Author Archives: Site Administrator
Getting ready for the RNC
Tampa is getting ready to host the Republican National Convention next week, and because the area’s courthouses are located downtown, locals should expect some disruptions. First appearances will take place at the Falkenburg Road Jail, and the federal courthouse will be closed until Sept. 4, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Meanwhile, we at… Read More »
Facebook can be dangerous
Facebook and other social media sites are fun. They’re great for keeping in touch and updating friends on your life. But when it comes to divorces and custody issues, they can be dangerous. Information on Facebook can be presented in court and used as evidence. For example, if during divorce proceedings, a man claims… Read More »
Child Support for Multiple Children
In the past, when parents had multiple children, child support was calculated for the total number of children. When the eldest child reached age 18 or graduated from high school, the child support would remain the same unless a judge granted a petition for modification. Now, the statute requires that child support be calculated… Read More »
Divorce hotel
A creative entreprenuer in the Netherlands has launched an unusual concept: A divorce hotel. You come in on Friday, married. You leave Sunday, divorce papers in hand. Check out the New York Times article on this strange business, which might be coming to the United States soon.
A new type of alimony
Florida statute was recently amended to add a new type of alimony: ‘durational alimony.’ This type was added to fill a gap between ‘rehabilitative alimony’ and ‘permanent periodic alimony.’ While the statute doesn’t give us much direction, other than to say this alimony can last as long as the marriage has lasted, we are… Read More »
Uncovered Medical Expenses
When insurance doesn’t cover a child’s medical expenses, parents must foot the bill. And depending on the parents’ medical insurance coverage, these expenses can either be simple co-pays or large hospital bills. This issue must be dealt with in all divorces. The district courts of appeal are very clear on this matter: The uncovered… Read More »
What’s in a name?
Remember “visitation?” And references to “primary” and “secondary” custodial parents? Well, those words are no longer being used in the family law world. Recently, the Florida Legislature changed the nomenclature of visitation in Florida Chapter 61 to “time-sharing.” The parties involved are now called “mother” and “father.” There is no longer a “primary residential parent.” This may seem inconsequential… Read More »
Under water homes
The burst in the housing market has complicated divorces. Many homes are now considered “underwater.” That means the homeowners owe more on the home than they can sell it for. Because of this, the home is considered a liability, not an asset, and it must be treated that way in court. And no matter… Read More »
