Contested Adoptions in Florida: The Five Questions Families Ask Most What happens when an adoption is not straightforward and what Florida law actually requires Adoption is one of the most profound legal steps a family can take, but not every adoption proceeds smoothly. When a biological parent contests the process,…
How is property divided in a Florida divorce? Florida is an “equitable distribution” state, not a community property state. Under Florida Statute § 61.075, marital assets and debts are divided fairly between spouses, beginning with a presumption of an equal 50/50 split that the court may adjust based on specific…
When a child is born to unmarried parents in Florida, the father has no automatic legal rights to the child until paternity is formally established. In a paternity case under Chapter 742, establishing paternity confirms a man as the child’s legal father, giving him the ability to seek timesharing and…
For blended families across Okaloosa and Walton Counties, stepparent adoption is often the final step in formalizing what is already a real parent-child relationship. At The Wheeler Firm, P.A., we help stepparents navigate the law governing all Florida adoptions. A Florida stepparent adoption permanently terminates the noncustodial biological parent’s rights…
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…
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…
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract that outlines the financial rights and responsibilities of two individuals before they get married. It can address a variety of issues, such as property division, alimony, and debt in the event of a divorce. Prenuptial agreements can also determine the parties’ rights in…
Family members frequently step in to take temporary custody of a child when their parents are unable to care for them. Special laws govern temporary custody for extended family members in the state of Florida pursuant to Chapter 751, Florida Statutes. Anyone who is considering asking for temporary custody of…
In Florida, the termination of parental rights is a legal process that permanently ends the legal relationship between a parent and their child. It is a serious and often difficult decision, and it requires careful consideration of the best interests of the child. One of the most common grounds for…
The right to call witnesses to support your case, and to prove a defense to allegations made against you, is a fundamental right in our legal system. However, the right is not absolute. Many people ask if they can call minor children to testify in their family law case. This…
