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Florida Divorce Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I sell possessions to pay bills because no money is being given to support the kids

My future ex husband hasnt given me any money to support his kids and I am currently looking for work and hes working. Can i sell item in the home to help support my kids till the dissolvement of marriage.

Joe Benson
Joe Benson
answered on Jan 30, 2025

Typically, if you are in need of financial support to pay your bills and take care of your children and your husband is contributing or providing financial support, then you are forced to request through the court either temporary child support and/or spousal support. The amount of child support... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I sell possessions to pay bills because no money is being given to support the kids

My future ex husband hasnt given me any money to support his kids and I am currently looking for work and hes working. Can i sell item in the home to help support my kids till the dissolvement of marriage.

Kunal Mirchandani
Kunal Mirchandani
answered on Jan 29, 2025

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this tough situation. In general, if you're in the process of divorce and trying to support your kids, it's important to know your legal rights. As for selling items in the home, technically, it depends on whether the property is considered... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: In Fl, can a notory notorize her live in boyfriend's divorce papers that she filled out, paidthefeefor,and turns in 4him

My soon to be ex husbands live in girlfriend (who is also the notory) filled out dissolution of marriage packet(handwritten,not typed), notorized, turned in to be filed, AND paid the filing fee. All he did was sign, she did everything else. She also put the wrong date FOR date of marriage, plus the... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jan 24, 2025

In Fla., an unmarried significant other is permitted to notarize their partner's signature unless the notary has a financial interest in or is a party to the underlying transaction. Being a notary does NOT give him/her the right to represent her partner - only a lawyer can lawfully do that.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: Clarification Needed on Pension Judgment and Estate

I successfully obtained a court judgment that entitles me to receive a specific portion of my ex-husband's pension. However, he recently passed away before I was able to collect the full amount awarded to me.

Given this situation, I would like to know if it is possible for me to... View More

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jan 23, 2025

You will likely need to file a claim against your ex-husband's estate in probate court to collect the remaining pension benefits. You can do this by contacting the Probate Court, submitting a claim within the statutory period allowed for creditors after the estate is opened, and providing... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I’m going through a divorce after 15 years of marriage, and I have some questions about how to navigate it.

Custody and Support:

We’ve agreed on 50/50 custody of our 14-year-old son, with him living with me during the week and alternating weekends. My husband offered $150/week in child support directly to our son and will cover health insurance and extracurriculars. Is this acceptable?... View More

Joe Benson
Joe Benson
answered on Jan 20, 2025

As to the five topics you referenced (Custody & Support, Financial matters, Alimony, Life Insurance & Car, and Legal protection), you are free to enter into any agreement you like that addresses these topics. But beware, once you agree to the terms you are bound by them and cannot cry... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I’m going through a divorce after 15 years of marriage, and I have some questions about how to navigate it.

Custody and Support:

We’ve agreed on 50/50 custody of our 14-year-old son, with him living with me during the week and alternating weekends. My husband offered $150/week in child support directly to our son and will cover health insurance and extracurriculars. Is this acceptable?... View More

Kunal Mirchandani
Kunal Mirchandani
answered on Jan 20, 2025

While the timesharing arrangement proposed appears to be in your best interest, a critical review of the financial distribution plan is essential. At this juncture, it's impossible to ascertain whether the proposed financial settlement is equitable. A complete and transparent disclosure of all... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Florida on
Q: I have a car in both my name and my wifes name. If i sell this Vehicle are there any Issues? its her main transportatio.
Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Jan 2, 2025

You don’t say if there is a pending divorce case. Legally the car belongs to both of you. In fact, you may need both signatures to sell the car. You should speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: 2 yrs ago my wife filled in NJ, we both now live in Florida-case still open. Is FL or NJ better for child support?

We filled for divorce 2 years ago in NJ. My wife moved to FL 1.5 years ago, although there is no written agreement to allow this. I now also live in FL. Do we have to move the case to FL? Is FL a better state for me from a child support perspective or is NJ?

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Dec 17, 2024

If the child has been living in Florida for more than six months then NJ will probably not accept jurisdiction anymore, meaning that they may divorce you but they will not address children's issues because the child does not live there anymore. I cannot advise you on NJ child support law.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Judge asked for an indexed trial exhibit notebook before my final divorce hearing, can this be a word doc with photos?

Can someone explain what this is and if I can't create a word doc, what format is the court looking for?

Thank you

Kay-Ann  Waite
Kay-Ann Waite pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 10, 2024

When I have trial in orlando for any divorce or family law matter, I use a 3-ring binder and use a table of content and provide some of the following information based on the issues involved:

-Obtain a 3-ring binder: Include the case name, case number, and trial date on the cover and spine....
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: If I open a business w/o my wife's assistance, is she entitled to ownership in a divorce?

My salary is $110k. Hers is $135k. We have three kids.

Kay-Ann  Waite
Kay-Ann Waite pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 19, 2024

Yes, property acquired during the marriage, except for inheritance is considered marital property. Florida is a 50-50 equitable distribution state. This means that, any interest acquired in any assets during the marriage is subject to equal division. This does not matter if her income is more. One... 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 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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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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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 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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