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Florida Family Law Questions & Answers
4 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Tax Law, Business Law and Child Support for Florida on
Q: If the father of a child has his own small business (LLC), does his monthly business expenses count toward his income?

Or does a certain percentage count? He pays himself very little and writes off everything thought the company such as car, insurance, phone, etc including our dinners when we used to go out. Is there a Florida law regarding this?

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Jan 3, 2025

Your question is a little complicated but the short answer is yes, anything that reduces his normal living expenses counts as income, regardless of whether he writes it off as a business expense. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Hi, Can my boyfriend take my kids away from me? As he has a job and I dont?

He threatens me all the time saying he will take our kids away from me. Is it possible? And would I be able to move out of state with the kids even if he won't let me? Since my family and help for me is in another state

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Dec 28, 2024

In Florida, unless you have already been to court the mother starts out with control of the children. It is possible for one parent to go to court to establish or modify timesharing (custody) but the end result will be a schedule of sharing time. It is rare for children to be "taken away"... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Nolegal child custody established. Child lives with father full time and ex lives in canada. Need travel consent w/o ex

Father and child lives in the US and ex lives in Canada. Ex filed the divorce back in 2018 in Canada but since the child is living with father, Canadian court proceeded with divorce only as they do not have the jurisdiction over the child. She does not pay for a dime or child support as directed by... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Dec 27, 2024

If you have or can get a certified copy of the Canadian divorce decree you can domesticate it (file with your local court and ask them to recognize it). Depending on the exact language regarding the child you may need to file a motion as well asking for sole parental responsibility and authority to... View More

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
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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 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

3 Answers | Asked in 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?

Emma Louise Conlin Haw
Emma Louise Conlin Haw
answered on Dec 17, 2024

It depends. If you used an enhanced life estate deed or deed that was otherwise revocable, you may be able to remove him. If you simply signed a deed changing ownership to include him, you need his signature on a new deed to get the property in your name alone. Whatever you do, please hire an... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in 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
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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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