Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Florida Family Law Questions & Answers
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
PREMIUM
Lynette Silon-Laguna pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
Rand Scott Lieber pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

View More Answers

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
Rand Scott Lieber pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
Rand Scott Lieber pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Personal Injury and Domestic Violence for Florida on
Q: Is there a way to sue my parents, as well as my mother's second ex husband, for damages from abuse?

I was abused as a child by my parents, and especially my mother and my now ex stepfather physically which included, but not limited to, traumatic brain injuries as well as being punished for exposing their affair to my father, who in turn decided to punish me for being an unwilling participant.... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 26, 2023

Sorry to hear about your terrible ordeal. Your description seems to indicate that all wrongdoing occurred a few decades ago. There is a high probability that a lawsuit for money damages due to such wrongdoing would be barred by the statute of limitations (assuming that would be raised as a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: My mom won’t end charges on my bf since but I want to end them, I’m 17 I need consent frm parents, anyway around it?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 24, 2023

In Florida, if you are under 18, your ability to influence criminal charges, especially those filed by someone else, like your mother, is limited. Since you're 17, you're considered a minor, and typically, the decision to pursue or drop charges in a criminal case is up to the prosecutor,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How can I prove my adult son is being abused mentally and controlled by my aunt's husband while on medication

My son went to my aunt's house cause he was homeless not to be abused what can be done through the court?

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 19, 2023

Your inquiry is vague regarding the words "abused" and "controlled". Certain types of abuses are crimes to be brought to the attention of law enforcement. For example, if he's being held against his will, that would be a crime. If you're NOT talking about something... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: If I know I have a strong case to pursue a lawsuit against dcf, how do I proceed? What kind of attorney do I need

Long story short, I lost two sons in an accident and one survived they were in the care of their father who survived as well. CPI became involved when I brought my surviving son home from the hospital. I was the non offending parent but that quickly changed once me and the cpi worker had a... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 19, 2023

Sorry to hear about your terrible ordeal. The legal grounds available to sue DCF are very limited due to various legal obstacles, such as immunity from certain grounds that are available to sue certain other governmental entities. In some limited circumstances, there are potential grounds to sue... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Are there Fl laws on can the grandparents of a paternity case dictate the outcome of the case if they pay for attorney?
Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Nov 18, 2023

The third party person who pays for the litigant's attorney has no say in how the case progresses, because the payor is not the client. Neither clients nor payors dictate anything; the case progresses according to the law as applied to the facts of the case. If you think that you are going to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Why can't I see my 26-year-old son if there is no legal reason why I cant

My adult son age 26 has been living with my half-aunt and her live-in man friend due to my husband and being homeless for a year now. Things do not look good from what we can understand thats going on in my aunt's house communication by phone from my son or any aloud visits for no legal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 18, 2023

It's understandable that you're concerned about your 26-year-old son and his living situation. In general, adults have the legal right to make their own choices about where they live and who they associate with. If there are no legal restrictions or court orders preventing you from seeing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: I need to file for temporary guardianship of my mother what should i do
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 16, 2023

To file for temporary guardianship of your mother in Auburndale, Florida, start by consulting with a local attorney experienced in guardianship law. They can guide you through the specific requirements in your area. You'll need to gather relevant medical documentation that demonstrates the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: Am I next of kin to my deceased father if my stepmother remarries?

My father died suddenly and I wanted to get his medical records but my step mother would not allow me to as she is considered next of kin. She is getting remarried now and I want to know if that would make me next of kin to get the records.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Nov 16, 2023

Florida Statute 456.057 governs who shall have access to medical records. It allows a patient's "legal representative" such access. Assuming your stepmother qualifies as personal representative of your father's estate, she would probably be considered his "legal representative".

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is there something you can file against a wrong venue? They have filed for wrong venue and I don't want to change

This is for a divorce and I have moved to a different county I don't have a car to be able to drive to the other county. I was there for 6 months

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2023

Yes, you can file a motion to dismiss a divorce case that was filed in the wrong venue. In Florida, a divorce case must be filed in the county where either party has resided for at least six months immediately before the filing of the petition for dissolution of marriage. If the case was filed in... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Why can't I see my 87-year-old mother if there is no legal reason why

My mother was brought down to Saint Cloud Fl by my aunt after her husband died on April 23. My aunt is planning on with a living man friend taking over my mother's Lower Manhattan NY apartment My aunt claims my mother doesn't want to talk with me but my mother never told me that and I... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 14, 2023

You didn't indicate what, if anything, is preventing you from going to your mother's place or calling her. That info would be necessary to determine what, if anything, a lawyer can do for you. Contacting your mother would also be the first step in determining what rights, if any, you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Social Security and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How long does take to receive a payment from child support when Social security takes a lump sum payment for child supp
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 13, 2023

In Florida, the time it takes to receive a child support payment after Social Security has taken a lump sum for child support can vary. This process often depends on several factors, including the efficiency of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the state child support enforcement agency.... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.