Articles Posted in Family Law

When you’re served with a lawsuit (or a petition for divorced or to establish paternity), your first instinct might be to ignore it, delay responding, or try to handle it on your own. But a recent decision from Florida’s Fifth District Court of Appeal—Ogden v. DiFelice, Case No. 5D2024-2303—demonstrates why hiring a qualified attorney immediately…

In a recent decision, the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal reversed a trial court’s issuance of a dating violence injunction, highlighting the critical importance of due process and the need for competent, substantial evidence when seeking such protective orders.​ Case Overview: Adams v. Cox, Case No. 5D2023-1821 Michael Adams appealed a final injunction for…

If you’re going through a divorce or custody case in Florida and there are minor children involved, you will need a parenting plan. This document isn’t optional — it’s required by law. And it plays a critical role in shaping your relationship with your children moving forward. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we help parents…

In custody disputes, one of the most frequently asked questions is: Can my child choose who to live with? In Florida, the answer is no — at least, not in the way many parents assume. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we guide clients through time-sharing disputes with strategic and child-centered advocacy. Here’s how Florida courts…

Effective communication is a cornerstone of healthy relationships, whether you’re co-parenting after a divorce, maintaining a marriage, or fostering a strong connection with your children. One of the most powerful communication techniques to achieve understanding and reduce conflict is mirroring—a simple yet effective strategy that can de-escalate tensions and help individuals feel heard and valued.…

Marriage is a significant legal and financial commitment, and many couples choose to protect their interests through premarital (prenuptial) and postmarital (postnuptial) agreements. These contracts help define each spouse’s financial rights and responsibilities before and during the marriage, as well as in the event of divorce. This blog post explores the key aspects of premarital…

In Florida family law cases, certain matters may be referred to a General Magistrate rather than being heard directly by a judge. While this process can help expedite cases and alleviate the court’s caseload, parties have the right to object to such referrals. Understanding how referrals to General Magistrates work and the right to object…

Co-parenting is challenging under any circumstances, but when you remarry and become part of a blended family, the dynamics can become even more complex. Successfully raising children across multiple households requires patience, flexibility, and a focus on the well-being of the children. Here are some best practices and tips for effective co-parenting in a blended…

When a child is wrongfully removed from or retained outside their country of habitual residence by one parent, the left-behind parent may seek their return through emergency proceedings under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. These cases are handled in federal court in the United States and require swift legal…

In Florida family law cases involving custody and parenting disputes, the court often seeks additional insight into the well-being of the minor children. One way this is achieved is through evaluations conducted under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.363. This rule governs the process of appointing professionals to evaluate minor children and provide recommendations…