Articles Posted in Family Law

Introduction When parents separate or divorce in Florida, they must create a parenting plan that details how they will share responsibilities for their child’s upbringing. If parents cannot agree on a plan, the court will establish one based on the child’s best interests. Florida law provides specific criteria under Florida Statute § 61.13(3) that courts must consider when determining time-sharing,…

Introduction In Florida family law cases, court orders must be followed, whether they relate to child support, time-sharing, alimony, or other legal obligations. When a person willfully violates a court order, they may be held in contempt of court. While some violations result in civil contempt, others can escalate to criminal contempt, which carries more severe penalties, including fines and…

Introduction Parental alienation occurs when one parent attempts to manipulate or influence a child into rejecting the other parent, often through negative comments, false accusations, or limiting contact. Florida courts take parental alienation seriously because it can damage the child’s emotional well-being and disrupt their relationship with both parents. This guide explains how Florida courts…

Introduction Divorcing military service members or their spouses in Florida face unique challenges when it comes to dividing assets, particularly military pensions. Unlike civilian retirement accounts, military pensions are governed by both state and federal laws, including the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA). These laws determine how much of a military pension, if…

Introduction Dividing marital assets in a Florida divorce can become particularly complicated when stock options and deferred compensation are involved. These types of financial assets often do not have a clear present value and may vest at a later date, making it challenging to determine how they should be allocated between spouses. Florida courts must…

Introduction Property division in a Florida divorce follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning that marital assets and debts are divided fairly, though not always equally. When one spouse owns non-marital property, such as a home or business acquired before marriage, disputes may arise over whether the other spouse is entitled to a portion of its increased…

Introduction When parents struggle to cooperate on child custody and time-sharing issues, Florida courts may appoint a parenting coordinator to help manage disputes. A parenting coordinator serves as a neutral third party who works with both parents to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and ensure that the parenting plan is followed in the best interests of the child.…

Introduction When a parent remarries after a divorce, financial circumstances often change. One common question in Florida child support cases is whether a new spouse’s income affects child support obligations. While Florida law generally focuses on the biological parents’ incomes, there are situations where a remarriage can impact child support calculations and enforcement. This guide…

Introduction Dividing assets in a Florida divorce is often a key concern, but just as important is the division of marital debts. Couples frequently accumulate shared financial obligations during a marriage, including mortgages, credit card debt, car loans, and medical bills. Florida law requires that debts be distributed fairly between spouses, but determining what is…

Introduction While marriage provides legal rights and protections for couples, some individuals in long-term relationships choose not to marry. Domestic partnerships offer a way for unmarried couples to secure legal benefits similar to those of married spouses. However, Florida law does not recognize domestic partnerships at the state level, which can create legal challenges regarding…