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Questions Answered by Rand Scott Lieber
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I was married and divorced in Alabama but lived between Al and Fl.I would like my personal belongings that are in Fl

He’s a narcissist and am fearful of being alone.

I have to pack and will need assistance from my son

He can keep the furniture but would like half of the $

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Jun 3, 2024

You say that you are already divorced. You will need to read the divorce decree carefully. It should say how your property was divided, regardless of where it is located. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Florida on
Q: My ex wife has an injunction against me. I am attending BIP and on probation. The injunction currently only allows for

Supervised visitation of my 2 year old son. When I complete BIP and get off probation, Does that qualify as a change of circumstance and allow me to modify the injunction to request unsupervised custody of my son at my home? No family case at the moment. We are still married. Divorce has not been... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 31, 2024

You can always file a motion to modify the conditions of the injunction. You do not mention if there is also a family case. You may be able to modify sooner than the end of your program and probation. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is my baby daddy responsible for a potion of the rent even if he doesn’t live with us ?

We split our baby’s expenses half and half and I was wondering if a portion (half of the baby’s room) should be included in the monthly expenses we’re both responsible for. Thank you

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 31, 2024

Child support is a specific amount paid based on the parent's incomes based on a formula in the law. Once chid support is paid the recipient can use it for whatever they want. It is not tied to any specific expens (like rent). Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Does my son's father have to have custody to enroll him in school in TN and to take him to Dr visits
Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 31, 2024

In Florida, assuming that you are not married, it is the mother who starts with all custodial rights. Once you go to court for a paternity case then through shared parental responsibility both parents can make decisions as long as they are in agreement. If you are in agreement with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: does a divorce overseas count in the united states

Marriied in the usa and at a catholic church overseas. marriage recorded in the foreign country.

if i divorce in the foreign country will i be also divorced in the united states

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 30, 2024

As long as the overseas divorce is legal where it takes place then the US will also recognize the divorce. Make sure that you notify the other party of the proceedings. If your intention is to divorce without your spouse being aware of the proceedings then that can create a problem. Speak with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: I was just awarded sole custody of my son (17 months old) - do I need father’s permission to obtain a passport for him?
Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 27, 2024

You need to read the court order that awarded you custody. It may or may not allow you to obtain a passport without the other parent's consent. If it does not then you must either have the other parent sign the appropriate form or get a court order that gives you authority. Speak with a local... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: My daughter passed away last September and I am the caregiver however the father has recently been released from prison

and he wants weekend visiting but he is a stranger to my youngest granddaughter he spent most of her life denying he was her father. My oldest granddaughter is 9 and remember him choking her momma and all the fighting. We have taken them to have an assessment with a therapist and they are on a... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 23, 2024

You need to seek guidance from the court. Is there a court order that makes you the caregiver? Is there a court order that defines the father's rights? If not then you need to get one. You will not be able to exclude the father from the children's life but the court will make sure that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I fire my current divorce lawyer 3 weeks before a divorce trial
Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 22, 2024

You can dismiss your attorney at any time; however, there is no guarantee that the trial will be continued for that reason. So either have another attorney ready for the trial or be prepared to conduct the trial yourself. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Divorced in Florida in 2008. In the division of assets list for a 401k never transferred

In the division of assets, a 401k from a former job of mine (company X) is written up as: ex wife has a Company X retirement account titled in her sole and separate name and that this account shall remain hers free from claims by husband. The decree also states that any retirement accounts not... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 18, 2024

What was the original intention? If it was for you to keep it then keep it. Let her go to court if she wants and argue that there was a mistake. Clearly there is a conflict because it says that titled in your name is yours. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Who calculates the percentage to split a 401k for a QDRO

My husband was divorced 17 years ago and in the divorce decree they were to equally split the marital portion of his 401k through a QDRO. He has contacted his plan administrator and received their QDRO form and it looks self explanatory. My question is does he calculate the percentage to file... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 16, 2024

That calculation should be a part of the order. Normally a QDRO has a specific dollar amount or a percentage and the dates that apply. The financial institution simply does what the order says. They have no discretion. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: I have to fill out financial affidavit. I’m currently unemployed but I do hair at home would I list as self employment?

I do hair on and off at home would I list down as self employment but also submit a letter explaining unemployment?

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 16, 2024

Yes. Just be honest. You create issues by hiding things or telling half truths. Legally you are going to be imputed minimum wage. You cannot hurt yourself by being honest. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I proceed with legal action against my former spouse for accepting a QDRO overpayment from a pension plan?

I would like to seek legal action for the purpose of reimbursement of an overpayment related to QRDO order.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 15, 2024

You need to determine the reason for the overpayment. If the pension plan did not follow the order correctly then you may have to pursue legal action against them. If the order was followed properly then you can return to family court and try to recover the overpayment. You will need to explain how... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: If I have shared parental responsibility with father in another state can he take her out of state without my permission
Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 14, 2024

In Florida, shared parental responsibility means discussing major decisions like health and education. If you have a parenting plan there is a separate section that addresses traveling. Generally, as long as it is his timesharing and he has informed you about the travel he should be able to go.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I need to file a relocation for my minor child more than 50 miles.

This is due to the cost of living and child care in my area. I am selling my home and relocating to a more affordable town which would but me 60 miles away from the other parent.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 9, 2024

I am assuming that you already have a parenting plan with the other parent. You will need to either get the other parent to agree or else file a supplemental petition with the court. This can be a costly legal fight so understand that going in. You will need to prove that the move is best for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: how can i acquire about child support arrears being modified

my case was established in 1996, the amount ordered was and is above my means, this was never based on my income or anything because I foolishly signed a paper from my ex. At the time I was a waitress making $2.01 an hour with a eight grade education. In the past before modern day tech I was... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 7, 2024

You need to file a motion with the last court that handled the child support order asking to modify or terminate the obligation. Based on your question that appears to be Mississippi. It would also help if the other parent is willing to cooperate with you and say that they are no longer asking for... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Tax Law for Florida on
Q: My ex wife filed our kids on her taxes. There is a court order stating we each file a child. What can I do?
Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 2, 2024

You need to return to the court that issued the order and file a motion for enforcement and contempt. The remedy will either be to file an amended tax return for the current year or allow you to claim both children the following year. If you just file your return claiming a child that has already... 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
Rand Scott Lieber
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
Rand Scott Lieber
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 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
Rand Scott Lieber
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
Rand Scott Lieber
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

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