Questions Answered by John Arthur Smitten

My daughter came home from a weekend with her dad saying she witnessed disturbing things. She is 2. I'm worried. Advice?

3 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Florida 3 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
You are going to need corroboration of what the child saw so perhaps have the child talk to a counselor or specialist.
 
 
 

My wife has remarried and I dont think we are divorced...can I remarry?

3 Answers | Asked in Divorce Law for Florida 6 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
Do a search with the clerk first. Make sure you are divorced otherwise your next marriage is void.
 
 
 

Can Back support be disputed if the child has been kept from the parent all their life? only seen a few times.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida 10 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
Under FL law the furthest support can be assessed is 2 years prior to the date of filing of the support case.
 
 
 

If I pay child support can the mother leave the state with child?

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Florida 11 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
if there is a court order in place no, however you should petition the court to enforce your rights just to be sure.
 
 
 

Can a petition for dissolution of marriage be amended after the respondent has been served?

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce Law for Florida 15 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
Yes, if there is no response yet then you can just file it, if the other side has responded then you need leave to amend.
 
 
 

Son goes from Dads house to moms house, want information on something legal for shared custody rights for a father

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida 15 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
Question is unclear. If there is no order governing your rights then you have to file a petition with the court to enforce your rights.
 
 
 

Does the State of Florida have a provision for legal separation?

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce Law for Florida 15 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
Yes, it is called a petition for seperate maintenance. (support only)
 
 
 

How old do you have to be to decide which parent you want to live with?

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Florida 16 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
The court does not let children decide on their own. There are many other legal factors.
 
 
 

What happens if baby's father won't take a paternity test for child support?

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce Law for Florida 17 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
You need to get an order compelling him to take the test, subject to contempt of court.
 
 
 

I moved to florida and want a divorce. I married in NJ in 93 and we split in 2000. What are the requirements?

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce Law for Florida 20 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
You have to file here in FL then serve him in NJ. You may have an issue with Long-Arm Jurisdiction.
 
 
 

Where do I need to file and can we do a simple divorce without involving custody?

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce Law for Florida 20 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
You can get a basic divorce in FL, without having to deal with custody issues if the kids don't live in FL.
 
 
 

Can I file for divorce without a lawyer?

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce Law for Florida 20 days ago

 
John Arthur Smitten's answer
Yes however if there are complex issues you should retain a lawyer.