Aug
Obligor vs. Obligee in Florida Child Support
One of the most important considerations for a divorce where shared children are involved is the provision of child support. It can also be one of the more challenging aspects. Overcoming practical hurdles is essential to ensure children get the financial resources they need to thrive after their parents’ divorce. Getting to this point can see you facing some specific terminology and the legal applications associated with it. A common specification that parents come across is the difference between an obligor and an obligee. These terms are vital to understand as they define the legal responsibilities for parents, alongside how child support is calculated and enforced. We’re going to l ...
Aug
Which Offers More Protection in a Florida Divorce, a Prenup or a Trust?
Divorces present various challenges to everyone involved—emotionally, practically, and financially. One of the most common of these is the fair division of assets. This is a particularly important area of focus for high-net-worth individuals or those simply seeking ways to protect their wealth, property, or even the future income they acquire. In Florida, there are a couple of core tools used to protect assets from the complications of divorce: prenuptial agreements—known as prenups—and trusts. Both offer a certain amount of financial protection, although each functions in different ways and is better suited to some circumstances than others. Let’s take a closer look at these methods an ...
Jul
At What Age Can a Child Choose Who to Live With in Florida?
Can a Child Influence Custody Choices? Any custody case involves some significant emotional challenges for everyone involved. While many parents aim for shared custody arrangements with fair parenting plans, this isn’t always possible. Alongside the various considerations for which party will have primary custody, one of the most common questions Florida parents ask is: at what age can a child choose who to live with? Naturally, you want what’s best for your child and that includes taking their wishes seriously. Nevertheless, there are legal considerations that go into formalizing this arrangement. Not to mention that the matter of what is best for a child and what a child’s choi ...
Jul
Community Property vs. Equitable Distribution in Florida
Understanding Division Differences Even in relatively simple divorces, there are often difficult practical elements to manage. One of the most common is the matter of how belongings and assets will be divided. This can also be an incredibly emotionally-charged part of divorce, with disagreements over what is a fair split a typical hurdle to finalizing. Many people assume that everything will be split 50/50. This isn’t always the case and the approach courts take certainly vary depending on where in the country you get divorced. So, we’re going to explore the two most common forms of distribution: community property and equitable distribution. What do they mean, which is relevant ...
Jun
She Took the Kids Without Telling Me - What Do I Do Now?
Stay Calm - You’re Not Alone in This One minute everything feels normal, and the next, the kids are gone. No warning. No explanation. Just silence. If that’s what you’re dealing with right now, know this first: you aren't crazy, and you are not alone. Many fathers in Florida have faced the same gut-wrenching moment, but just know that there is a path forward. I've heard some guys tell me “I came home from work and the house was empty. She didn’t answer my calls. No one would tell me where they were. I thought I had lost them forever.” That feeling of panic is real. But so is the possibility of getting your children back, quickly and legally. This guide will walk you through what to ...
Jun
How Long Does a Dissolution of Marriage Take in Florida?
How Long Is This Going to Take? Without a doubt, one of the most common questions about divorce that I get is: how long is this going to drag out? The truth is, it depends. Some cases move quickly, especially when both sides are cooperative. Others get bogged down with disputes, paperwork delays, or court backlog. In Florida, all divorces are legally called a dissolution of marriage, whether they’re simple and uncontested or complicated and messy. So while many people use the term to describe a fast and friendly split, the law applies it across the board. That’s why this post covers both ends of the spectrum. Quick-Glance Divorce Timelines in Florida Below is a rough overview ...
May
Does it Matter Who Files For Divorce First?
When a divorce is on the horizon, it’s natural to wonder whether it matters who goes first. Should you be the one to file? Or does it make more sense to wait and let your spouse take the lead? You might have heard that the first person to file “wins,” or that being the petitioner puts you in control of the process. The truth? In Florida, it's not quite that simple. Filing first can give you a few advantages, but it won’t make or break your case, and it definitely doesn’t mean the court will take your side. Florida Is a No-Fault Divorce State Let’s start with the legal framework. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need to prove that either spou ...
John DeGirolamo has a heartfelt passion for representing the underdog in an environment that is often unjustly stacked against his clients. He’s earned the trust of tens of thousands of Tampa men seeking a divorce, working with them to create a smooth, fair outcome of their years spent as dedicated husbands & caring fathers.
Obligor vs. Obligee in Florida Child Support
Which Offers More Protection in a Florida Divorce, a Prenup or a Trust?
