As a Jacksonville divorce lawyer, I keep track of trends in the area of divorce and child custody issues. As of December 6, 2010, the divorce rate in Jacksonville, Florida was on the rise. However, there is an even bigger trend for younger couples in having children and waiting to…
A Department of Health and Human Services regulation will prohibit hospitals receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding from discriminatory visitation rules, beginning in 2011. The rule will prohibit discrimination in visitation policies based on one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Florida hospitals often bar visitors who are not related to a…
In Jacksonville all divorces where there are minor children (under the age of 18 in most cases) require a “parenting plan.” In a Jacksonville Divorce, a parenting plan is created to establish the roles of each parent in regards to important decisions about a child’s education, health care, physical, social,…
Jacksonville gay marriage proponents waiting for the oral arguments over California’s Proposition 8. Over the summer, a district judge held the ban on gay marriage unconstitutional and since August 16th the law has been on hold. Read more about the California panel of judges that will be hearing oral arguments…
If you live in or around Jacksonville Florida, are gay or lesbian, have children, and share parenting responsibilities, it is important to have a Gay or Lesbian Shared Parenting Agreement. Having a written legal document which expresses your intentions and wishes as to raising your child is imperative. Being a…
The State of Florida requires all parents seeking dissolution of marriage to complete a parenting course before granting a pending divorce. Said parenting course is designed to educate parents on the complex and challenging issues that often arise through the divorce process with parents and children alike. In Duval County…
A recent New York Times article detailed a study which found couples that cohabitate before marriage are less likely to stay married than their non-cohabitating counterparts. The study found that the odds that a marriage would last longer than ten years after first cohabitating decreased by 6 percentage points. Whether…
Like most states in the U.S. Florida is a no fault divorce state. No fault divorce means neither spouse is required to prove “fault” or marital misconduct on the part of the other party. One party must merely show that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” or that the other party…
Many children in Jacksonville are being raised by relatives. In the past, a relative could raise a child, but with the new privacy, medical and educational requirements, a guardianhsip or other legal document may be needed to provide for a child. The Law Office of David M. Goldman is knowledgeable…
Child Custody: The Best Interests of the Child Standard. Florida Family Law Lawyers know the importance of the Best Interests of the Child Standard. However, those going through a custody dispute may be somewhat unfamiliar. First it is important to know that the (BIC) standard is the primary focus for…