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orlando MARITAL & family LAW

practice areas

one focus: family law

My practice is limited exclusively to family law.  “Family law” deals with the rights and conflicts arising out of family relationships.  While the term is typically used interchangeably with “divorce law,” the practice also includes issues related to parental rights, children’s issues, domestic violence, and financial issues related to divorce or parentage.  Below are examples of cases that I handle.

dissolution of marriage (Divorce)

In Florida, “divorce” is referred to as dissolution of marriage.  An action for dissolution of marriage seeks to dissolve the legal bonds of marriage between two individuals.  This can be a stressful and challenging process.  I have the specialized knowledge and compassion you need to assist with the following issues in your divorce case:

  • Rights to property
  • Division of assets
  • Responsibility for debts
  • Alimony
  • Parental responsibility
  • Child support

parentage & paternity

Parentage or paternity seeks to give rights to the father, the mother, and the child.  I can help you to navigate the often-complex issues involved in paternity cases, such as:

  • Establishing paternity
  • Challenging or disestablishing paternity
  • Obtaining or modifying child support
  • Protecting your financial interests

child support

Child support is an important obligation to contribute financially to the needs of your child.  A knowledgeable family lawyer can help you to understand how much you may be ordered to pay or if you will receive enough to meet your child’s needs. While the total obligation is determined by a statutory framework, the following factors are included in the calculation:

  • The incomes of each parent
  • The amount of time-sharing with the child
  • Daycare costs
  • Educational expenses
  • Healthcare costs and premiums
  • Travel expenses

child custody (Time-Sharing and parenting plans)

In Florida, custody is broken down into two separate, but related elements: parental responsibility and time-sharing.  In every family case involving children, the Court must make an independent determination as to parental responsibility and time-sharing based on the best interests of the child — even if the parents agree on this issue.  I can help you navigate through issues such as:

  • Decision-making responsibility for the child
  • Educational designation
  • Regular time-sharing
  • Holiday time-sharing
  • Extracurricular activities

prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

If you are planning on getting married, a prenuptial agreement can address each spouse’s rights both during and after the marriage, in the event of divorce.  For better or for worse, divorcing spouses without a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement must follow the default provisions of Florida’s statutes, which will dictate:

  • What assets are “marital” and “nonmarital”
  • What liabilities or debts are “marital” and “nonmarital”
  • Whether one spouse is entitled to alimony from the other
  • Whether a spouse can claim a portion of the other’s retirement or business interests

domestic violence injunctions

Domestic violence is a serious matter and has both civil and criminal implications. Unwanted contact between spouses or partners may be punishable by a restraining order (injunction) and/or criminal charges. Moreover, domestic violence can impact a pending divorce or paternity case.  I can help you to protect your rights if:

  • You are a victim of domestic violence
  • You are in fear of becoming a victim of domestic violence
  • You are in a divorce or paternity proceeding, and a risk for domestic violence exists

enforcement and contempt

Agreements and court orders must be followed.  When a party fails to follow an agreement or the clear requirements of a court order, or you are accused of violating a court order or agreement, I can help you to:

  • Enforce prior court orders
  • Avoid or defend against allegations of contempt of court 
  • Enforce marital or mediated settlement agreements 

modification of prior orders

Certain orders and judgments, such as those dealing with child support, alimony, parenting plans, or time-sharing, may be modified when certain conditions are met.  I have the specialized knowledge to assist you in:

  • Changing a time-sharing schedule
  • Increasing or decreasing child support 
  • Increasing, decreasing, or suspending certain types of alimony
  • Modifying a parent’s right to make significant decisions about a minor child

relocation

During or after a divorce or paternity case, one parent may seek to move away from their current residence with or without their minor child. This may impact a parent’s right to access or be involved with their child. In these situations, Florida law provides a very specific process that the relocating parent must follow prior to moving away. 

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(407) 720-7211

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