Posts by madwire
Understanding Alimony in Florida: What Types of Support Are Available and How Long Do They Last
If you are going through a divorce in Florida, one of the most important financial questions you will face is whether alimony will be part of your case. As of July 1, 2023, Florida eliminated permanent alimony entirely. Under Florida Statute § 61.08, courts may only award four types of alimony — temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative,…
Read MoreWhen One Spouse Plays Games with the Marital Estate: Dissipation of Assets in Florida Divorce Cases
Florida law starts from a straightforward premise: when a marriage ends, marital assets should be divided equally. But what happens when one spouse has already been quietly — or not so quietly — eroding the marital estate before the court can divide it? Florida courts have a name for that conduct, and they take it seriously.…
Read MoreUnderstanding Child Support in Florida: How It’s Calculated and What to Expect
Navigating a family law case, whether it is a dissolution of marriage (divorce) or a paternity action, is often an emotional and complex journey. Among the most important concerns for parents is the financial well-being of their children. In Florida, child support is not an arbitrary number pulled from thin air; it is determined by…
Read MoreUncovering Hidden Income in Florida Divorce Cases: What You Need to Know
When going through a divorce in Florida, the financial disclosure process is one of the most critical aspects of the case. Florida law requires both spouses to file a financial affidavit that truthfully and accurately outlines their income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Unfortunately, some spouses attempt to hide or underreport their income to reduce alimony…
Read MoreLegal Presumptions in Florida Family Law Trials: How to Use and Rebut them to your Advantage
When navigating a family law trial in Florida, understanding legal presumptions is crucial. These default rules guide judicial decisions and can significantly impact outcomes. Knowing how to leverage these presumptions can make the difference between success and disappointment. Parental Rights and Responsibilities Florida law assumes that shared parental responsibility is in the child’s best interest.…
Read MoreUnderstanding Domestic Violence and Stalking Injunctions in Florida: A Guide for Petitioners and Respondents
If you or someone you love is facing threats, harassment, or abuse, Florida law provides protection through injunctions—court orders designed to prevent contact and keep people safe. Whether you’re seeking protection or defending against allegations, it’s important to understand how the process works. Our family law firm has helped many clients navigate these complex and…
Read MoreUnderstanding Judicial Discretion in Florida Family Law Cases
In Florida family law cases, there is often a perception that the law is black and white. But in a courtroom, the law is rarely so straightforward. The facts are often in dispute, the credibility of witnesses may be called into question, and the emotional stakes are high. Judges often hear conflicting testimony and evidence…
Read MoreThe Role of Lifestyle in Determining Alimony Awards in Florida Divorce Cases
In Florida divorce cases, the lifestyle maintained during the marriage plays a significant role in determining alimony awards. Judges often consider the standard of living that both spouses enjoyed during the marriage to assess the amount and duration of support necessary to ensure fairness. While statutory guidelines and factors outlined in Florida Statute §61.08 guide…
Read MoreEqual Timesharing with Children in Florida Divorce Cases – What You Need to Know!
In July 2023, Florida enacted significant changes to its family law statutes, introducing a rebuttable presumption that equal timesharing—where both parents share custody equally—is in the best interests of the child. This legislation recognizes the importance of both parents’ active involvement in their children’s lives. However, it’s essential to understand the nuances of this presumption,…
Read MoreUnderstanding Capacity Planning in Florida Estate Plans
As life unfolds, planning for potential incapacity is just as important as planning for the distribution of assets after death. A well-structured Florida estate plan ensures that your wishes are honored if you lose the ability to make decisions due to illness, injury, or cognitive decline. Capacity planning is a key component of estate planning…
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