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Florida Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I’m in a custody battle with my child’s father. I currently have a boyfriend and would like to move in with him

He owns his own home and is a business owner. He loves my child as it’s his own. I’m living in a house right now that was flooded during a hurricane and it’s a current construction zone. I’d love to move in with him so my child can be safe and have a family environment. Am I able too while... View More

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

The court will always look at the best interests of the child. As long as you are doing what is best for your child (as opposed to what is best for you) then you should be alright. Just be prepared to explain the the court why you moved and how it was better for the child. Speak with a local family... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Estate Planning and Family Law for Florida on
Q: i added my son to my home deed about 10 years ago

i would like to remove him ...can it be done?

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Nov 22, 2024

Removing him from the deed will require his signatures. This is exactly why I advise my clients never to “add” children to their deeds. This is a classic do-it-yourself estate planning mistake that might conceivably cost you way more than you would have spent on proper estate planning. If your... View More

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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

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Florida on
Q: With Florida statute 61.1255 codifying adult disabled child support, would this be family law of guardianship?

I've tried asking a family law lawyer who said since the child is above 18, it becomes a guardianship issue. They gave me 3 guardianship lawyers. I called two and both said it would be family law. So I went to the FL child support website and called their number. They said child support is... View More

Kay-Ann  Waite
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answered on Nov 18, 2024

Generally child support issues fall within family law. However a case related to the disabled child must be filed before the age of 18 for the family law courts to have jurisdiction over the matter beyond the age of majority. So the question is, was there ever a case that was initiated that child... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My son went to my mother in MI temporarily while I was incarcerated. I still have full custody. What are my rights?

My son went temporarily to MI while I was incarcerated. I still have full custody. I am doing well and would like my son to be with me again. I believe my son has been turned against me while I was gone. My mother is elderly and in very poor health, My stepfather has Alzheimer’s. So my son is... View More

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

You need to start with the last court order regarding your child. What does it say about who cares for the child while you were incarcerated. You can then return to the court that issued that order to ask to get your child back. Generally, children do not get to choose who they live with. Speak... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I have a disagreement with the mother of my child. She demands that I pay her money for expenses related to our child

At this point in time we are in family court and as of yet I have not been ordered to pay child support. I am responsible for paying recurring expenses such as child care and medical expenses. She wants me to stop doing so and send her the money so that she may do so directly.

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

You do not mention if there is a court order or not. If there is a court order then you should do what it says. If not, how ever you choose to provide money, make sure that you keep clear records of the date and how much you paid. Without a court order, you decide what and how to pay. Speak with a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: Do Florida Courts still have jurisdiction to modify Parenting Plan if the mother moved to another state?

Do Florida Courts still have jurisdiction to modify Parenting Plan if the mother moved to another state for more than 3 years

Veronica LaVerne Robinson
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answered on Nov 15, 2024

Again, the short answer is yes, if there have not been any other court orders in another state. The heart of this issue isn’t just about legal jurisdiction; it’s about power, control, and fairness in parenting. When one parent moves out of state for years without addressing the existing court... View More

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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
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law 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

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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
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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

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