Planning a wedding in Florida? While cake tastings and venue scouting take center stage, a prenuptial agreement (prenup) can offer peace of mind in a more lasting and profound way. This legal document, signed before marriage, dictates how assets, spousal support and even some non-financial matters will be handled in the event of divorce. However, just as important, these agreements…
Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally charged experience for everyone involved, especially children. One of the most crucial aspects to navigate during this process is determining parenting time, formerly known as visitation. In Florida, courts prioritize the child’s best interests above all else when establishing parenting plans. This means a judge will meticulously examine various factors to ensure a…
Division of assets during a divorce can be complicated even when the spouses are cooperating, but it becomes far more problematic when either spouse attempts to conceal assets. Such actions can lead to a prolonged legal battle at increased costs, potentially leaving one spouse unfairly disadvantaged. If you believe your spouse is not being candid about all the property they…
Child custody and visitation arrangements are ordered in a divorce based on the principle that a child benefits from having continued relationships with both parents. However, with time, there can be changes of circumstances, including a desire by one parent to relocate a considerable distance away from the other. Sometimes the planned move is to another state or across the…
In Florida, mediation is typically required in divorce cases involving child custody, visitation and support issues, as well as cases in which there is marital property to be distributed. The goal of mediation is to help the parties reach acceptable solutions without going to court. While some spouses go through the required sessions begrudgingly, mandatory mediation can be quite useful…
International divorce is the term given to a dissolution of a marriage when the spouses live in different countries. But in fact, the divorce is obtained in only one country, and the spouse seeking it must follow that country’s laws. If you live in Florida and want to file for divorce here against your spouse who lives abroad, Florida law…
Dividing marital assets during divorce is seldom a straightforward process, and it can become far more complex when one or both spouses have offshore assets or foreign business holdings. Florida, known for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather, is a popular destination for individuals with international ties. For this and other reasons, divorce cases involving offshore wealth are not uncommon…
Effective July 1, 2023, a new Florida law creates a revised procedure for unmarried fathers to establish paternity, child support and visitation. The result is that many unwed fathers can now receive parental rights that were previously exclusive to the mother of a newborn child. Under prior law, without a court order establishing a timesharing schedule and parental responsibility, an…
On July 1, 2023, a Florida law went into effect that implements a comprehensive reform of the state’s system of alimony, also known as spousal support. This groundbreaking legislation has effectively eliminated permanent alimony in Florida, replacing it with a more structured and equitable system that takes into account the length of the marriage and the financial needs of both…
Many marriages suffer because of disagreements over financial issues. In some situations, money problems are the primary reason for a divorce. Occasionally during the divorce process, one or both parties seek an adjustment to equitable distribution terms based on their spouse’s alleged intentional dissipation of marital assets. Florida’s equitable distribution statute requires a judge deciding on division of property to…