Family law covers divorce, paternity, alimony, child support, and much more. Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience helping people with their family law problems. As a large firm we have the skill and resources necessary to handle complex cases including complicated equitable distribution issues. We handle each case with personal attention providing the care and compassion you deserve. Quality representation starts with a detailed exploration of the facts and an intense effort to settle the case. We can help you create a well-crafted settlement agreement that allows your family to heal and avoid future conflict. If an agreement is not possible our razor sharp litigation skills, forged in decades of courtroom experience, are put to work for you.
To learn more about Family Law refer to the menus above, the topics below, or contact one of our experienced lawyers at either of our two locations. Initial consultations are always free and same-day appointments are available.
Divorce
A divorce ends a marriage. Questions to be decided can include: how often children see each parent, is child support or alimony to be paid, how are the things you own to be divided, who pays the attorney fees, and many other issues. Before you can file a divorce in Florida you must meet the residency requirements. A divorce starts with the filing of a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Clerk of Court but there are many things you can and should be doing in the months prior to filing a Petition. We can help you – contact us today for a free consultation.
For the Top Ten Things to Consider if Divorce is on the Horizon click here.
Paternity
An unmarried biological father must get a Court Order to establish his legal rights to a child. This is true even if the father signed the birth certificate. Absent a Court Order the mother can make all decisions regarding a child such as timesharing, where the child lives, doctors, schooling, and religious training. Whether you are a mother or father we can help you with paternity issues. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Child Custody and Timesharing
If you are fighting for custody of your child or children we can help you. We know how to win your child custody case. Child custody is controlled by Florida Statute 61.13. Under 61.13(2) the Court determines all matters relating to parenting and time-sharing by looking at the best interest of the child. The Court can approve an agreement by the parents if the Court finds the agreement is in the child’s best interest. If the parents cannot agree the Court, after a full hearing, will establish a parenting plan. If you are a Grandparent we can help you with visiting your grandchildren. This is a special area of family law and it requires experienced attorneys. Our firm’s attorneys have handled thousands of child custody cases for parents, grandparents and other family members We bring a deep knowledge of the law and decades of practical experience to our clients’ custody and timesharing cases. Call us today, initial consultations are always free.
Alimony
Alimony is money paid to a former spouse for his or her support. Either former spouse may be ordered to pay or be entitled to receive alimony. The basic test is simple: What are the needs of the spouse seeking support and what is the ability of the other party to pay support. A judge has a lot of discretion in deciding to award alimony or not. How your case is presented can make a huge financial difference. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling alimony cases. Call us today for a free consultation.
Child Support
Section 61.30 of the Florida Statutes contains the Uniform Child Support Guidelines. These Guidelines establish a presumptively correct amount of support based upon each party’s net income and the number of children of the marriage. The parents’ combined monthly net income is used to determine how much money is available for child support. A sample Child Support Worksheet is available for review. There are many factors involved in setting child support. We want to help steer you through the process. Call us today with your questions. Initial consultations are always free.
Adoptions
There are many situations when adoption may be desired or even necessary in Florida. A person or a couple may adopt the child of a family member (biological adoptions), a step-parent adopting his/her spouse’s children is a common event, and non-biological adoptions are also possible (open adoption or closed adoption). Foster parents also adopt their foster children and those matters are often through the dependency court system. A lesser known type of adoption involves all adults and is called Adult Adoption. This is when a person or couple adopts another adult and there are many reasons for adult adoptions. For more information on adoptions visit our Adoption page.
Restraining Orders (Injunctions)
A criminal act such as an assault or a battery is often the basis for an Injunction. If an Injunction is granted a person can be prohibited from going to their home, prohibited from seeing their children, ordered to pay child and spousal support or ordered to participate in a treatment program. Because criminal and family law issues are raised it is essential to hire an attorney well versed in both criminal and family law. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both areas. Call today for a free consultation.
