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Florida Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: What constitutes a supportive/supported financial relationship to negate spousal support in Florida?

My wife wants a divorce. She's cheated at least once and now with a high index of suspiscion a second time. She has a credit card with debt & may also have an auto loan with another man. Will her extramarital financial agreements impact her being awarded spousal support (alimony)?

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Oct 16, 2023

In Florida, alimony is based on financial need and financial ability to pay. The legal issue regarding extramarital affairs during the marriage is focused on the money spent on the affair. You may be entitled to a credit for any monies that your spouse spent on the affair. The issue with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: I am a self litigant for a contempt case i initiated. Some of my evidence is phone recordings. Can I use that in florida

courts? Also, Is there someone a can talk with for legal advice only?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Oct 13, 2023

Florida is a two-party consent state. As long as all parties to the phone conversation consented to be recorded, you may use the phone recordings as evidence. If not, the evidence must be excluded and you will be charged with a third-degree felony under Fla. Stat. 934.03.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is there anyway I can fully protect all my assets if I married someone with two children ?

They were never married, only had twins. I believe she will as for child support after we are married. Is there anyway to protect myself at all or should we not get married?

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Oct 11, 2023

Unless you legally adopt the children you will have no legal obligation to them, child support or otherwise. As far as protections with your potential spouse, you can enter into a prenuptial agreement. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My ex is looking for divorce and time sharing after being absent for 4 years from our children’s lives. How do I contest

We were married in Dec 2012, he moved out in June 2016 and we saw him one time in June 2016 after that. He moved out and became an absent parent after DCF opened a case against him for substance use and the case was closed after he continued to refuse to take a drug test. And being absent until Dec... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Oct 9, 2023

You need to answer his petition for divorce and explain everything that has happened over the past several years. The court will order timesharing based on what is in the best interests of the children. It sounds like you can demonstrate that the father has not been involved in the lives of the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: My ex was arrest for aggravated battery against a pregnant women. She’s on bond 10000 can she be deported? We have kids

She’s a green card holder. I’m a us citizen. The kids are citizens also. Can I.C.E. deport her and separate from kids? Does my 20% child custody go to 100% with her deported? What can I do as father and exhusband to help?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 14, 2023

Aggravated battery against a pregnant woman is a serious offense and can be considered a crime of moral turpitude or an aggravated felony under immigration law. Green card holders convicted of such offenses are at risk of deportation. If she's deported, it may impact custody arrangements, but... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: My ex was arrest for aggravated battery against a pregnant women. She’s on bond 10000 can she be deported? We have kids

She’s a green card holder. I’m a us citizen. The kids are citizens also. Can I.C.E. deport her and separate from kids? Does my 20% child custody go to 100% with her deported? What can I do as father and exhusband to help?

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Oct 6, 2023

If she is convicted, she is likely at risk for deportation. She needs to schedule a consultation with an

immigration attorney, as well a consult with the attorney representing her in the criminal court regarding any chances to prevent conviction or other result that could lead to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can a spouse going through a divorce stop paying mortgage or utilities when they moved out?

they split the bills and mortgage, both on the deed and note. One spouse moved and then served the papers. but is refusing to pay their half of the mortgage. Recently, the spouse that moved out has turned off internet, then took the modem.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Oct 5, 2023

In Florida, in many jurisdictions, there is a presumption that both parties should maintain the financial status quo after a divorce is filed. This means that each party should continue to pay what they have traditionally paid. There are exceptions to this. You must apply to the court for relief,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My boyfriend was sapinaed for deposition by opposing council. What line of questioning is and not allowed?

I am a pro se litigant.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 3, 2023

During a deposition, opposing counsel has broad latitude to ask questions related to the subject matter of the lawsuit. They can inquire about facts, statements, actions, or any other information that might reasonably lead to admissible evidence. However, they can't ask questions that are... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can the opposing council sapina my boyfriend for Deposition to their law office? I'm pro se litigant in florida, Divorce
Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Oct 3, 2023

That depends on whether your boyfriend has any relevant information regarding the divorce. Generally, they cannot ask about his finances. The deposition must occur in the county where your boyfriend lives. If opposing counsel's office meets that requirement then the deposition can be held... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I need help with Civil contempt of court for back child support. Can I fight this?

In 05 I was ordered to pay almost $1k a month in child support. I changed jobs and filed a modification. the children’s mother heard about this and moved and never gave the state her new address. her D.L address doesn’t match her residence. all modification were denied as the state can’t... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Oct 3, 2023

Although it is possible, generally payors do not go to jail for not paying child support. If you are ordered to pay a specific amount and you have that amount in your possession (bank account, etc.) then you can be ordered to pay by a certain time or be jailed. This is called you having the keys to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I had my boys since young until grown Why do I have to pay child support when she never even raised them?

They only visited her maybe once a year or every other year but I should not be obligated to pay her. Should have she paid child support to me or my mom since we had them, not knowing the laws how could have we known what to do.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Oct 3, 2023

Why do you think that you need to pay child support? If there is a court order that says that you need to pay child support then you need to file a motion with the court that issued the order explaining that the children have lived with you. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: In a divorce case would you advise a women who has been a stay at home wife/mom to get a job before filing for divorce.

Husband has owned a successful business and did not want wife to work, now that marriage is not working hes telling her to get a job and with holding money from her for basic living needs.

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Oct 2, 2023

he can file for divorce and seek temporary spousal support until she can find work and support herself. Of course, it depends on many factors, like how long you've been married, whether you worked before having children, and the age of your children. Speak with a family law attorney to learn... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Legal Malpractice, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: Is my situation grounds for a lawsuit for legal malpractice? Negligence?

I hired counsel for my mothers probate in 3/2020. I told her if the process risked my mental well-being i didn't want anything to do with it. She advised it would be a simple probate, told me to move into the home to protect it by homestead, told me I would be able to sell the house within 6... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 28, 2023

It may well be. A probate attorney should inquire as to the marital status of the decedent at the outset of an engagement. It’s a very important and basic question like did the decedent have a will. Unless you represented that your mother was “single” and not “divorced”, you may well... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: Does a notice of appearance count as an answer in a motion to modify family law case?

I filed a motion to modify parenting plan. It’s been 20 days and the only thing the other party filed was a notice of appearance that said an attorney will represent her in this case. Does that qualify as an answer or can I file motion for default?

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Sep 26, 2023

A motion to modify does not automatically require an Answer. You will not get a clerk's default since a notice of appearance was filed. You can schedule your modification for hearing and bring up the lack of a response to the judge but you will still need to prove your case (no default). Speak... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I take possession of my sister’s ashes if her daughter has been incarcerated?

Sister had 2 daughters. The 2nd daughter was given the ashes by the funeral home. Now, this daughter is incarcerated here in Florida and has left my sister’s ashes with her aunt on her father’s side of the family and her parents have been divorced for many years.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Sep 24, 2023

Have you tried asking the aunt if she'd be willing to give you the ashes, and telling the aunt how much it would mean to you? Sounds like your niece was the owner of the ashes and either gifted the ashes to that other aunt or requested her to hold onto them until she's freed. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Criminal Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My daughter lives in Florida. I overheard a fight w/ her mom. Is that considered eavesdropping? I live in another state.

I'm her step mom. I was not recording, and I was not planning on using it in court. I just read about eavesdropping and didn't know if no recording was a factor. Thank you so much for the information, a lot of weight was just lifted.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Sep 23, 2023

Well, it was "eavesdropping" if one or both of them didn't know you were listening, but it was not necessarily unlawful. If you were on the phone with one of them, and she happened to hold onto the phone or put it down (knowing you were still there) as she started the interaction... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: Am I legally married if I never performed the ceremony but did not present the license?

I applied for a marriage license in Florida, but I never got married and I never returned the license to the court, but the license status is listed as "NOT RETURNED." Does this have any legal effect? I would like to know if this marriage is legalized

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 24, 2023

In Florida, merely obtaining a marriage license does not mean you are legally married. For a marriage to be valid, the ceremony must be performed by an authorized person and the completed license must be returned to the issuing clerk for recording. If the license was never returned and no ceremony... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: When anticipating divorce should a women who has been a stay at home wife/mother seek employment before filing

Husband owner his own business and never wanted wife to work. Hes now withholding money to basically control her.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Sep 21, 2023

There are several relevant factors needed to properly answer your question. How long have you been married? How old are the children now? Did you work prior to having children? How old are you? Generally, moving forward, if you are able the court will expect you to work at something. You should... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How do you find out if someone filled a court order against you? It would have to be a family member.
Destardes Moore
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Destardes Moore
answered on Sep 19, 2023

To find out if someone has filed a court case against you, particularly if it involves a family matter, you can search your name on the clerk of court website in the county where you reside or where the cause of action occurred. This should provide you with the necessary information.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is it permissible for my Husband and/or his Lawyer to call my Landlord?

With help from my family I was able to escape an extremely abusive marriage. I’ve been living alone, in hiding from my estranged Husband for the past two years while my lawyer has been working to overcome my Husband’s (& his Counsel’s) deliberate delays as well as both of them obstructing... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 18, 2023

In Florida, it is typically permissible for your husband's lawyer to contact your landlord, especially if it is relevant to the ongoing legal proceedings. However, given your concerns about privacy and safety, it's important to take steps to protect yourself. First, discuss your concerns... View More

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