Category Archives: Uncategorized
A few more reasons to get a will
If you have minor children, there are three very important reasons to have a will. First is to nominate someone to be the guardian of your children. Without your input, the court will appoint a guardian based upon certain legal standards. Second, you need to ensure the children do not get all of the… Read More »
Permanent alimony
Currently there is a bill pending with the Florida Legislature to eliminate permanent alimony. One thing I have learned over the 40 years practicing law is that permanent alimony is not permanent. This type of alimony can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances unanticipated since the entry of the Final… Read More »
Local bar association
Most people probably do not realize that there are many local Bar Associations in any given Circuit. I am a member of the Carrollwood Community Bar Association, which is a local bar association for lawyers who practice north of Busch Boulevard in Hillsborough County, Florida. The members of this association handle many different areas… Read More »
Collaborative law
Collaborative law is a new way to handle a divorce case in a non-adversary manner. Recently, our circuit in Hillsborough County adopted a rule outlining this new process. Basically, the parties try to settle their divorce case using attorneys and other experts outside the courtroom. One key factor is that the attorneys must agree… Read More »
30th anniversary
Thirty years ago, I took the oath to become a member of the Florida Bar. Back then, I thought it was a big deal, and I still feel that way today. In part, the oath provides that I will not maintain any unjust suits, I will never seek to mislead the judge and I… Read More »
New Power of Attorney statute
On October 1, 2011Florida’s new Power of Attorney statute became effective. This statute completely re-wrote the law governing this very important area that affects everyone. If you have a POA drafted under the old statute, it is still valid but there are a number of rule changes. The new statute authorizes “super powers” which… Read More »
Probate advice
There are three basic methods in which to hold ownership of property. First, you can own property in your sole name. Second, you can own property in your sole name with a beneficiary designation, such as an IRA or life insurance policy. Third, you can own property jointly with another individual. Ownership of property… Read More »
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 »
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 »