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Florida Family Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can a custody agreement be nulled in both parents and child moved out of that state.
Kay-Ann  Waite
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answered on Nov 12, 2024

The answer depends on whether the custody agreement was ratified by the Court and if it became a final or temporary order in a custody or a paternity case. Custody agreements between two parents that are not generally filed in Court can be enforced as a contract if necessary to protect one parent... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: If I file Motion to return child to Jurisdiction where paternity case is pending, can respondent request case to be move

Respondent moved to a different state 22h away without notifying me. The lawyer didn’t notify me as well. If I file motion to ask to return child to the Jurisdiction where the case is pending, what are the odds of the judge moving the case to the new state she lives in, if the respondent/lawyer... View More

Kay-Ann  Waite
Kay-Ann Waite pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 11, 2024

It appears that the Respondent has relocated with the minor child without proper authorization from the Court or written consent from the other parent, you. In this case, a Motion to Return Child to the Court’s Jurisdiction should be immediately filed. Be sure to attach a copy of the UCCJEA... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: What motion should I file if Respondent moved child out of state without notifying me during Paternity Case in FL?

A UCCJEA was also filed with the petition. The lawyer didn’t notify me as well. The child now lives 22h away oppose to 6h . What should I do to get this settled quickly .

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Nov 6, 2024

File an Emergency Motion for Child Pick-Up Order. This motion can request the court to order the immediate return of the child. Since the respondent did not notify you about the relocation, they might be in contempt of court, especially if there was a court order in place prohibiting such a move... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: I got married after a divorce and my last name was Stewart but divorce changed to Evans and I put Stewart instead that 1

is my marriage legal even though I put Stewart instead of Evans because my name was going to be Evans anyway they had me put the former last name

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Nov 4, 2024

If your marriage license was executed by a proper officiant and filed with the clerk then you are legally married. Think about it like a typo. I am assuming that the remainder of the identifying information is correct. Moving forward you always have the option of going to court for a legal name... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: It appears my daughter in law is going to file for divorce. My son has not been served yet. She withdrew her paycheck

from a joint account that their mortgage is taken out of each month, therefore making my son pay the mortgage. Is this legal? What can my son do? He alone does not make enough money for ALL expenses, and there are 3 children involved.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Nov 4, 2024

Generally when a divorce is filed both parties are expected to maintain the financial status quo. That means that each party is expected to continue to pay the expenses that they traditionally paid. Until your son is in court for a divorce action he really does not have any recourse. Speak with a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I be charged with a crime I didn't commit based on hearsay?

I currently live in Hillsborough county Florida and my soon to be ex-husband and his Friend accuse me of having a weapon (knife) . I haven't been officially charged assault w/ deadly weapon. But the only thing is my husband (person that said I committed the crime) a couple of months ago went... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Oct 30, 2024

Hearsay is a statement made about what someone said to a testifying witness. If your husband were to tell the court that although he was blind, you told him you had a knife and that you were going to attack him with it, there is an exception to the hearsay rule because it would be something you... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: How can I protect myself if my opposing party IS city hall?…and friends…?…and family members…?

myself and safely get my children returned to my custody after 3 years of a battle against the court employees and authorities, who ARE running this town, my childrens cases, no due process exists and judges simply don't respond to emergencies modification custody? Not even a personal letter... View More

Kay-Ann  Waite
Kay-Ann Waite pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 17, 2024

Based on the allegations, it would be in the best interest of the child(ren) that you request the Court to appoint a Guardians ad Litem (GAL) to advocate for the minor child(ren). The Guardians ad Litem will have the ability to review all the evidence and prepare a report and send to the Judge... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Divorce q - Are all investments owned prior to marriage but since sold then re-invested considered marital assets?

I have been married for 7 years and likely filing for divorce. We have a 3 year old. My wife has not worked during this entire time. I handle all finances, though we keep separate accounts. I owned significant financial assets prior to the marriage (retired shortly prior) and have since actively... View More

Ira Markowitz
Ira Markowitz
answered on Oct 9, 2024

Did you have prenuptial agreement?

After you sold the property that you owned prior to the marriage,did you deposit the funds in a joint account or an account you had prior to the marriage ?

You can claim a Special Equity but if the purchase of the real estate property or properties...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Divorce q - Are all investments owned prior to marriage but since sold then re-invested considered marital assets?

I have been married for 7 years and likely filing for divorce. We have a 3 year old. My wife has not worked during this entire time. I handle all finances, though we keep separate accounts. I owned significant financial assets prior to the marriage (retired shortly prior) and have since actively... View More

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

The starting point for equitable distribution is 50/50. However, if you are able to establish the value of the assets on the date of marriage then you can argue that the premarital value should be subtracted off and that only the increase from the date of marriage forward should be divided 50/50.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: If a personal representative in Florida misappropriated funds/commits fraud against disabled beneficiary

We're removing PR and resending Letters of Administration due violations under 733.609. Beneficiaries are close blood related. One is permanently disabled. Is there a criminal code for defrauding - intentionally & knowingly, a disabled adult. Under 733.609 PR has violated every aspect of... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Oct 1, 2024

The PR is required to be represented by an attorney if there is more than one beneficiary to a Will. Since there are more than one beneficiary, the PR is required to have an attorney. First, why have not mentioned what conversations you've had with the PR's attorney? Second, chapter 733... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My estranged husband has been sending harassing messages.

I've been separated from my estranged husband since December 2023. I tried to get the divorce earlier in 2024 but he refused to sign the paperwork out of spite; I paid for everything and only wanted his signature. He is an angry, abusive, and hateful alcoholic. After receiving harassing and... View More

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

If you have filed for divorce then you have been assigned a judge. Schedule a hearing with the judge and explain what is happening. You may need to file a motion. It can be handwritten explaining why you want the hearing. Judges have a judicial assistant who you may be able to call on the phone for... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I am going through a divorce, I bought myself a car and he is trying to take it for alimony. Can he do that?

He left 6 yrs ago he has been fighting child support in courts haven’t finalized divorce.

Paul Michael McDermott
Paul Michael McDermott
answered on Sep 26, 2024

Probably not. In a Florida divorce, typically the asset (car) division is handled first and then the issue of alimony is addressed. Also, if you purchased the car after the filing date, then it would be considered your separate, non-marital property. Sounds like you need a lawyer to finalize your... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Florida on
Q: If my aunt got my child in a open adoption, can she refuse me any and all communication with my daughter?

I was under the understanding I would be able to call, write, minimal visits when I got sober. That was back in 2011-2012. 2014 I got sober and have reached out multiple times through messages and other family members. I have 2 other children now that want to know their sister. Do I have any leg to... View More

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Sep 25, 2024

Review and check for any explicit terms in the adoption agreement regarding your rights to contact. If you don’t have a copy of this agreement, obtaining one would be crucial. If possible, consider proposing mediation to your aunt. A third-party mediator can help facilitate a discussion and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: I live in Florida. My children live in ny. How do I go about getting custody or at least scheduled visits?
Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Sep 19, 2024

If your children have lived in NY for longer than six months then you need to file for timesharing in NY in the jurisdiction where the children live. If you were never married to the other parent and have never been to court then it would be a paternity case. Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: What does reunification generally look like in Florida?

Father has been absent for 4 years (since birth) and now wants to petition for custody out of the blue. Is mental health counseling generally a part of the reunification plan? How long are the gradual steps for reunification? Will he ultimately get to 50/50 custody? I just want to understand whats... View More

Destardes Moore
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Destardes Moore
answered on Sep 17, 2024

Reunification varies based on the specific circumstances of each case. If mental health concerns are raised in the pleadings, evaluations may be ordered. Initially, supervised timesharing is often implemented when there is a significant gap in time, and the child is unfamiliar with the other... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How do I know if I am actually divorced?

I got married in Florida in July 2005 after knowing my exhusband for only three months. After we were married I learned he is a criminal, has mental issues, and he became very abusive. He spent the majority of our marriage in and out of Jail & mental hospitals. I left multiple times but he... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Sep 12, 2024

You may want to hire a private investigator for this. If the divorce happened in Florida then you should be able to find a record of it. If it in fact never happened then you can file a divorce now. In the final judgment you will need to include that he has no legal rights to any of your property.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My wife and I are getting a divorce she's making me high a second mortgage that's for her in what I agreef to pay her.
Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Sep 7, 2024

I would not be doing anything without a conversation with a family law/divorce attorney, that said, I would not give her anything until and unless you get it in writing that this is a post-nuptial complete agreement or similar, last thing you want is to pay out per agreement and find out soon... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Is there any laws for default jurisdiction?

My family lived in Florida for 1.8 years. We went to Mississippi to help wife’s family for 5 months and retained our residence in Florida. things got bad and I brought our children back home to Florida. We both filed for divorce in each state.

I dismissed her because we weren’t in... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 7, 2024

You indicated that each of you "dismissed" the other spouse. A party to a case cannot dismiss a case filed by another party. Do you mean that the respective courts dismissed both cases? If so, when a motion to dismiss was filed, you should have responded that you "retained [y]our... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Is there any laws for default jurisdiction?

My family lived in Florida for 1.8 years. We went to Mississippi to help wife’s family for 5 months and retained our residence in Florida. things got bad and I brought our children back home to Florida. We both filed for divorce in each state.

I dismissed her because we weren’t in... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Every state has a jurisdiction requirement for filing lawsuits. In Florida (and many other states), in order to file for divorce one party has to have lived in the state for at least six months. Wherever you decide to file, you must meet the jurisdiction requirements. Speak with a local family... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I have out state parenting plan from GA and would like to enforce that in Tampa Florida.

Do you know if that can be done and how?

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Sep 6, 2024

As long as one of the parents or the child lives in Tampa then you can file a motion for enforcement. You may need to attache a certified copy of the Georgia court order (parenting plan). Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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