Dec
Your Guide to Status Quo Orders in Florida
What is a Status Quo Order in Florida? A status quo order is a court mandate issued in family law cases to maintain the existing conditions or arrangements between parties while a legal dispute is ongoing. In Florida, these orders are most commonly seen in divorce or child custody cases, where they aim to prevent any sudden or unilateral changes that could disrupt the stability of children or financial obligations. For instance, if one parent tries to suddenly move a child to a new school district or withhold access to joint accounts, a status quo order could step in to keep things as they are until the court makes a final decision. These orders protect both parties by ensuring fair ...
Sep
How to Prove You Were Not Served Properly
When you’re hit with a lawsuit, one of the first things the court must do is make sure you’re notified. That’s what service of process is for—it’s the legal way of letting you know you’re being sued. But if the service wasn’t done right, it can throw the whole case into question. In Florida, this is a big deal because improper service can cause a case to be delayed or even dismissed. For example, in Kozinski v. Phillips, a $450,000 judgment was thrown out because the service wasn’t done properly. This shows that if you weren’t served the right way, the courts might not even have the authority to rule on the case. What Does 'Serve ...
Sep
A Domestic Partnership vs Civil Union in Florida
While most relationships are defined and driven by deep personal connections, it’s important to recognize that the shape of your relationship can also have legal implications. In Florida, many rights and benefits are reserved for those couples who take the step of getting married. Making medical decisions for an incapacitated partner, sharing health benefits, and even dividing assets can be quite complex matters when there isn’t a marriage certificate involved. Yet, there are situations where marriage in Florida isn’t practical. The state still doesn’t legally recognize same-sex marriages. Indeed, a lot of couples today prefer not to get married, seeing it as an outd ...
Aug
Paternity Fraud: What Are the Consequences?
Paternity fraud is more common than many think, especially in states like Florida, where family dynamics can be complex. At its core, paternity fraud happens when a man is wrongly identified as the biological father of a child, often leading him to provide emotional and financial support under false pretenses. This can happen through misrepresentation, mistakes on birth certificates, or deliberate deception. The consequences of paternity fraud can be far-reaching, impacting not just the supposed father but the child, the biological father, and everyone connected to them. It's a situation that brings about significant emotional, financial, and legal challenges. How Paternity Frau ...
Aug
Child Abandonment in Florida
Child abandonment is a grave issue with far-reaching legal and social consequences. In Florida, understanding the laws surrounding child abandonment is crucial for both preventing these situations and knowing how to respond appropriately. This blog post aims to provide comprehensive information on this topic, ensuring readers are well-equipped to handle questions and scenarios related to child abandonment in Florida. By shedding light on the legal definitions, consequences, and available resources, we can foster a better-informed community and help protect vulnerable children from harm. Definition of Child Abandonment in Florida Child abandonment in Florida is legally defined as the act of ...
Apr
Adoption vs Guardianship: Comparing Their Similarities and Differences
When families face the question of who will care for a child, the decisions made can reshape lives and relationships in profound ways. Whether through adoption or guardianship, the legal arrangements chosen not only reflect the current needs of a child but also anticipate their future well-being and integration into a family unit. Both options carry significant emotional and legal weight, much of which we'll discuss below. Understanding Adoption and Guardianship Adoption is a legal process that permanently transfers all parental rights from the biological parents to the adoptive parents. Once the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents are the child's parents in every legal s ...
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.
Your Guide to Status Quo Orders in Florida
Can You Go to Jail at a Show Cause Hearing?
