Temares v. Temares

In Temares v. Temares, the appellate court reversed an order for compulsory mental health and substance abuse evaluation. There was no good cause for the evaluations. The “in controversy” and “good cause” requirements for a compulsory evaluation require an affirmative showing by the movant that each condition as to which the examination is sought is […]

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Dorworth v. Dorworth

Alimony and Equitable Distribution of marital assets and debts are tools that courts can, and often do, use to achieve equity. So long as there is competent substantial evidence supporting findings of valuation, and the required statutory findings regarding ED and alimony are made, courts have great discretion to fashion distribution and support schemes that […]

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Timesharing and Custody Factors

When Florida courts fashion timesharing plans, there are multiple factors which the Court must consider to determine the plan that is in the best interest of the children. The factors considered by the Court can be found in Florida Statute 61.13(3). It is important to understand each factor and to do your best to follow […]

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The Future of Alimony in Florida

On September 10, 2015, Florida Senator Tom Lee filed an alimony reform bill with the legislature for its consideration during the 2016 legislative session, which begins in January 2016. The bill, as filed, is largely identical to the alimony reform bill that Senator Lee filed before the 2015 legislative session. The 2015 bill never made […]

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Hooker v. Hooker

An interspousal gift is established by showing “ ‘(1) donative intent, (2) delivery or possession of the gift, and (3) surrender of dominion and control of the gift.’ “ Vigo v. Vigo, 15 So.3d 619, 622 (Fla. 3d DCA 2009) (quoting Mills v. Mills, 845 So.2d 230, 233 (Fla. 3d DCA 2003)). The burden is […]

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Blevins v. Blevins

In Blevins v. Blevins, the trial court abused its discretion by granting modification based upon circumstances that were known at the time of the Final Judgment. The alleged change in circumstances was related to the distance of the Mother’s home from the child’s school, which was known at the time of the divorce. Blevins v […]

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Hall v. Hall

In Hall v. Hall, the trial court denied the Husband’s motion to declare that the parties’ MSA was incomplete. The evidence presented did not support his claim of incompleteness. It appears that he was merely complaining that he made a bad deal. The fact that one party to an agreement apparently made a bad bargain […]

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Kemp v. Kemp

In Kemp v. Kemp, the trial court ordered an interim partial equitable distribution in the absence of a motion requesting such a distribution, and in the absence of any indication that such distribution could be revisited at a later date. This was error. The only thing requested was temporary attorney’s fees, which was denied. The […]

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