Family Law

Divorce- Contested and Uncontested, Equitable Distribution, Parenting Plans, Time Sharing, Child Support, Paternity, Modifications, Relocation,   Domestic Violence Injuctions and more.

It's not just a family law case, it's your life. We never lose sight of the fact that we represent individuals and families whose lives have been seriously impacted by legal events, which are often not of their own making. While the legal issue may be a contested divorce, a disagreement about child time-sharing, or negotiating alimony and child support — we know that we’re dealing with sensitive issues involving the most important people in your life, your family. We treat every client with respect, dignity, and compassion. We will diligently work to ensure the best possible outcome for you.

If you are struggling with questions such as:

• How will I financially survive?

• How will my children cope, and what parenting plan is the best for our family?

• Who will get the house and how will I split the other assets?

• How will I be responsible for family debt on one income?

• How will I deal with the social stigma of a failed marriage?

 

​Even in the best possible situation, when you and your spouse agree that divorce is the best solution to the problems you have been facing, the dissolution of your marriage can be very stressful and feelings of loss and fear of the future can accompany your well thought out decision.  It's important that your interests and the interests of your family are protected.  Your divorce doesn't have to be a battle. Your situation may be one that we can resolve amicably while we ensure your rights are protected.

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Whether your case can be resolved amicably through a means of alternative dispute resolution, or mediation, or whether it requires aggressive litigation, we’re ready to stand beside you. Family law disputes can become heated, and that’s why you need an attorney who can handle the heat.   We’ll stand up for you and your rights.

 

Family law matters are amongst the most complex and emotionally exhausting legal matters that you can be faced with. You may feel overwhelmed, angry, fearful, shocked, in denial and resentful. In many cases our clients have come to us after being subjected to verbal and emotional abuse and in many cases, physical abuse. They feel they have been brain-washed, alienated, sabotaged, and manipulated by their partner. In situations like these, it is probably impossible to make the calm, rational, and business-like decisions to guarantee the most beneficial outcome for you and your children without the proper legal advice. It is why we strongly advise you to retain the immediate representation of our firm. We know how to achieve your goals and will exhaust every effort in order to do so. 

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A divorce typically consists of a variety of matters, all of which require a great deal of attention. They include:

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• Child custody, in Florida it is now known as time sharing

• Child support

• Alimony/spousal support

• Property division/equitable distribution

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Our mission is to ensure that you are aware of your rights and legal options every step of the way. We will fully educate you about the laws surrounding your case, keep you up to date and help you successfully navigate through the complexities of the legal system with a sense of confidence.

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At the heart of many divorce cases is the question of child time sharing arrangements. Are you in a custody battle that you're afraid you're not going to win? Child custody, now known as time-sharing, is one of the most contested issues in divorce or paternity cases, especially when you have more than one child If you would like to have a knowledgeable, compassionate, and resourceful legal team on your side during this difficult time, you have come to the right place.

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You want what is best for your child. Your former spouse may not see things the same way.  What time sharing arrangements do you believe would be best for your child? We will help you sort through the possibilities, including joint time sharing, sole time sharing, physical time sharing and legal time sharing. We will explain the relationship between time sharing and child support and guide you as you determine the right time sharing plan for you.   In many cases, these matters become quite complicated. If your situation is or becomes complicated, we will help you get through contested child time sharing disputes.

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In Florida, a “custody agreement” is called a parenting plan. A parenting plan is a binding document that governs the relationship between the parents pertaining to the decisions to be made concerning their child(ren).  Florida child custody laws are designed to favor the best interests of the child in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act and require divorcing parents to create a parenting plan that includes:

• How you and the other parent will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of your child.

• The time-sharing schedule arrangements that show the time your child will spend with each of you (weekdays, weekends, holidays, etc.)

• A designation of who will be responsible for health care, school related matters (including which address will be used for

        school-boundary determination and registration), and other activities.

• The methods and technologies (eg. phone calls, texts, emails, etc.) that each of you will use to communicate with your child, and the frequency of such communication.

 

Relocation with a Child

Parental relocation in Florida can be a very contentious and complex issue. Therefore, you need a family lawyer who can present your case to the court in the most effective way possible. We  represent parents who wish to relocate with the child beyond 50 miles and parents who oppose the relocation.One thing you need to understand is that generally, under Florida law, you can't move the child's principal residence address more than 50 miles away without the other parent's consent or the court's authorization.

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About Relocation in Florida

If the other parent consents to the relocation, an oral agreement will not suffice. The agreement must be in writing and must reflect the other parent's consent to the relocation, define his/her access or time-sharing schedule, and describe the transportation arrangements related to the time-sharing.

If the other parent objects to the relocation, then legal documents must be filed and served upon the other parent. A hearing will be held and  the court will determine whether the proposed relocation is in the best interest of the child. In reaching its decision regarding a proposed temporary or permanent relocation, the court will evaluate all of the following:

• The nature, quality, extent of involvement, and duration of the child's relationship with the parent or other person proposing to relocate

with the child and with the non-relocating parent, other persons, siblings, half-siblings, and other significant persons in the child's life.

• The age and developmental stage of the child, the needs of the child, and the likely impact the relocation will have on the child's physical,

        educational, and emotional development, taking into consideration any special needs of the child. 

• The feasibility of preserving the relationship between the non-relocating parent or other person and the child through substitute

• arrangements that take into consideration the logistics of contact, access, and time-sharing, as well as the financial circumstances of the parties; whether those factors are sufficient to foster a continuing meaningful relationship between the child and the non-relocating parent or other person;and the likelihood of compliance with the substitute arrangements by the relocating parent or other person once he or she is out of the jurisdiction of the court.

• If the child is old enough, the child's preference, taking into consideration the age and maturity of the child.

• Whether the relocation will enhance the general quality of life for both the parent or other person seeking the relocation and the child, including,

        but not limited to, financial or emotional benefits or educational opportunities.

• The reasons each parent or other person is seeking or opposing the relocation.

• The current employment and economic circumstances of each parent or other person and whether the proposed relocation is necessary to improve the economic circumstances of the parent or other person seeking relocation of the child.

• That the relocation is sought in good faith and the extent to which the objecting parent has fulfilled his or her financial obligations to the parent or other person seeking relocation, including child support, spousal support, and marital property and marital debt obligations.

• The career and other opportunities available to the objecting parent or other person if the relocation occurs.

• A history of substance abuse or domestic violence by either parent, including a consideration of the severity of such conduct and the failure or success of any attempts at rehabilitation.

• Any other factor affecting the best interest of the child.

Please call us at (321) 690-2363 to schedule a free 30 minute case evaluation.

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