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Florida Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Could Snapchat pictures be used in Florida divorce court?

I exchanged mutual pictures with a married woman over Snapchat, and we have never met in person. Now, her husband is planning to file for divorce. Could my pictures be brought up in court as part of the divorce proceedings, even if they weren’t saved?

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 21, 2025

Infidelity is not an issue in Florida divorces. Only if she spent money on you will the relationship be an issue. There is no reason for the court to consider the pictures. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Florida on
Q: Can I expedite my divorce process being pregnant with another person's child in Florida?

I'm currently in a divorce process and pregnant by another person, with my due date set for mid to late June. I'm concerned about complications with the newborn's registration. I've discussed custody informally with my spouse, who's been absent at mediation, delaying... View More

Kunal Mirchandani
Kunal Mirchandani
answered on May 20, 2025

Your situation raises both legal and practical considerations, and I’m glad you’re seeking guidance now.

In Florida, being pregnant by another person does not automatically expedite a divorce, but it can complicate the timeline—especially with regard to establishing paternity and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Am I obligated to continue child support if my daughter re-enrolls in school at 21?

I have been paying child support for my daughter for 21 years. According to the agreement, I am obligated to pay until she turns 21 unless she is enrolled in school. She previously flunked out of college, but just before the last payment, my ex informed me that she re-enrolled in school and is... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 20, 2025

You need to read carefully the court order on child support. If the child was 21 and not in school then you can probably stop paying. Let the other parent take you to court and prove that you do still owe child support. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Gov & Administrative Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How to update my adopted niece's birth certificate with her new name?

I adopted my niece along with my husband in Florida, and we have a final judgment showing her new name. She was born in Puerto Rico, and despite having a certified copy of the adoption judgment, we've been unable to reach the vital records office there to understand how to update her birth... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on May 20, 2025

Contact a lawyer who is a member of the P.R. Bar, who practices family law. Other than lawyers in P.R. itself, you likely can find some Fla. lawyers who are members of the P.R. Bar by contacting the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service, which you can find at Floridabar.org.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: What rights do I have to regain custody of my daughter?

I am my daughter's biological mother, and her stepdad had temporary custody. Recently, her biological father, who has been absent for the past 5 years, obtained a court order and took her from her stepdad's home unexpectedly. There is no existing court order involving custody between her... View More

Veronica LaVerne Robinson
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answered on May 19, 2025

Good day,

Your rights to get back your daughter depends upon the type of court that gave an order to the stepfather and the type of court that the gave an order to the biological father. For instance, if DCF is involved or if it is family court. You may need to join the cases so that there...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I take my child home with me after hospital stay or does she need to spend the night with her father?

I am the primary caregiver for my child and have been with her during a two-week hospital stay for her surgery. I signed all the necessary paperwork and stayed overnight, taking time off work. Our custody agreement states she lives with me, attends school in my town, and visits her father three... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 17, 2025

These are the types of issues that the court expects you to work out directly with the other parent. Legally you are supposed to follow the parenting plan. Both parents are expected to do what is best for the child. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Child Support, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can child support be taken from car accident lawsuit winnings in Florida?

I was involved in a car accident and am currently in a lawsuit related to it. I'm concerned about whether my lawsuit winnings can be used to cover my child support payments, as I have been ordered to pay child support but am behind on payments. Can my child support obligations affect the... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on May 14, 2025

Your settlement payment does not flow through the Child Support Depository in your county or in Tallahassee. Nowif there is any sort of lien on the settlement proceeds placed by the State or the other party, then yes, that lien would have to be satisfied before your settlement could be disbursed to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Will moving in affect my girlfriend's alimony in Florida?

If I move in with my girlfriend, will her alimony be affected given that she receives it for another 6 years, and we live in Florida? There are no known limits on cohabitation in her divorce decree, and we haven't consulted a legal professional regarding her alimony conditions.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 12, 2025

This is from Florida statute 61.14 (b)1. The court must reduce or terminate an award of support, maintenance, or alimony upon specific written findings by the court that a supportive relationship has existed between the obligee and a person who is not related to the obligee by consanguinity or... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I was wondering in the state of Florida if I were to move in with my girlfriend would it affect her alimony at all?

I don’t believe she has restrictions in cohabitation and there is no financial benefit or support other than saving time logistically from driving back and forth to her house. She has not spoken to attorneys about this yet.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 12, 2025

Your girlfriend needs to carefully read her marital settlement agreement. The section on alimony (spousal support) should be specific about the conditions for modification. It is possible that entering into a "supportive relationship" could trigger a modification. Speak with a local... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Should I request bridge-the-gap alimony during my divorce in Florida?

I am filing for divorce pro se after 25 years of marriage in Florida. I've ensured my spouse receives 50% of all assets, half of my 401K, and the household savings. Despite this substantial asset division, my spouse, who has only worked part-time due to our arrangement, is seeking full-time... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 10, 2025

There is a difference between making an offer of settlement and filing pleadings. If it comes to filing pleadings then you don’t need to mention alimony at all. That burden is on your partner. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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3 Answers | Asked in Admiralty / Maritime, Family Law, Personal Injury and Wrongful Death for Florida on
Q: Liability concerns for child's cruise travel permission.

I want to sign permission for my 13-year-old son to travel with his father, whom he lives with full-time, and his father's family on a cruise to Bermuda. I have visitation rights with my son, and the cruise company requires both parents' signatures for consent. Will I be held liable if my... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 8, 2025

If your son embarks on the cruise, I hope that he enjoys a safe and enjoyable trip with the family. From the standpoint of maritime law and cruise ship protocols, you or the child's father could be presented with certain waivers of liability to sign, depending on the cruise line. These could... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How to respond to parenting plan change request after moving without court notification?

I have been served papers for a change in our parenting plan in Marion County. I have recently moved, but I continue to follow the current plan and spend time with my daughter. The mother has requested changes due to my move and other unspecified reasons. What should be my response to the requested... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 8, 2025

You should respond to the allegations with reasons why you oppose the changes requested. You are allowed to move so long as it does not disrupt the child's schedule or schooling. Your only legal obligation is to notify the other parent when you move of your new address. Speak with a local... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Could my husband claim equity in a condo he quitclaim deeds to me if we divorce?

I am a married woman living in a condo in Daytona, FL, which my husband bought before our 1.33-year marriage; he is the sole owner on the deed. We have no prenups or postnups, and the condo is homesteaded with no liens. He wants to sell it to me, and I've been contributing to expenses.... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 6, 2025

To properly protect yourself you would also want a postnuptial agreement making it clear that the property moving forward would be your non-marital asset. Otherwise, if the two of you continue to live in the property together as time passes he may acquire an interest in the equity by virtue of the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How can I secure equal rights to my children if my relationship ends in Florida?

I have two children with the same woman, and we are not married. My name is on both birth certificates. Our relationship seems to be ending, and I want to ensure I have equal rights to our children if we split up. Currently, we have no formal visitation arrangements, but we live together and share... View More

Daniel A Bachert
Daniel A Bachert
answered on May 5, 2025

By being named on the birth certificate you are recognized under Florida Law as being a natural guardian of the children with the same parental rights and responsibilities as the mother. However, that just means that each of you as parents have the right to deny the other parent access to the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Looking for advice on 50/50 custody case in final stages, West Palm Beach, FL.

I'm looking for a family law attorney in West Palm Beach. My case, which I have managed with the help of a paralegal up to now, is at the mediation stage where we couldn't agree on a 50/50 custody arrangement. There are no court dates set, and there aren't any specific concerns... View More

Daniel A Bachert
Daniel A Bachert
answered on May 2, 2025

Based upon what you have stated it would seem to be time to prepare for final trial, the court must be advised that the action is ready for trial and a court date will be set. Expect that date to be somewhere in the next four to six months. If there is no agreement regarding time sharing or a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Family Law and Military Law for Florida on
Q: How do I transfer a child custody and support case from Colorado to Florida?

My ex-husband has requested to relinquish his parental rights, and our case originates in Colorado. However, Colorado has stated they no longer have jurisdiction since neither my daughter nor I reside there. This change is due to my military assignment. There is an existing custody and child... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 1, 2025

If you are in the process of Florida adopting the child support order then you are already doing what you need to. A parent cannot simply relinquish their rights to a child. The father will be responsible for child support until the child turns 18. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Family Law and Military Law for Florida on
Q: How do I transfer a child custody and support case from Colorado to Florida?

My ex-husband has requested to relinquish his parental rights, and our case originates in Colorado. However, Colorado has stated they no longer have jurisdiction since neither my daughter nor I reside there. This change is due to my military assignment. There is an existing custody and child... View More

Daniel A Bachert
Daniel A Bachert
answered on May 2, 2025

The Colorado Final Judgement would need to be domesticate in Florida and there is a specific procedure to properly accomplish the same. Unless your daughter is going to be adopted by a step parent or someone else with you it is doubtful that your former husband would be permitted to voluntarily... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Probate and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Can I live in a house my parents' divorce decree says is for me after my dad passed?

My mom and dad, now divorced, had a legal agreement in their divorce decree stating that neither could sell the house, as it was intended for their daughter. My dad lived there, but my mom did not. I am the daughter, and I'd like to know if I'm allowed to live there now that my dad has... View More

Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
answered on May 1, 2025

I recommend that you consult with an experienced attorney who handles family law and probate. Ask them to review the divorce decree to see what your parents agreed to. For example, it may be that your parents continued to own the house 50/50 as tenants in common. If you are your father's heir,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Juvenile Law, Civil Litigation and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I legally kick out my 17-year-old daughter before she turns 18 in Florida due to behavioral issues?

I am the parent of a 17-year-old daughter who will turn 18 in September. She has mental health issues and is currently on probation, which she has violated. She refuses to get a job, rarely attends school, and is verbally abusive, demanding money from her father's death benefit. Recently, the... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 1, 2025

To remove an occupant from a home, whether they have a lease or not, and have been staying there for more than 3-4 weeks, a court order from landlord-tenant court is required. If the occupant is a child under 18, this may serve as a complete defense to eviction. A person cannot simply be told to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Seeking advice on sole custody application and parental rights termination in Florida.

I am considering applying for sole custody of my 9-year-old child. There are currently no existing custody or visitation court orders in place. My child's father has been absent for most of her life, having met her only twice and not initiating contact or visits. He pays child support through... View More

Veronica LaVerne Robinson
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answered on Apr 28, 2025

Thank you for your question. Based on what you described, you may have strong grounds to seek sole parental responsibility (what Florida calls "custody") because of the father's long absence. However, because there is an existing New York child support order, it’s important to... View More

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