect. For couples in Florida considering a collaborative divorce, talk to a… Read More »
Leveraging Financial Expert Insights When Ending a Marriage
Financial disputes can turn an already stressful divorce process into an even more contentious ordeal. If you are in this situation and are hoping to find a way to avoid the strain and expense of a court battle, consider engaging the services of a neutral financial professional. A West Palm Beach family attorney can… Read More »
What is a Guardian Ad Litem?
Divorce is a challenging process, especially when children are involved. Ensuring the best interests of the child often becomes the central focus, which could involve engaging with professionals to provide objective insights into the child’s welfare. One such professional is a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL). A GAL is a court-appointed expert responsible for advocating… Read More »
Alimony Changes and Net Income
In 2023, state law regarding alimony was reformed. Previously, alimony decisions were largely at the discretion of the judge, who would consider various factors to decide on the amount and duration of support. The new laws aim to standardize these decisions, so permanent alimony has been eliminated and reviewing net income is now part… Read More »
Can I Make All Parenting Decisions?
As a parent moving toward divorce, you may have questions about who will make decisions about your child’s upbringing moving forward. While courts throughout Florida favor shared parental responsibility, there are situations where one parent may be granted complete authority to make calls on education, healthcare, and other child rearing decisions. Talk to a… Read More »
