Tampa Family Law & Divorce | Helpful Articles & Information

Tips to Hiring the Best Tampa Family Law Attorney

Choosing a Tampa Area Family Law Attorney It’s important that you choose an experienced Tampa family law attorney but also one who is focused on your individual needs. Choosing the best family law or divorce attorney in Tampa Bay simply means, the best for YOU and your specific situation. We understand, that what is best for one person, may not be for another. Given that, you should consider the following tips when you’re looking to hire a divorce or family…

Abogados de custodia Tampa Bay

Resolución de conflictos de custodia infantil en Tampa Bay La crianza compartida puede ser estresante, incluso en las mejores circunstancias, para muchos padres. Para algunos, pueden surgir dificultades o conflictos. Un plan de crianza detallado puede ser el primer paso para evitarlos. Desafortunadamente, muchos padres aún enfrentan problemas que no pueden resolver entre sí. Como abogados con experiencia en custodia infantil en Tampa, sabemos que, para algunos, la crianza compartida conlleva desafíos diarios y muchos conflictos. Ya sea que se…

Preventing Future Parental Relocation Disputes

Parenting Plans, Relocation & Preventing Future Disputes Addressing parental relocation clauses in the initial parenting plan can help avoid future disagreements and the need for potentially expensive and emotionally taxing legal battles if one parent wishes to move. In our increasingly mobile society, relocation is often a necessity—not a choice. Economic hardship, career advancement, or the need for family support can compel a parent to move, sometimes hundreds of miles away. But while such moves may offer personal relief or…

FAQs Second Marriage Divorces in Tampa Bay

FAQs – Second Marriage Divorces in Florida Florida consistently ranks high among Nationwide Divorce Rates. Hillsborough County (Tampa) has a divorce rate of around 12.7%. with divorces in Pasco County being slightly above national average at 13%. Although there has been a slight decrease nationally in first marriage divorce rates, 2nd marriage divorce rates remain high at around 60%. Pinellas County has a divorced population of 15.5%, with men divorcing less frequently than women (13.2% compared to 17.6%). According to divorce.com,…

Importance of Documentation in High Conflict Custody Matters

Importance of Documentation in High Conflict Custody Matters When determining timesharing and custody in Florida, judges must look to the “best interest of the child” as laid out in Florida Statute Section 61.13(3) that states: “When establishing or modifying parental responsibility and creating, developing, approving, or modifying a parenting plan the best interests of the child must be the primary consideration. It is Florida public policy that each minor child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the…

Presumption of 50/50 Timesharing and Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse & Effect on 50/50 Timesharing in Florida In Florida, the courts look to FL Statute 61:13 as it applies to and to determine child custody and timesharing. The standard is to look to the best interests of the child as it relates to parenting plans (timesharing) and parental responsibility. In Tampa Bay’s family courts, there is a presumption towards 50/50 timesharing which has been solidified by the recent change to child custody laws in Florida. Overcoming this presumption…

Unique Timesharing Challenges for First Responders

Tampa Family Law Attorneys for Military & First Responders First responders and our military are wired to spring into action when they’re called to do so. You work tirelessly to ensure that we are safe and your work schedules can make family life extremely challenging. If you’re divorced, or anticipating a divorce, we understand the unique position that you are in. If you are currently sharing custody or anticipate timesharing with your minor child, it is important that your family…

Court’s High Standards Emergency Custody Hearings

Florida Courts Set High Standard for Emergency Custody Hearings One of the issues that very often comes up is whether a situation regarding timesharing and a minor child has risen or rises to the level of an emergency or not. Having practiced as a child custody lawyer in Tampa Bay and specializing in Florida Family Law for over 30 years, it’s a very difficult decision to make. The family courts in Florida set a very high standard before a matter…

50-50 Timesharing Not Guaranteed

50-50 (Equal) Timesharing is Not Guarantee In Florida,, the law does not propose to favor mother or father. Although uncommon, both parents have an equal chance of gaining full or sole custody in Florida. In a divorce or with the establishment of legal paternity, the new “Dad’s Law in Florida” provides fathers with equal parental responsibility (decision making ) capabilities. This does not mean that fathers automatically will get 50/50 timesharing or equal timesharing. The law and the language is…

FACP Statistics on Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative Divorce Outcomes The Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals (FACP) statistics from surveyed Florida collaborative professionals showed: 92% of collaborative cases in FL completed with full agreement. 95% of collaborative cases in FL completed within 1 year. 84% of collaborative cases in FL completed in less than 9 months. If you’re divorcing in Tampa Bay, hiring a collaborative divorce attorney may or may not be the right choice for you This is why we feel it’s important to offer our divorcing clients…

Tampa child custody - New Florida Legislation

Florida Law Safe Exchange & Parenting Plans

Safe Exchange of Minor Children & Parenting Plans Effective July 2024 In 2022, a Florida woman was killed after she agreed to a last-minute custody exchange. She and her 4-year-old daughter met the father in a restaurant parking lot. Soon after, Carli’s body was found buried in a shallow grave in Alabama. The father of the minor child has been charged. The incident sparked proposed legislation crafted in part by the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar initially died…

Forensic Experts in High Asset Divorces

Forensic Experts & High Asset Divorce in Tampa Bay ? Related: Divorce & Business Valuations Why You Need Them Unique Challenges in High Net Worth Divorces Tampa High Asset Divorce Attorneys Protecting Your Assets in a Divorce in Tampa Bay Sports Divorce & High Asset Divorce Attorneys Tampa What to Expect in a High Asset Divorce

Change of Circumstances & Custody Modifications

Substantial Change of Circumstances & Custody Modifications Many things can change when you’re co-parenting. Situations in timesharing often ebb and flow. Some parents who share time can do so seamlessly, while others may have minor, unexpected situations that although are frustrating, do not warrant legal action. But what happens when a timesharing or custody situation becomes the new normal or has financial implications? Major (substantial) unanticipated changes in timesharing schedules and obligations can cause significant issues for the parent who…

The Importance of Financial Disclosures When Divorcing

Divorcing in Tampa Bay & the Importance of Financial Disclosures Financial Disclosures are mandatory under Florida Law when divorcing. It’s important to provide as much documentation to your divorce attorney. This aides in completing an in-depth analysis of the party’s finances to determine marital assets and valuations. Learn more: Steps in contested and uncontested divorces in Florida Related: Business Valuations and Why You Need Them

Motion for Exclusive Use of Marital Home Florida

Watch video in entirety to learn what basis may support a motion for exclusive use of the marital home. How to Obtain Exclusive Use of Marital Home in Tampa Bay & Florida There are several reasons for filing a motion for exclusive use of a marital home that are statute based. We offer legal solutions and representation for obtaining temporary, exclusive use of your marital home. Couples can enter into a mutual agreement or, if domestic violence, child’s best interest,…