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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?

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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
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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

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.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My ex stopped paying alimony & didn't modify anything with court 1 yr 3m ago under his own will.

Because of a trial live in boyfriend of four months. That relationship ended after four months which was a year ago now. That ex only zelled money for rent inconsistently. Nothing else. My ex said he doesn't have to pay alimony any more because I was in a supportive relationship. I... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

You need to return to court on a motion for enforcement and contempt. Your brief supportive relationship by itself did not automatically alter the alimony obligation. You are still owed alimony and child support if that is what the current court order says. Unless and until there is a different... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How to get child support before filing divorce

Husband and I have one child together, married 14 years. Separated due to husband bad bipolar behavior. He took me off of health and dental insurance, without me knowing.

I need child support while Separated. What do I need to do?

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answered on Mar 4, 2024

You can file a Petition for Support Unconnected with Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren). There is a free form available online12.904(a)(1) This addresses your specific situation where you are separated but not divorcing (at this time). Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: Is my husband entitled to any money from father’s house bought in 1981 w/ step-mom?

They had no kids 2gether. She had a couple from previous marriage & he had my husband.

FIL just passed, Step-mom wants to see & move closer to kids near Bradenton. Does my husband get half of house now or after she passes say 20 yrs from now? If she doesn’t volunteer the money, my... View More

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answered on Feb 27, 2024

This answer is based on Florida law. It sounds like you are asking about an inheritance. The first thing to do is read the documents (perhaps a will) that states what is supposed to happen with the property. If step mother brings papers to sign either read them carefully or tell her that you want... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I am trying to get a simple divorce but the judge keeps making me sign more papers each time i go in to file, what to do

This divorce is time sensitive because other party will be moving out of country shortly, and i cant afford an attorney to help with the process

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Feb 27, 2024

If you cannot afford an attorney then you need to continue to follow the judge's instructions. Some counties have a self help area in the courthouse where you might be able to get some guidance. Otherwise, speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can back child support be stopped if my ex goes to fed prison?

I have paid back support for years to my ex for my youngest son. He is now going to be in a federal prison for life. My oldest son and I are moving my youngest son from Ocala to Jacksonville with my granddaughter. We have bought food for the household because there was no income coming in the... View More

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answered on Feb 26, 2024

This answer is based on Florida law.

First, a stoppage is not automatic. You can file a motion with the court that issued the child support order explaining why the arrearage is no longer necessary. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: What happens if the non-custodial parent moves to Puerto Rico to avoid paying child support in FL?

He doesn't own a vehicle nor does he have a driver's license

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answered on Feb 18, 2024

The child support obligation will continue to accrue like any other debt. At some point you can return to court and get a judgment against the obligor (the one who owes). Unfortunately you are correct that if the payor never has money or traceable income it will be difficult to collect.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is there any recourse for noninvolved biological parent paying child support?

Father learned child existed when age 2 or 3. Paternity confirmed and support judgement put in place. Usually taken from paychecks. Father has not ever seen, met or provided any coparenting for child. Mother moved out of state. Since being unemplyed payment stopped, driver's license... View More

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answered on Feb 13, 2024

The short answer is that there is no way for you to get completely out of your child support obligation. You can definitely return to court and ask to have your drivers license reinstated. You can ask the court for a modification if you are not already paying the minimum. The court will not allow... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: I’m having problems with my child’s mother. Is it better for me to stay in the same house or let her have it and go?
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answered on Feb 8, 2024

That is a question that only you can answer. In court, the legal standard for children‘s issues is what is in the best interests of the child. You also need to consider the financial impact of two households. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is he required to continue child support agreed through mediation until we get accurate information?

We had mediation for time sharing and child support my income was more than half less than what mediator put I vacated the order.

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answered on Feb 8, 2024

Both parties are required to follow any court orders that are in place. If you had the child support order set aside then there is no specific obligation. However, when child support is established there will be a retroactive component owed. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Me and my wife ex-wife agreed to terminate child support because my son is 29 years old what form do I need to have her

Fill out and what does procedure for filing it

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answered on Feb 7, 2024

You need a written agreement from your former spouse waiving the outstanding balance. Then you can file the agreement with a motion to terminate child support. You need to file with the court that issued your current child support order. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is sleeping on the living room couch ok in a shared custody?

My daughter goes to her father’s every other weekend. Recently we found out that he gave her room to the new baby and now she is sleeping in the living room on the couch. Is this acceptable living standards for a 9 year old, per the court.

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answered on Feb 5, 2024

The legal standard is what is in the best interests of the child. If this is the best solution for the father and the child is not suffering then you may just have to deal with it. There is no bright line rule regarding a situation like this. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Can't afford a lawyer,can I request full custody of child on my own?Father lives abroad,not co-parenting, no childsuppor
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answered on Jan 30, 2024

You do not say whether you are married or not. If the father is absent then you already have full custody. If you are looking for legal rights that you do not currently have then you need to go to court, either with a new case or a motion to modify an old case. Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: 34 year marriage. Defense attorney husband left me for a criminal defendent he began an affair with.

Do I have any additional rights to alimony or other support (health insurance coverage, etc.) considering he filed to leave our marriage for his criminal mistress?

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answered on Jan 26, 2024

Based on Florida law, you are probably entitled to alimony based on the length of marriage and disparity in income. The fact that he cheated does not have a direct impact on your alimony claim. If he spent marital funds on the affair you can seek to have half of that money credited to you. Speak... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: If custodial parent obtained court approval to relocate out of state, can that parent then relocate again w/o new order?

Mom took minor kids from TN to PA for a job. Dad agreed, court order obtained. While in PA, mom took different job (paid way more) and moved to Maryland. A year later moved back to PA. Now mom’s company threatening to bring her back to TN (she’s been working remotely). Dad has moved to Florida... View More

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answered on Jan 24, 2024

This question is answered based on Florida law. Each time a parent relocates they either need the other parent's agreement or they need to return to court. In your case, it sounds like you have acquiesced to some of the moves. You can return to court when you have issues with the other parent;... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My son (17) graduated high school and has a job, can he legally move out? He wants to live with his girlfriend (18).

He’s adopted.

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answered on Jan 22, 2024

In Florida you are legally emancipated on your eighteenth birthday. You do not say if you are trying to prevent him from moving out. What you are describing is not "illegal" in any way. His being adopted does not change anything. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: How do I reply to a petition? I'd like to do it myself! Not having any luck with attorney's & I'm on a time limit!

I have an upcoming court date on Feb 13th

Thank you

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answered on Jan 19, 2024

The Petition should have numbered paragraphs. Your pleading is called an "Answer." For each number you need to admit or deny the allegation. If you choose you can explain why you deny but it is not required. You can also answer that you have no knowledge of a particular number if that is... View More

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