Category Archives: Family

Is Separation An Alternative To Gray Divorce?
Gray divorce is the modern phenomenon of older couples divorcing once their family and parenting lives have run their course. While it’s easy to assume that the 55+ community is contributing to the matter of gray divorce, it’s more those between the ages of 40 and 49 who are at a crossroads once their… Read More »

Why Are “Gray Divorces” So Prevalent?
Gray divorces, or 55+ divorces, are becoming much more popular in America and there are a number of good reasons for this. Recently, Bill Gates made headlines after announcing he and his wife’s decision to split after 27 years. What’s going on? Are our parents staying together for the wrong reasons? Society has an… Read More »

Common Law Marriage In Florida
Florida does not recognize “common law” marriage. However, today more couples are forgoing government paperwork and formal ceremonies and jumping straight into the thick of it, living together, and even having children without a formal marriage in place. These couples, for personal reasons, may never get married. However, marriage does confer some benefits. So,… Read More »

Can I Stop Making Alimony Payments If I Lose My Job?
No one is excited to have to make alimony or spousal support payments, and some people may even joke that they hope to lose their job so that they no longer have to make them. However, fortunately or unfortunately, losing your job does not get you off the hook for making spousal support payments…. Read More »

Do I Need A Prenuptial Agreement?
We get it, prenuptial agreements have kind of a bad rap. However, they also serve a lot of very important functions. While they do ask you and your fiancé to consider how you would like your assets treated in the event of a divorce, they also clarify roles and expectations for the marriage, and… Read More »

Why To Consider Mediation For A Divorce
Did you know that you don’t actually have to go to court in order to get a divorce? Most people mistakenly believe that divorce has to be a long, arduous, and expensive legal process. And it certainly can be. However, that does not always have to be the case. In fact, you really can… Read More »

Florida Appeals Court Dissolves 22-Year-Old Domestic Violence Injunction
Domestic violence allegations are often raised in divorce proceedings. Keep in mind, abuse need not be proven to actually obtain a divorce. Florida allows a court to grant a “no-fault” divorce based upon irreconcilable differences. So it is not necessary to prove either spouse did anything wrong. Still, evidence of domestic violence may affect… Read More »

When Can I Seek An “Emergency” Modification Of Child Custody In Florida?
Once a Florida court has issued a final order regarding child custody, it is not a simple process to make changes. If either parent seeks a change, they must file a separate petition with the court. And that parent must then overcome what is commonly described as the “extraordinary burden” of proving that a… Read More »

Can A Court Consider “Prospective” Future Events When Making A Child Custody Order?
The legal standard that Florida courts must apply when deciding questions of child custody and visitation is the “best interests of the child.” This applies not only to the initial determination of these issues, but also any subsequent modifications. For instance, if the custodial parent wishes to relocate the child to a new home… Read More »

Who Gets the Family House in a Tampa Divorce?
When you are going through a divorce, one of the scariest things to consider is what will happen to your family home. Typically, the family home is the most valuable asset in your divorce. While the divorce is pending, it can be confusing in some cases to determine who should stay in the home…. Read More »