Timesharing

November 14, 2022

In Custody Proceedings, What Problems Are You Likely to Face with Foreign Pick-Up Orders?

What is a Pick-Up Order?

In Florida, a pickup order that is issued may be issued to secure the physical custody of a child from one party and then deliver that child to another party. Most courts disfavor pickup orders for children, as it is thought that it may be harmful for children to be exposed to this procedure. The author believes that it can be tramatic for a child to experience the police enforcing a change of custody when it is unexpected and is apparently stressful on the parent that must give up custody. Most judges will use this type of an order sparingly when other attempts to correct custody disputes fails. If a pickup order is properly worded, the police/sheriff should enforce a child custody/pickup order. The language that the author believes is essential in his experience dictates that the order shall be enforced by all sheriff’s of the state. An order without this language or its equivalent generally will not be enforced by the police.

What is a Foreign Pick-Up Order?

August 8, 2022

Which School Should My Child Attend?

by Neil Weinreb

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is an all-inclusive plan that determines where a child lives, goes to school, and the child’s interaction with his or her parents. Florida divorces and paternity cases require a parenting plan. The parenting plan helps determine which parent will be responsible for the child, and when and how they will timeshare with the child.

What is a Parenting Plan Based Upon?

June 9, 2022

Are You Paying Too Much Child Support In Florida?

by Sharnice K. Perry

Are you a Florida resident struggling to pay child support? Are you paying too much child support? Are you now making less money than you made when the child support was ordered? Have you lost a job due to no fault of your own? Do you now pay court ordered child support for a child from a separate relationship? If so, you may qualify for a reduction in your child support. A Florida child support lawyer can assist you today with seeking a modification of your current child support order. The amount of monthly child support that each child is entitled to receive is pre-determined by Florida law. The courts determine the correct amount of child support by combining the income of both parents for a total amount of monthly net income. Based on the total amount of income from both sides, a pre-determined amount of child support is awarded for the care of a child.

How Is Child Support Calculated?

In Florida, the amount of child support each parent must pay is predetermined by law. The Florida Child Support Guidelines determine how much child support should be awarded based on the total monthly net income of both parents. For example, if parent 1 makes $2500 a month and parent 2 makes $3500 a month in net income then the combined amount of net income is $6000. Florida child support guidelines state that for a combined net income of $6,000, the amount of child support to be paid for one child should be $1,121.00. The monthly pre-determined child support amount may be offset by the costs of health insurance being paid for the minor child, the cost of daycare /childcare / before-after school care/fees, and timesharing or the total number of overnights each parent has with the child. Once these amounts are calculated in, the final child support amount is determined. If the amount you are paying is too much, let your Jacksonville child support lawyer help you reduce your child support by seeking a modification of your current child support order.

November 19, 2021

Do You Need an Attorney for a Florida Divorce?

by Neil Weinreb

The question as to whether or not an individual needs an attorney to divorce in Florida is simple if we review the question literally. You can get a divorce in Florida without an attorney. However, it may be unwise to attempt to be divorced without an attorney.

Why Should I Use an Attorney?

The author believes that an attorney is essential if you are attempting to obtain a divorce. This may sound like a self serving statement, but the author thinks there are numerous reasons that one should use an attorney to guide them through the process. The author feels that having an attorney keeps otherwise Pro Se (self represented) clients forging ahead and not getting side tracked by discovery issues and other procedural problems regularly encountered and routinely dealt with by attorneys.

November 5, 2021

Who Gets the Home in a Florida Divorce?

by Neil Weinreb

The marital home is frequently the largest asset between the parties to be divided in a divorce. When and how the marital home was acquired will be a major factor in determining who gets the marital home temporarily and permanently.

What is Exclusive Use and Possession?

Exclusive use and possession refers to one party receiving permission to use the home for their own purposes. Conditions are frequently provided for, as well. A frequent condition to receiving exclusive use and possession of a home is typically connected with paying the mortgage or other household bills. This sometimes occurs initially after holding a temporary needs hearing or a domestic violence injunction hearing. The most expedient, but not necessarily recommended way that a spouse can obtain exclusive use and possession of a home is through a domestic violence case. Using a domestic violence case to obtain exclusive use and possession should only be pursued when it involves a Petitioner that has been the victim of domestic violence. In other words, a petition for injunction should only be filed when actually necessary to stop or prevent violence. Where domestic violence is not an issue, a temporary needs hearing would be the best vehicle to obtain a temporary order to decide who stays in the home temporarily. The author has seen a number of occasions where both parties shared the home while they waited for a final hearing because neither party had a good option to leave. This is not recommended, as it is natural for hostility to build between two partis going through a divorce.

October 11, 2021

In Florida, Does a Child Support Obligation Have a Statute of Limitations?

by Neil Weinreb

What is a Statute of Limitations?

The term “Statute of Limitations” refers to a law that limits the period for which one may file a lawsuit. This time period will typically vary by state and the type of suit that is being filed. For instance, the period of time for filing suit for a wrongful death claim may be different from the period of time one has to file for a trespass suit. Federal law normally controls Statute of Limitations Periods for cases decided based upon federal law.

How Far Back Can One Be Assessed in Determining Child Support?

September 16, 2021

WHAT ARE SOME MYTHS ABOUT MEDIATION IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA?

by Law Office of David M. Goldman

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution that is mandatory in a Florida divorce, paternity, or modification case, but many people do not see the process as the benefit it is. During mediation, the two parties will meet with a mediator who is an unbiased and uninterested person in the case. The mediator will try and help the parties resolve all disputes related to the family law case. If an agreement is reached, it is drafted and submitted to the Court for approval so the case can be closed. While the process is straightforward, there are still many myths related to the process. Your Jacksonville family attorney can assist you in understanding the mediation process. Below are the biggest myths about family law mediation in Florida, and the truth behind them.

The Mediator Will Make All the Decisions

This is simply untrue. Mediators do not make any of the decisions when they meet with parties going through a divorce, paternity, or modification case. They cannot force either party to do, or not do, anything. Instead, they are only there to help you and facilitate you and your spouse, ex-spouse, or co-parent to reach an agreement. If you cannot reach an agreement and your case requires litigation, it is the Judge that will make all the decisions. Your Jacksonville family attorney is here to assist you in mediation and to represent you in any litigation should you not reach agreement.

September 2, 2021

How Can You Keep Legal Costs Down During Divorce in Jacksonville?

by Law Office of David M. Goldman

It is no secret that going through a divorce is expensive. Although there is very little that you can do about certain costs of your divorce, such as what you may or may not lose during property division hearings, there is one area of expenses you can control. That is your legal fees and costs. All divorce attorneys in Jacksonville will charge something to legally represent you during the process, and the advice and counsel they bring to your case are invaluable. Still, there are some ways that you can keep the legal costs down, so you do not face unexpected charges in the future. Your Jacksonville divorce lawyer can explain to you in your initial consultation how to keep your legal costs down but here are some basic tips.

Call and Email Only When You Have To

Most divorce lawyers in Jacksonville will charge you for every time they devote to answering your phone calls and emails. However, you likely want them to spend this time preparing for your trial, mediation, or other aspects of your case. You will have many questions during the divorce process, and you deserve to have them answered. Instead of incurring fees every time you have a question, prepare a list of questions, and ask them all at once. Your Jacksonville divorce lawyer will still charge you, but you will likely incur fewer legal fees.

August 13, 2021

Will You Be Treated Fairly in Child Support Court?

by Neil Weinreb

Do You Know Your Rights in Child Support Court?

In a child support case, one cannot be incarcerated if they do not have the present ability to pay. Bowen v. Bowen, 471 So.2d 1274 (Fla. 1985). Although this case is binding on Florida courts, the author believes that self represented individuals do not get the benefit of legal protections against incarceration or cancellation of a driver’s license or professional license. The author believes that one reason for this is because laymen tend to believe that an administrative agency must take a neutral position (similar to a judge). This is not the case when it comes to collection of child support by the Florida Department of Revenue. The author, in the next paragraph is going to summarize the case of Bowen v. Bowen to give readers a clearer understanding of child support issues when the Florida Department of Revenue is involved.

The Case of Bowen v. Bowen.

June 24, 2021

WHAT HAPPENS IF ONE SPOUSE DOES NOT WANT A DIVORCE?

by Law Office of David M. Goldman

It is not uncommon in a divorce case for one of the spouse’s not to want to end the marriage. One partner may think that there is a chance of working things out and resolving their differences, or they may not want to legally dissolve the marriage for other reasons. If your spouse has started divorce proceedings, and you really don’t want a divorce, your options may be limited but there is something you can do. Florida is one of seventeen states that follow No-Fault laws in divorce cases. The Petitioner only has to allege that the marriage is irretrievably broken. If you really do not want a divorce you should answer the Petition for Dissolution by alleging you do not believe the marriage is irretrievably broken. Florida Statute §61.052(2)(b)1 allows you to request the Court to Order you and your spouse to marriage counseling. It is rarely done and there are specific requirements that must be met. Your Jacksonville Family Lawyer can assist you in understanding this law and representing you in Court.

In order for a spouse to utilize this statute, the parties must have a child together. If the Court grants the request for marriage counseling, psychiatrist, priest, minister, rabbi, or any other professional the divorce will be placed on hold for approximately three months to allow the counseling to take place. Florida Statute §61.052(2)(b)2 allows the Court to continue the proceedings for a reasonable length of time not to exceed 3 months, to enable the parties themselves to effect a reconciliation. During any period of continuance, the Court has jurisdiction to make appropriate orders for the support and alimony of the parties; a parenting plan, support, maintenance, and education of any minor children of the marriage; attorney’s fees; and the preservation of the property of the parties. Consult your Jacksonville Family Lawyer for assistance with your case.

As previously stated, the above statute is rarely used. This is because if one person wants to end the marriage, counseling is usually not effective. By the time a person has made the decision to start the divorce process, they have usually given it a lot of thought and intend to go through with it.