Blog Posts in December, 2014

Can Stepparents Legally Adopt Stepchildren?

In some cases, stepparents may wish to take the next step in making their new relationship with their stepchildren legal. Florida allows stepparents to adopt their stepchildren under certain circumstances if it is in the best interest of the child. The first step any stepparent seeking to adopt his or her stepchildren must take is seeking consent from the noncustodial parent. When that parent is ...

The Many Shades of Alimony in Florida

Ideally, when a couple divorces, both spouses are able to walk away from the marriage financial independent and able to strike out on their own. However, occasionally the divorce will leave one spouse in a poor financial condition and the other will be required to provide some degree of support for that spouse. Known as alimony, this support can be temporary or may even be set up as a permanent ...

What Are Your Options If Your Ex is Not Paying Child Support?

When couples with children divorce, each parent is expected to continue to provide support for their children. The exact nature and expectations of this support are laid out in a child support agreement, which both parents sign. This document explains what each parent must financially contribute for the development and support of their children. However, occasionally one parent will fail to meet ...

The Two Types of Divorce in Florida

If you and your spouse have decided to seek a divorce in Florida, the first thing you will need to decide is what kind of divorce to pursue. There is actually more than one type of divorce. The first is what is known as a “simplified dissolution of marriage” and the other is a “regular dissolution of marriage.” Understanding the difference between these two types is key to knowing which is right ...

Marital vs. Separate Property: Dividing Assets in Florida

When a couple gets married, any types of property earned or gained after the marriage begins are considered marital property. However, a divorce can lead to messy disputes over who gets what property. When this happen, they must seek legal assistance to divide these assets, which can be a difficult and emotionally stressful experience. Every state takes a different approach to asset division. In ...