Exclusive Use Of The Marital Home

During a marriage the parties enjoy a status that is similar to a partnership. That is, all assets and liabilities of the partnership (marriage) are jointly owned in equal proportions by the partners, including the marital home. Partners in a business venture may define their partnerships in unequal proportions (for example, one partner may have […]

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Pashtenko v. Pashtenko

In the following appeal involving a Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Stalking, the trial court’s summary denial of the Petition is reversed because the Petition alleged sufficient grounds to grant the petition. The trial court’s cited grounds for denial were inapplicable to this type of injunction. The Injunction should not have been summarily denied. […]

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Holiday Gift Giving

The holiday season is upon us. If you are in the middle of a divorce or paternity case, you are likely feeling pressure to make the holidays extra special. You may be tempted to overspend on gifts for your children in order to make up for the confusion they are feeling or for “breaking up” […]

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Ayra v. Ayra

In the following alimony case, the trial court erred by finding that the Wife did not have a need for alimony. This was a long-term marriage, and in such cases an initial presumption in favor of permanent alimony arises. The long-term duration of the parties’ marriage, coupled with the potential future needs of the Former […]

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Holiday Timesharing

The holiday season is fast approaching. If you are currently in the middle of a divorce or paternity case, you may not have a holiday timesharing schedule in place yet. Holiday timesharing temporarily replaces your everyday schedule. In other words, even if you have a regular timesharing schedule that you follow, if there is not […]

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What Is The Significance Of Filing A Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage As It Relates To Assets And Liabilities?

According to FS 61.075(7), the cut-off date for determining marital assets and liabilities is the date of filing, unless there is a written agreement otherwise. So, if you are concerned that your spouse may acquire debt for which you will become liable, filing the petition will establish the date where that cannot happen. All assets […]

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Kohl v. Kohl

In the following interspousal tort case, the Wife attempted to state a cause of action against the Husband for negligent infliction of a sexually transmitted disease, in this case HPV. The complaint is dismissed on two grounds, but the court finds that the cause of action is generally viable, although there must be allegations that […]

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Williams v. Williams

In the following case, the appellate court reversed the trial court’s award of attorney’s fees without making the required findings and without considering that the Husband did not have the ability to pay. Also the trial court was reversed because it awarded the dependency deduction to the wife despite the fact that she did not […]

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