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Florida Family Law Questions & Answers
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
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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
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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
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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
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: How can I find a pro Bono atty for child support and custody matters when there is need for a motion for contempt?

My children have missed their prescribed weekend with me three times in the last 2 months. I believe this makes it necessary to file for her to be held in contempt. She also started working recently, as she was formerly on disability, so I need to renegotiate child support as well.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 18, 2023

To find pro bono legal assistance for child support and custody matters in Florida, you can start by reaching out to local legal aid organizations, the Florida Bar Association's pro bono program, and nearby law schools that may have clinics or programs offering free legal services.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I bought a home 4 months before marriage I put 62k Down, and financial 86k. She’s not on Deep, how much is marital?

House value 185k, home paid off by insurance company 5 years later.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Sep 13, 2023

This is not a simple calculation. You can probably recover your non-marital down payment but the remaining equity would probably be divided in half as marital. One or both names on the deed does not change the legal analysis in a divorce. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: In Florida, can a person receiving a monthly alimony check, work part time?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 11, 2023

In Florida, individuals receiving alimony can typically work part-time, although the impact on alimony payments depends on various factors. Alimony agreements or court orders establish the specific terms, and these may include provisions regarding income changes due to part-time employment. If the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: In Florida, can a person receiving a monthly alimony check, work part time?
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Sep 11, 2023

You need to read your settlement agreement carefully. Alimony can be modifiable or non-modifiable. Alimony is based on your financial need and the other party's financial ability to pay. If your alimony is non-modifiable then there should be no problem. However, if it is modifiable then your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Florida on
Q: In FL will they ask for bank statements or can I just show my paystubs?

I want to modify my child support because I’m not making nearly as much as I once was. The other side said they’re going to request my bank statements. I occasionally have family send me money through it when I can’t afford things, will that affect it? I’m struggling to pay the amount... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Sep 7, 2023

Child support is based on your income, which you can prove with pay stubs if you are a W-2 employee. As long as the loans from your family are not regular (emergency only) then they should not count towards your income. However, you may have to show the bank statements to prove that. Speak with a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Immigration Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Should I file for my divorce first or VAWA green card?

I'm an immigrant married to a US citizen who will be filing for a VAWA green card. I was a victim of domestic abuse and I would like to divorce my spouse. During our marriage he was the main bread winner and I was the care taker at home. I could not work due to immigration reason but I have a... View More

Jamile Moraes Pellicer
Jamile Moraes Pellicer
answered on Sep 6, 2023

The decision of whether to file for divorce first or pursue a VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petition for a green card depends on your individual circumstances and the facts of your case. It's essential to consider various factors before making a decision, and it's advisable to... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Immigration Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Should I file for my divorce first or VAWA green card?

I'm an immigrant married to a US citizen who will be filing for a VAWA green card. I was a victim of domestic abuse and I would like to divorce my spouse. During our marriage he was the main bread winner and I was the care taker at home. I could not work due to immigration reason but I have a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 7, 2023

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing this. When it comes to filing for a green card under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) versus filing for divorce, it can often be a strategic choice. In many cases, it may be advantageous to initiate your VAWA self-petition before filing for... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How to set up child custody while married?

I am currently married but seperated and I would like to set up custody arrangements so that my spouse can see our child. If I do that before the divorce will that affect child support payments?

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Aug 30, 2023

The two parents can voluntarily enter into a parenting plan. As long as you both agree and sign then it is a binding contract between the two of you which can be used later if you divorce. Technically there is no child support due while you remain married. Once child support begins it will be based... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My ex spouse threatened to shoot me 2 years ago, and I'm wondering if there is a basis for a legal case

My ex spouse threatened to shoot me 2 years ago, and at first she denied that during my divorce hearing under oath, but during the next hearing, she confessed about it for the record.

She also previously filed 2 DCF cases and 1 domestic violence case against me, which were never proven.... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Aug 30, 2023

Theoretically, it could be a criminal assault case (if she threatened to shoot you at the same time she made the threat), or a criminal case for perjury, but I would doubt that the criminal authorities (either in Florida or in the military) would elect to prosecute. If by "a legal case",... View More

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