Nov
Can a Man Put a Woman on Child Support?
There should never be any question that a child’s needs take precedence in any family law case. This is particularly vital to navigating child support matters. Indeed, in recent years, Florida has been prioritizing an ostensibly more equitable approach to determining the division of child support payments. When applied effectively, this tends to be a positive way to ensure a child’s ongoing welfare. However, there are certain cultural nuances that can still affect how child support is paid. While the traditional roles of men as breadwinners and women as homemakers no longer really apply, there are sometimes quite persistent gender-based assumptions in family law cases. Generally ...
Sep
What Happens if a Parent Doesn't Show Up For the Child Support Hearing?
Child support hearings in Florida should never be taken lightly. In many ways, they directly impact the financial and emotional well-being of children whose parents have separated or divorced. This means they’re more than mere formalities. They’re critical for establishing fair and equitable financial support arrangements, ensuring the child's best interests, and upholding the legal obligations of each parent. However there may be times that a parent doesn’t show up for a child support hearing. This can occur for various reasons. It may be the case that one of the parents has legitimate reasons for not making the scheduled date, due to work commitments or health ...
Aug
Who Pays Attorney Fees in a Florida Divorce?
Divorce is a complex and emotionally taxing process that also comes with financial implications. One of the most pressing questions that couples face when going through a divorce in Florida is: Who will be responsible for the attorney fees? It's no surprise that divorces can be expensive, so it isn't uncommon for this to be a main concern. Section 1: Introduction to Attorney Fees in Florida Divorce Cases In Florida, the question of who pays for attorney fees in a divorce case is not as straightforward as one might think. Unlike alimony or child support, which have specific guidelines, the allocation of attorney fees is generally at the discretion of the court. The primary statute gover ...
Jul
Do I Have a Right to Know Where My Child is During Vacation?
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, families have greater opportunities to expand their horizons by traveling to different states or countries. However, this can add complications in shared custody situations. Naturally, everyone involved should want to strike a delicate balance between granting each parent an autonomous relationship with their child and avoiding potential problems. With this in mind, you may find yourself asking “do I have the right to know where my child is during vacation?” Unfortunately, there are no simple answers. There are a range of considerations and variable factors involved. This is why it can be so important to consult your Florida cust ...
Jul
Marriage Annulment Requirements in Florida
Few people enter into a marriage without the intention to forge a long-lasting relationship. Unfortunately, there will be times when unforeseen circumstances arise that lead to your need to end the marriage. However, there are a couple of ways to approach such a matter. While many people are familiar with the concept of a divorce, not so many are aware of how an annulment might be the most appropriate course of action. As with so many aspects of family law, there are specific marriage annulment requirements in Florida. Engaging an experienced family law attorney is essential to ensure you can understand and navigate these. However, it’s also worth taking a moment to explore the subjec ...
Jul
Navigating HB 1301: A Guide During Divorce
Over the course of my career as an attorney specializing in representing men during divorces, I've always believed in the importance of staying informed about changes in the law and sharing this knowledge with my clients. Recently, a significant change has occurred in Florida's family law landscape with the introduction of a new law, HB 1301, which directly impacts parenting and time-sharing of minor children. This law, which went into effect on July 1, 2023, removes the requirement for an unanticipated change in circumstances to modify a parenting plan or time-sharing schedule. It creates a rebuttable presumption that equal time-sharing is in the best interests of the child, and sets the ...
Jul
How to Prove a Common Law Marriage
The concept of a common law marriage is often surrounded by a lot of speculation. Many people believe they know what it entails: that being with your partner for a set number of years means you’re legally recognized as a married couple, despite not having an official ceremony. Yet, it’s always important to avoid proceeding on the basis of popular belief on such matters. In truth, common law marriage in Florida is a complex matter. There are specific restrictions in place surrounding its application. Even if your relationship hypothetically qualifies for recognition under state legislation, you’ll still need to provide sufficient evidence to support your relationship status ...
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?
