Forssell v. Forssell

In Forssell vs. Forssell, the appellate court reversed a non-final order suspending time-sharing because the trial court did not indicate what if any steps would be required of the father to reinstate his time-sharing. The appellate court also reversed and remanded an order denying the dismissal of a separate domestic violence injunction. Both parties requested […]

Read More

What is “income” for purposes of child support calculations?

And how does Florida factor in disability benefits that go directly to the opposing party? First, F.S. 61.046(8) states, “‘Income’ means any form of payment to an individual, regardless of source, including, but not limited to: wages, salary, commissions and bonuses, compensation as an independent contractor, worker’s compensation, disability benefits, annuity and retirement benefits, pensions, […]

Read More

Castillo vs. Castillo

In Castillo vs. Castillo, the trial court improperly applied the unclean hands doctrine to summarily deny a petition for modification. Where a spouse has the ability to pay an arrearage and does not do so, he is not in court with clean hands and in such case his petition should not be considered on the […]

Read More

Cell Phones and Social Media in Family Law Litigation: “Don’t say, or do, anything online, or via text, that you wouldn’t say, or do, in front of the judge.”

This is a very difficult subject to try to give advice upon because most of us are not feeling what you are feeling in that moment when you press “send” or “post.” During the family law litigation process emotions are high and reactions are rapid and unpredictable. To even the most calm and centered of […]

Read More

Emancipation of Minors

Emancipation is a common term used to describe the action of elevating the status of a minor to an adult. A minor is defined as a person who has not yet reached the age of 18. Minors that have not been emancipated do not have the right to assume the management of their own estates, […]

Read More

I just received a letter from the Department of Revenue (DOR) regarding a Proposed Administrative Support Order, what do I do?

If you have recently received a letter from DOR stating that the department is seeking to establish child support pursuant to a Proposed Administrative Support Order, do not hesitate: bring that letter to your lawyer immediately. There are very specific guidelines for what you can do when you receive such a letter, and all of […]

Read More

Cockrell v. Kinnett

In Cockrell vs. Kinnett, the appellate court reversed a contempt order that modified the parties’ timesharing schedule with the child, because there was no pleading that alleged a significant change in circumstances. The mother was thus not put on notice that modification would be sought or granted. Modification is not a proper sanction for non-compliance. […]

Read More