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Florida Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Social Security and Family Law for Florida on
Q: What steps do I need to take to garnish my ex's SSDI benefits for my minor child.

My ex, who's now incarcerated, is receiving SSDI benefits. Child support has been trying to locate him for years to serve papers on him to no avail. How can I go about garnishing his wages for support to my minor child?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

Garnishing SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits for child support involves several steps. Here's what you need to do:

1. Obtain a child support order: If you don't already have one, you'll need to get a court order that specifies the amount of child support...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Can my parents kick me(27), my wife(24), and my 2 year old son out w/o notice and with a verbal agreement to pay rent?

Im 27 male, I have been living with my parents since around August 2023 when my wife and I had a breakup. My wife and I have a 2 year old son that also lives with us. When i moved in with parents in august I was rent free but around mid January 2024 my wife and I started working on things and got... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

It sounds like you're in a challenging situation, and it's important to know your rights in this case. Even though your agreement to pay rent is verbal, you are considered tenants under most local housing laws. This usually means that your parents, as landlords, cannot evict you without... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My husband of 30yrs died and the bank says I have no right to the money in his bank accounts. We live in Jacksonville.

My husband was sick in Jacksonville so I came back from Colombia where I was visiting my family. He just died. But I'm not the Beneficiary on his bank account or any accounts. The bank says I cannot access any of the money in our account since my name isn't on. It. What rights do I have?... View More

Jamy Barreau
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Please accept my condolences for your loss. Because the bank account was in your husband's name alone, you will have to go through the probate process to gain access. As his wife, you have a right to inherit from him, but you will just have to go through the courts to have that taken care of... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My husband of 30yrs died and the bank says I have no right to the money in his bank accounts. We live in Jacksonville.

My husband was sick in Jacksonville so I came back from Colombia where I was visiting my family. He just died. But I'm not the Beneficiary on his bank account or any accounts. The bank says I cannot access any of the money in our account since my name isn't on. It. What rights do I have?... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Apr 16, 2024

I am very sorry for your loss on the passing of your husband, please accept my condolences for you and your family at this difficult and sad time. You will need to speak with a Florida Probate Attorney, based on the type of assets and their value will determine the type of probate that is needed,... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My husband of 30yrs died and the bank says I have no right to the money in his bank accounts. We live in Jacksonville.

My husband was sick in Jacksonville so I came back from Colombia where I was visiting my family. He just died. But I'm not the Beneficiary on his bank account or any accounts. The bank says I cannot access any of the money in our account since my name isn't on. It. What rights do I have?... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Apr 17, 2024

You should make a list of all assets that your husband owned at death. If your husband had a will then property would pass under that will. If he did not have a will, then the assets would pass under the intestate laws of Florida. As a spouse, if a will exists, you either can take under the will or... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Do i have to attend a deposition requested by email from the other parties attorney?

I'm wary because its through email and it seems not to be a court order. Just told "oral depositions is a normal discovery procedure authorized by the Florida family rules of procedure. Your attendance at this deposition is mandatory. I am only giving you the courtesy of coordinating it... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 10, 2024

Because you are a party, you are required to appear for deposition when you receive a formal written Notice. Typically, her attorney would contact your attorney to discuss available dates for scheduling. If you do not have an attorney, her attorney would reach out to you for available dates, most... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My Ex wife hired an Au pair after the divorce without consulting me and now she wants me to pay for it, Florida

Our schedule is 50/50 the first 15 days of the month Ive the kids and the remaining she have them, I don't need child care during my time because I'm off from work but she wants the child care calculated on the 100% for the au pair fee which is $1700 a month also I don't have access... View More

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Apr 7, 2024

Parenting plan in divorce matter usually address the actual amount needed when it comes to child support. I am curious as to how you are forced to pay for service you do not agree to. You can refuse to pay for the service if it is beyond the arrangement of your divorce decree.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: If my dad has legal custody of me but he emotionally abuses me and im happier with my mom can i go back to my mom im 15

I have been wanting to live with my mother again for years he lied about her and said that she was abusive and unstable when she wasnt and im happier with my mom but mentally broken with my dad is there a way i can go back to living with my mom?

Osama Khalil
Osama Khalil
answered on Apr 5, 2024

Presently residing with your father, there's a possibility of transitioning back to your mother's care. As a 15-year-old, your perspective carries considerable importance in custody matters. The emotional strain you endure provides a compelling basis for revising the current custody... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can a judge refuse to hear or rule on a motion for summary judgment?

I filed a motion for summary judgment on my petition and when I asked for hearing time for the motion, the judge instead issued an order for trial and ignored my request for hearing time. I believe that per rule 12.510 and rule 1.510 and rule 56 that the opposing party must respond and the judge... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

Family cases are a little different than regular civil cases. At the trial you can argue your summary judgment motion; however, the judge will probably consider your arguments together with everything else that is presented at the trial. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Juvenile Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is there any Florida case law, that states when a court suspends a parent’s timesharing?

Is there any Florida case law, that states when a court suspends a parent’s timesharing that, they are not held to this statue and are not required to pay 100% child support to the other parent. This parent cannot exercise their timesharing because the courts suspended it, it's not that the... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

The short answer is NO. Although child support and timesharing are interrelated, a suspension of timesharing does not suspend a child support obligation. The financial obligation is ongoing pursuant to the court order unless and until it is changed. Speak with a local family lawyer for more... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Criminal Law, Family Law and Federal Crimes for Florida on
Q: How can I prove adoption fraud?

I'm not even certain its considered adoption fraud or something else however proper protocol was not followed & lies used.

This was a dependency case turned termination of parental rights/adoption. I asked the court & case manager to perform a family finding a provision to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 28, 2024

To address concerns of adoption fraud or misconduct in a dependency case, it’s crucial to gather all relevant documentation and evidence. This includes correspondence with case management, court documents, and any records of communication between family members and case management. Documentation... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: PBC Florida. Husband abandoned me and stole our 2 children! He wont let me see or speak to them. How should I proceed?
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

As long as the two of you are legally married you both have equal rights to the children. If you want the courts to intervene then you need to file a case against your spouse. The most obvious case would be a dissolution of marriage (divorce). The case would need to be filed where you have lived... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can a divorce be finalized without settling the division of all assets?

My spouse and I reached an agreement in mediation. However, since then he has proceeded to recant almost all of the terms agreed to. My fear is that he will continue to do this to prolong the divorce process.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 22, 2024

If you reached an agreement at mediation that was reduced to writing and that you both signed then it is binding on both of you. If he is not following the terms then you can return to court to enforce the issue. If you reached an agreement but did not write it down and sign it then there is no... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Divorce and QDRO question in state of Florida.

About 5 years ago i got divorced, i payed for a QDRO to be made and for the assets to be split, the paperwork did went through the judge and my ex-spouse was suppose to file it to get the assets split and get the money. About a year and half i quit my job and when they asked me what to do about the... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 19, 2024

You owe her the portion that she was entitled to from the final judgment. You can probably deduct the cost of the QDRO and the taxes that you paid on the withdrawal. Although it is up to her to go back to court to enforce the agreement it is probably smarter to try and reach a settlement with her... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can a married person who has power of attorney for spouse who is mentally retarded file for divorce and sign for them?
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Mar 15, 2024

No. A power of attorney does not allow the holder (also known as "attorney in fact") to practice law; signing documents to be filed in court in behalf of another person would be practicing law. It would also be a conflict of interest for one spouse to sign papers in behalf of the other... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My husband and I are divorcing after 23 years of marriage he now lives in Arizona I live in Massachusetts. He retired

On disability and only worked periodically. When he receives my income dies he have to claim that as income and pay taxes on it

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

What do you mean by "when he receives my income?" Generally any income received is taxable. The exception in family law is if you are paying spousal support (alimony) with after tax dollars, meaning that you already paid taxes on those funds, then the receiver does not have to pay taxes... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Escalating child support delinquency to a felony in the State of Florida?

Who enforces - local law enforcement or the Judge during a court case?

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

Failure to pay child support is not a felony in Florida. It is generally not a crime at all. It is a matter in circuit civil court. Under certain circumstances you can be jailed for not paying but you must have the money available to pay prior to being jailed. Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: If I’m paying child support, but both recipients are over the age of 18 can I go to jail for not paying back child suppo
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

If you have a child support obligation then it can be enforced until it is paid, regardless of the age of the children. Regarding jail, there would have to be a motion for contempt and a finding that you have the ability to pay. You can only be jailed if you have "the keys to the cell."... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is there any penalties/deadlines for getting married but not changing my wifes last name until a later date?

The reason for delaying changing her last name is that we live separately and won't be living together for at least 18 months.

We would be getting the marriage officiated in california.

She lives in California and I live in Florida.

Thank you in advance!

Edna Pierre
Edna Pierre
answered on Mar 14, 2024

Florida law does not impose a deadline or time limit for when she should change her last name after your marriage. If she becomes a resident of Florida and completes the name change, she has 30 days to update her Florida Driver's License with her new name.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I am paying over $400.00month child support,yet I’m still only allowed 2hrs a week supervised,is there any recourse?

To sum things up my wife made false domestic violence allegations against me with no evidence of abuse, the courts were sympathetic to her and now I haven’t seen my daughter in 3 years, I don’t have a lot of money, Iv had to start over from scratch, I just want to see my daughter.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 5, 2024

You need to return to court to ask for more time with your child. The child support and the timesharing are not directly related. File a motion explaining your reasons for wanting more time. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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