Recent Blog Posts
Will Reducing My Post-Divorce Expenses Affect My Alimony?
When a Florida judge awards “permanent” alimony in a divorce, that does not mean the duration or amount is etched in stone. As each former spouse’s financial circumstances change, either party may petition the court for a modification of a spousal support award. But it is critical for the court to fairly and impartially… Read More »
Is a Co-Parenting Agreement with a Non-Parent Enforceable in Florida?
Families come in all types, shapes, and sizes. Unfortunately, the law does not always keep up. When it comes to matters like child custody, for example, there are certain rules and assumptions in place that may not fully account for non-traditional family structures. Let’s take this recent case from Pinellas County, Springer v. Springer…. Read More »
What Happens When the Terms of a Marital Settlement Agreement Are Modified Later?
Even in a relatively amicable divorce that is resolved by a settlement agreement, the parties may decide after-the-fact to alter their previously agreed-upon terms. It is important to exercise caution when carrying out such modifications, however, as it can lead to legal complications down the line. Appeals Court: Wife Does Not Need to Repay… Read More »
Can a Judge Rule on My Paternity Case Without First Hearing All of the Evidence?
In any paternity or related family law dispute, the parties have the same right to due process as any other litigants who need to resolve their differences in court. For example, each side has the right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses called by the other party. And while an amicable solution is often… Read More »
What Happens to My Time-Sharing Plan If I Decide to Move Out of State?
When a Florida court renders a final judgment regarding a child custody matter, that does not mean the parents can never seek modification of their arrangements. But nor can a parent assume a judge will simply grant any request for modification. If a parent decides to move out of Florida, for example, the judge… Read More »
How Will Retirement Affect My Obligation to Pay Alimony?
When a former spouse is required to pay permanent periodic alimony as part of a divorce judgment, that means the receiving spouse is entitled to receive such payments indefinitely. But if there is a change in the parties’ circumstances, either former spouse may petition the court for modification of the alimony order. Keep in… Read More »
Can I Go to Jail for Failing to Pay Alimony?
Once a judge enters a final decree to dissolve a marriage, its terms are legally binding on both parties. To put it another way, you are required to obey the terms of your divorce judgment. If the judgment states you will pay a certain amount of alimony each month to your former spouse, for… Read More »
Does a Couple Have to Stay in Business Together Following a Divorce?
When it comes to dividing marital property in a Florida divorce case, some assets are more easily dealt with than others. For example, it is relatively simple to divide up checking accounts and other cash-based assets. But what if the divorcing couple owns a family or closely held business? Are the parties expected to… Read More »
Why You Should Never Lie About Your Income in a Florida Child Support Proceeding
Florida law establishes a set of child support guidelines that takes into account a number of factors, notably each parent’s respective income, in deciding the final amount of any support payments. Although parents may reach a voluntary agreement regarding child support, a judge must still approve any such agreement in accordance with the guidelines…. Read More »
When Does a Florida Court Need to Account for a Parent’s New Job in Modifying a Child Support Agreement?
Child support is supposed to take into account each parent’s respective financial situation. Obviously, as a parent’s fortunes change over time, so too may the precise amount of child support required. And while a parent cannot avoid child support by, say, voluntarily quitting their job in order to reduce their income, a judge may… Read More »
