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Florida Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My husband and I are separated and going through a divorce, and i do not think our daughter is safe with him. What do i
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 16, 2024

If the divorce is already filed then you can file a motion expressing your concerns. You must justify your concerns to the judge. The legal standard is what is in the best interest of the child. You must also schedule your motion for a hearing. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: My child's mother went to jail today I want full custody can she battle me for custody while incarcerated
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 16, 2024

You, as the father, must go to court to establish and/or modify timesharing (custody). If and when the mother is no longer incarcerated she can reestablish her timesharing rights. You do not get custody "by default" just because she is in jail/ prison. Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: In Florida, if the husband owned a residence and paid it off twenty four years prior to marriage, what portion is due

the wife if the title to the property was never placed in her name ?

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Assuming that the two of you lived together in the house during the intact marriage, you would need to establish the value of the house on the date of marriage and another value for the date of division. As a starting point, each party would be entitled to half of the change in value during the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: Do I have to notify and how do I need to do so when letting a coparent know I am taking the kids out of state for vaca?

My husband and I have been separated for 6 months. Have no official parenting plan yet as I filled for divorce and he is in default and we are awaiting a date for the hearing. I notified him over text message I was taking our children on vacation out of state for vacation. Can I legally get in... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

As long as there is no court order to the contrary, each parent has equal rights to travel with the children. You should let him know when and where you are going and when you are returning. If appropriate. let him know that he can contact the children during their time away by telephone, text or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Collections for Florida on
Q: Is a Judgment for ex to pay back misappropiated retirement benefits qualify as 'court ordered victim restitution'?

In order to garnish SSI benefits, one qualification is that an Order/Judgment should reflect and show on its face it is a "court ordered victim restitution." 42 USC 662(e)(2); 5 CFR 581.305 (a) (3).

Is a CA Family Law Court Order / Judgment for stolen retirement benefits... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jan 10, 2024

No. An order for victim restitution would have been ordered in a criminal case, not in a civil case such as a family law court case.

By the way, it doesn't appear that 42 USC 662 (once a federal statute) exists. "Section 662, act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, §462, as added...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: In my divorce papers my ex husband and I had a house and a fifth wheel. He took the house and I took the fifth wheel.

The fifth wheel I pay on but it is in his name until it get paid off per divorce papers. My ex husband passed away does the divorce papers make it legal that I still pay on fifth wheel and it is still mine?

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 9, 2024

The fifth wheel is still yours per the divorce decree; however, the loan may be a different story. If the lender learns that your ex has passed away they may want to collect on the note in full. You should still have an opportunity to refinance in your own name or try to make arrangements with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: What is process for gaining child visitation when no parenting plan was included with Final Child support order (Florida

Child born out of wedlock April 2022. Father submitted parenting plan, she says she never got it. She lives in Polk County, he lives in Duval County. He's full time college student at UNF, full time security guard for State of Fla. and USMC Reservist (Savanna, GA). His plate is full. He has no... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 8, 2024

It sounds like you have a child support order but no parenting plan. You need to return to court and file a motion to establish a parenting plan and timesharing. The court will order a timesharing schedule that is in the best interests of the child. What you are describing would be a long distance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Answering to a divorce petition in Florida.

Recently I have filed for a contested divorce in Florida (with minor children). We were able to reach the settlement and now we want to file it with the court. Which forms do we need to do this? Namely turn the contested divorce into uncontested. Which 12.903 is needed since there are multiple... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Jan 6, 2024

You don’t need to change your initial pleadings. Simply file the signed settlement agreement with the court. If you have met all of the other requirements then you can schedule a final hearing. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: I recently discovered my 6yo abused her cat by a video she recorded. What can I do with this matter??

Background: I am the noncustodian parent and I see her once a month for my custody. Her father has the primary physical custody. He doesn’t care when I bring concerns and he doesn’t know about the animal abuse matter yet because I don’t know how to bring this up. I know my child doesn’t... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 31, 2023

The discovery of your child abusing an animal is a serious concern and needs to be addressed immediately. This behavior can indicate underlying emotional or behavioral issues that require professional intervention.

First, it's important to document the evidence, such as the video you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How do I file an invasion of privacy motion in a civil family law case?

My sons father held my phone hostage while I was in the Emergency Room and went through my phone, without my consent through years of texts, social media and personal data. Sent himself the private communication, then contacted family relatives with false accusations and shared these images... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 23, 2023

In Florida, the situation you're describing concerning the invasion of privacy by your son's father is serious. To address this within the legal system, there are a couple of steps you can take.

Firstly, you can consider filing a motion in your existing family law case,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I write currently unpublished works. Would a prenupt secure future published works income from alimony calculation?

I am getting married soon, and we are thinking of a prenuptial agreement. Neither of us are wealthy, but I am in the process of securing a publisher for my writings. Can a prenuptial agreement be made to take those works "off the table" if we get divorced in the future?

Soon to... View More

Laura Arcaro
Laura Arcaro
answered on Dec 22, 2023

A prenuptial agreement can provide a variety of protections for each spouse in the event of divorce or death, including the protection of pre-marital assets and income/assets acquired during your marriage. If you have written the next Great American Novel, a prenuptial agreement can address the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can I get help in a divorce filing with very little money and 3 children
Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Dec 19, 2023

The court will take a detailed look at your financial situation and draw a comparison against your spouse's. This assessment aims to position both parties on an equal footing. If you can't afford a lawyer but your spouse can, the court may level the playing field. They may require your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I was trying to see about a divorce I have been separated for over 13 years but I don’t have a lot of money
Lynette Silon-Laguna
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answered on Dec 13, 2023

Hello! Since you have been separated for 13 years, how complicated your divorce would be would depend on whether you have minor children or assets and/or debts together. I cannot provide too much advice as I do not know your situation. It could be a very simple divorce and depending on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: We're moving back to city/state where my son's Dad lives, but he's never met him/been involved. Do I have to tell him?

When I was pregnant with our son, my (now ex) husband went to prison in OR. Once he was born, I moved in with family in FL. Upon my ex's release, he had an affair, so I filed for divorce. He was granted conditional video visitation to start with, since he's never met our son. This was... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Dec 7, 2023

You need to look carefully at the court order that awarded you custody and him visitation. In Florida, you are required to notify the other parent within 24 hours if you move your home address. Your situation may be a little different because he was in prison. Take your court order and speak with a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Florida: if i only have income of 10,000 and my spouse makes 76,000 yrly. What is normally fair alimony?
Laura Arcaro
Laura Arcaro
answered on Dec 22, 2023

There are many factors that the court must consider in determining an alimony award, including the relative financial positions of each party, the length of the marriage, and the purpose for awarding alimony in a particular case. A consultation with a family law attorney will help you understand... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My Father,Unmarried, passed away in Puerto Rico November 2023. His legal will was made in Puerto Rico by an Attorney.

HE was born in Puerto Rico. His will states ALL his Property & Assets are to be Equally divided to his 2 Biological Daughters (two different wives) & StepDaughter. He owns 2 Homes & Parcel of Land & no mortgage in Ceiba, Puerto Rico & 1Condo Property in Pompano Beach, Fl with... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Dec 4, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss on the passing of your father, please accept my condolences at this sad and difficult time for you and your family. Since your father owned property in both states, some version of probate will be required in both states. You will want a Florida Probate Attorney to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: Does a grandchild inherit what portion was going to belong to their parent if they also are deceased?

My father passed away and my brother did also years ago. Does my brothers children inherit his part of my fathers inheritance? How does that work

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Nov 30, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss the passing of your father, please accept my condolences for you and your family and this difficult and sad time. Generally, it depends, was there a Will and or a Trust, is there a surviving spouse. If there is no Will or estate planning, then it may also depend on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Who owns the house?

My mother and stepfather divorced about 10 years ago but still stayes together. About two years ago, he used his money to buy a house and put it solely in my mothers name. My stepfather is emotionally abusive and threatens to kick my mom out of the house which causes her to panic because she thinks... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Nov 28, 2023

In Florida, if the deed is only in your mother's name and she is unmarried then she owns the house. You do not mention whether there is a mortgage and if so, whose name is on the mortgage. Assuming that there are no encumbrances (mortgages or other liens) then your mother can sell the house if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Social Security, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: divorce was filed after 5 yrs of marriage can soon to be ex get future social security if it is't final for 10 yrs

ex wife is dragging out divorce. filed over 2 years ago and no final date in site. can she claim my social security benefits if the marriage isn't final and we are still legally married at 10years?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 28, 2023

The duration of a marriage can impact entitlement to Social Security benefits, particularly in the context of a divorce. Generally, for an ex-spouse to claim Social Security benefits based on their former spouse's record, the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years. This is a federal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: In florida and father of baby is moving the Oregon, mother and father are separating and mother does not want to go.

None

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Nov 27, 2023

You do not say whether mother and father are married or not. If married and mother wants to stay in Florida then she needs to file for divorce. If not married then mother controls where the child lives until father goes to court for paternity. Father cannot force unmarried mother and child to move... View More

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