Recent Blog Posts
How Can Changes in a Parent’s Income Affect Child Support Obligations?
When parents enter into a child support agreement, a court will only allow the parent paying support to reduce his or her obligations under very narrow circumstances. For example, if there is a permanent change in the parent’s income, that would qualify as grounds for asking a judge to reduce support obligations. But even… Read More »
How Long Does “Permanent” Alimony Last in Florida?
In some cases, a court decides to award “durational alimony,” which continues for a specified period of time. In other cases, a judge determines that an award of “permanent alimony” is more appropriate. Despite the name, permanent does not necessarily mean in perpetuity. Rather, Florida law states that by default, an award of permanent… Read More »
How Will Gifts To (or From) Family Members Affect My Divorce?
One of the main issues in any Boca Raton divorce case is the proper division of marital assets. Normally, Florida courts apply an “equitable distribution” rule. In most cases, equitable means a 50/50 split of any property acquired during the marriage. But a judge may depart from a strictly equal division under certain circumstances,… Read More »
Can a Florida Judge Award More Alimony Than a Spouse Requested?
A Florida court may award alimony in a divorce case when the judge makes a “specific factual determination” that a spouse “has an actual need.” There are a number of individual factors the court may consider in making this determination, including how long the parties were married, the relative financial resources of each spouse…. Read More »
What is a QDRO and Do You Need One?
When you and your spouse decide to get divorced in Florida, you or judge will divide marital assets equitably. One type of asset that may be subject to equitable distribution is your retirement account. Typically, 401(k)s and other related qualified employee retirement plans have tax tax-advantaged statuses, meaning that so long as the money… Read More »
Your Divorce Options
No two marriages are alike, and no two divorces are alike. If you are facing a divorce, it is important that you truly consider your options and determine which will be best for you. Your due diligence may be just what you need to obtain a divorce in an as quick and cost-effective manner… Read More »
What You Can Do to Offset the Effects of the New Alimony Tax Law
Traditionally, alimony has been tax deductible for the paying spouse and taxable for the recipient spouse. UBecause of this tax deduction, the obligor spouse was able to pay more in spousal support because it was tax deduction. However, as of January 1, 2019,this tax deduction is no longer. Now, alimony is not taxable or… Read More »
Are Your Inheritances and Gifts Subject to Property Division in Divorce?
Florida, like many other states, is an equitable distribution state, which means a judge will divide marital assets and debts equally Separate property is awarded to the individual spouse. Separate property includes the following: Property owned by either spouse before the union or obtained by either spouse after the date of separation; Compensation for… Read More »
Who Gets the Artwork in a Florida Divorce?
Who gets the Monet, the Van Gogh, and the Warhol? What about the Leibovitz or Golden? Surprisingly, the question of who gets the artwork is one of the most hotly contested issues in today’s divorce proceedings. According to a Memphis attorney quoted by the Wall Street Journal, artwork often falls into the same category… Read More »
What is Mandatory Disclosure and When is it Necessary?
Mandatory disclosure requires each party in the dissolution of a marriage to disclose records that paint an accurate portrait of each party’s finances. This requirement ensures the judge divides assets between the two parties fairly and equitably. If one party requests support from the other, the judge will also need a clear picture of… Read More »
