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Florida Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can my wife change the locks and not let me live in the house
Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jun 3, 2024

Your wife would need to seek a court order, like a temporary exclusive occupancy order, to have the legal right to change the locks and keep you out. This is something a court might consider in extreme situations, like if there's a concern for someone's safety. But under normal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can my wife change the locks and refuse to let me in my home without going to court

Contract on home is in both names

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jun 3, 2024

Your wife would need to seek a court order, like a temporary exclusive occupancy order, to have the legal right to change the locks and keep you out. This is something a court might consider in extreme situations, like if there's a concern for someone's safety. But under normal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: My wife has 2 children from a previous marriage. We want to move to Orlando. Her ex doesn't work and pays for none of

The kids Insurance or extracurricular activities. My family, her family, and even his family live in the Orlando area. They have 50/50 time with the kids. We have no idea how he pays his bills as he hasn't worked In over a year. What do we have to do to force him to let us move.

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jun 3, 2024

Try to talk with the kids' dad. Since you all have ties to Orlando, he might see the move as beneficial too. If he agrees, that's good! Just be sure to get that agreement in writing. If he’s not on board or things are a bit tricky, then you might need to petition the court for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Florida on
Q: My ex wife has an injunction against me. I am attending BIP and on probation. The injunction currently only allows for

Supervised visitation of my 2 year old son. When I complete BIP and get off probation, Does that qualify as a change of circumstance and allow me to modify the injunction to request unsupervised custody of my son at my home? No family case at the moment. We are still married. Divorce has not been... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 31, 2024

You can always file a motion to modify the conditions of the injunction. You do not mention if there is also a family case. You may be able to modify sooner than the end of your program and probation. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is my baby daddy responsible for a potion of the rent even if he doesn’t live with us ?

We split our baby’s expenses half and half and I was wondering if a portion (half of the baby’s room) should be included in the monthly expenses we’re both responsible for. Thank you

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 31, 2024

Child support is a specific amount paid based on the parent's incomes based on a formula in the law. Once chid support is paid the recipient can use it for whatever they want. It is not tied to any specific expens (like rent). Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Does my son's father have to have custody to enroll him in school in TN and to take him to Dr visits
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 31, 2024

In Florida, assuming that you are not married, it is the mother who starts with all custodial rights. Once you go to court for a paternity case then through shared parental responsibility both parents can make decisions as long as they are in agreement. If you are in agreement with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: does a divorce overseas count in the united states

Marriied in the usa and at a catholic church overseas. marriage recorded in the foreign country.

if i divorce in the foreign country will i be also divorced in the united states

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 30, 2024

As long as the overseas divorce is legal where it takes place then the US will also recognize the divorce. Make sure that you notify the other party of the proceedings. If your intention is to divorce without your spouse being aware of the proceedings then that can create a problem. Speak with a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Probate and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: How do I evict my fathers live in girlfriend of 2-3 years since my father did not leave a will?

My father passed on May 26. He had recently sold a property so he should've had funds to cover his funeral cost. His live in girlfriend says that he only had $1 in the bank. The week before he died they argued about $150,000 he had at home that suddenly disappeared. My father had cameras at... View More

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

In order to evict, you would have to file a probate petition and become his personal representative. You will need an attorney to do that. When you are appointed personal representative, you would be able to stop her from selling what remains of his property.

It would be very strange if...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Probate and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: How do I evict my fathers live in girlfriend of 2-3 years since my father did not leave a will?

My father passed on May 26. He had recently sold a property so he should've had funds to cover his funeral cost. His live in girlfriend says that he only had $1 in the bank. The week before he died they argued about $150,000 he had at home that suddenly disappeared. My father had cameras at... View More

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on May 30, 2024

I suspect she has a lease to live on the property. The correct process is ejectment. To do that, someone has to receive the ownership of the property. In that sense, you need to work with a probate attorney and a real estate attorney. If you are in a position to hire one, you are welcome to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: I was just awarded sole custody of my son (17 months old) - do I need father’s permission to obtain a passport for him?
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 27, 2024

You need to read the court order that awarded you custody. It may or may not allow you to obtain a passport without the other parent's consent. If it does not then you must either have the other parent sign the appropriate form or get a court order that gives you authority. Speak with a local... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My father signed a new will several times. We were unable to have it. notarized or witnessed. He is dying. Thank you.

We live in Florida. The previous will was made 40 years ago and he did not read or understand it. The second will is fair to his children. I greatly appreciate your advice.

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on May 27, 2024

I am very sorry for father's illness and his health struggles ongoing. There will be a serious issue with such a Will in Florida, it will not be a valid Will as it does not meet the Florida Statutory requirements of F.S. 732.502 (you can look it up online), what you have described without any... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My father signed a new will several times. We were unable to have it. notarized or witnessed. He is dying. Thank you.

We live in Florida. The previous will was made 40 years ago and he did not read or understand it. The second will is fair to his children. I greatly appreciate your advice.

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on May 26, 2024

If the document is not witnessed and notarized, it will not be recognized as a will in Florida. Strict compliance with the law regarding wills is necessary for the document to be enforceable as a will.

Schedule a free consultation to make sure your father's estate plan is formalized...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: My daughter passed away last September and I am the caregiver however the father has recently been released from prison

and he wants weekend visiting but he is a stranger to my youngest granddaughter he spent most of her life denying he was her father. My oldest granddaughter is 9 and remember him choking her momma and all the fighting. We have taken them to have an assessment with a therapist and they are on a... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 23, 2024

You need to seek guidance from the court. Is there a court order that makes you the caregiver? Is there a court order that defines the father's rights? If not then you need to get one. You will not be able to exclude the father from the children's life but the court will make sure that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I fire my current divorce lawyer 3 weeks before a divorce trial
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 22, 2024

You can dismiss your attorney at any time; however, there is no guarantee that the trial will be continued for that reason. So either have another attorney ready for the trial or be prepared to conduct the trial yourself. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Divorced in Florida in 2008. In the division of assets list for a 401k never transferred

In the division of assets, a 401k from a former job of mine (company X) is written up as: ex wife has a Company X retirement account titled in her sole and separate name and that this account shall remain hers free from claims by husband. The decree also states that any retirement accounts not... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 18, 2024

What was the original intention? If it was for you to keep it then keep it. Let her go to court if she wants and argue that there was a mistake. Clearly there is a conflict because it says that titled in your name is yours. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Divorced in Florida in 2008. In the division of assets list for a 401k never transferred

In the division of assets, a 401k from a former job of mine (company X) is written up as: ex wife has a Company X retirement account titled in her sole and separate name and that this account shall remain hers free from claims by husband. The decree also states that any retirement accounts not... View More

Michael Ferrin
Michael Ferrin
answered on May 18, 2024

Given there is contradicting language in the agreement, in the event litigation arises from these issues, the court may allow you to present evidence to support each of your intent when the agreement was executed. This can be emails, text messages, testimony, etc. Just as Mr. Lieber stated in his... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Who calculates the percentage to split a 401k for a QDRO

My husband was divorced 17 years ago and in the divorce decree they were to equally split the marital portion of his 401k through a QDRO. He has contacted his plan administrator and received their QDRO form and it looks self explanatory. My question is does he calculate the percentage to file... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 16, 2024

That calculation should be a part of the order. Normally a QDRO has a specific dollar amount or a percentage and the dates that apply. The financial institution simply does what the order says. They have no discretion. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: I have to fill out financial affidavit. I’m currently unemployed but I do hair at home would I list as self employment?

I do hair on and off at home would I list down as self employment but also submit a letter explaining unemployment?

Destardes Moore
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Destardes Moore
answered on May 22, 2024

In the financial affidavit, there's a dedicated section for reporting self-employment income. It's important to regularly estimate your monthly earnings and update your financial information accordingly. For guidance on your specific situation, consider consulting a family law attorney.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: I have to fill out financial affidavit. I’m currently unemployed but I do hair at home would I list as self employment?

I do hair on and off at home would I list down as self employment but also submit a letter explaining unemployment?

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on May 16, 2024

Yes. Just be honest. You create issues by hiding things or telling half truths. Legally you are going to be imputed minimum wage. You cannot hurt yourself by being honest. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Juvenile Law for Florida on
Q: How likely is it my kids would be taken if this was reported?

I live in an abusive home. I moved in with my grandparents in 2018 at the push of my grandmother. My grandmother adopted my sister for the money she gets, she tells she is going to leave her with me because she didn't sign up for the responsibility only the money. She calls her names, is... View More

Veronica LaVerne Robinson
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answered on May 16, 2024

It is unlikely that your children will be taken away from you simply because you have a condition which requires you to take medication. Many people in society have bouts of anxiety and depression and society, including family court, understands and does not condemn people who are going through... View More

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