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 ...
May
Do Alimony and Spousal Support Mean the Same Thing in Florida?
If you're going through a divorce in Florida or just starting to research your options, you’ve probably come across two different phrases: alimony and spousal support. At first glance, they seem to mean the same thing-and in many cases, people use them interchangeably. But do they actually mean the same thing in the eyes of Florida law? The short answer: not exactly. While both terms refer to financial support paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce, Florida only officially recognizes one of them, alimony. That distinction might sound small, but it matters more than most people think. Why Florida Uses the Term Alimony Here’s the thing: Florida statutes, cour ...
May
Do You Need an Attorney to Create a Postnuptial Agreement?
A postnuptial agreement is a legal contract that spouses create after they’re already married. It typically outlines how assets, debts, and other financial matters will be handled if the marriage ends in divorce or death. While many people are familiar with prenuptial agreements, postnups are less common but can often be just as important. One of the most common questions I hear from clients about postnups is whether or not they need a lawyer to create a postnuptial agreement. The short answer is no, it's not technically required, but it's highly recommended. Here's why. Can You Legally Create a Postnuptial Agreement Without an Attorney? Yes, you can. In Florida and most oth ...
Apr
Are Lottery Winnings Marital Property?
Winning the lottery might feel like a dream come true, until you realize your marriage is on the rocks and divorce is on the table. In that case, the million-dollar question becomes: do I have to share it? Florida law doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all answer. Whether lottery winnings are considered marital property depends on several factors, including when the ticket was purchased, how the money was handled, and whether you’ve taken steps to protect it. How Florida Defines Marital Property Florida is an equitable distribution state. That means when a couple divorces, the court divides marital assets in a way that’s fair, but not necessarily 50/50. Figuring out what counts as a "marit ...
Mar
How to Avoid Alimony in Florida
Alimony, or sometimes called spousal support, is often a big piece of Florida divorce cases. Florida law does not automatically grant alimony; a court will award it only if one spouse has a demonstrated need and the other has the ability to pay. If you're someone looking legally avoid or minimize alimony obligations, proactive planning and smart legal strategies are a must. Types of Alimony in Florida Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: A short-term support intended to “bridge the gap” between married and single life. Bridge-the-gap alimony terminates upon the death of either party or remarriage of the recipient, and it is non-modifiable by statute 61.08. Rehabilitative Alimony: Support designed to h ...
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.
She Took the Kids Without Telling Me - What Do I Do Now?
How Long Does a Dissolution of Marriage Take in Florida?
