Navigating the ins and outs of assets division during a divorce can be one of the most challenging tasks you might face. Beyond marital properties, you must also tackle one of the most emotionally charged but equally important divorce issues: the division of debt. Your shared debt can significantly impact your financial circumstances even after the legal proceedings have long ended. Thus, understanding how to manage these liabilities is vital in securing your financial health post divorce. Understand how your state views debt Florida is an “equitable distribution” state, which means ..read more

As a non-custodial parent, you have a significant role in maintaining a relationship with your child. In Florida, courts acknowledge this by encouraging all parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives. This is more than just a statement—it’s a commitment to children’s emotional and mental well-being. Children often want both parents to be involved in their lives. They appreciate regular contact and engagement. However, maintaining consistent activity in your child’s life might not be easy, especially if you’re a busy working parent, live far away, or have other commitments that m ..read more

Parental alienation happens when, after a tough split or divorce, a child doesn’t want to be with one parent (the “rejected” parent) and strongly prefers the other parent (the “favored” parent). People often think this only happens when there’s been child abuse or domestic violence. But that’s not the only time it can happen. It can occur in all sorts of situations, even during seemingly amicable separations, and is particularly noticeable in pre-teens aged 9 to 13. Signs of parental alienation When pre-teens are dealing with parental alienation, they might: Not want to spend time with the rej ..read more

Divorce severs ties between partners, but it should never cut the ties between a child and their parents. In fact, Florida public policy requires divorced parents to continue being present for their children. A parenting plan spells out their responsibilities and schedules for time sharing. Taking your child’s age into consideration You and your ex may create a parenting plan for the court to approve. If you can’t agree, the court will set the parenting plan based on the best interests of your child. When coming up with a time-sharing schedule, there are suggested psychological inputs to consi ..read more

A marital settlement agreement (MSA) is a structured plan for life after divorce in Florida. It specifies how divorcing parties will divide assets and liabilities. It also details arrangements for their children, such as custody and timesharing schedules, ensuring both parents’ responsibilities and rights are clearly defined. But when details in this document are vague or ambiguous, it can lead to certain issues that can complicate the divorce process, such as misinterpretations leading to disputes and difficulties in enforcement. Different interpretations An MSA that isn’t clear or complete c ..read more

Dividing property during the divorce can be complex, especially when dealing with valuable assets. Aside from joint accounts and other marital belongings, deciding what to do about the family home can lead to complications. This property usually has an accompanying mortgage, which can be a considerable amount signed under the names of the divorcing couple. The most appropriate course of action concerning the mortgage can vary depending on the divorcing couple’s preferences. Based on the circumstances, they can have different options, including the following: Agreeing to sell the property ..read more

Whether intentional or not, parental alienation can have grave consequences, harming family relationships and leaving a lasting impact on the involved parties. Both parents and children can suffer trauma and emotional distress from these incidents, making it a significant issue in and out of court. Unfortunately, not all parents are aware that their behavior can be alienating. What long-term effects can impact children? If left unaddressed, alienating behavior can cause the following effects: Mental health issues, including anxiety, PTSD and other disorders Low self-esteem and other problems f ..read more

In Florida, courts weigh several factors when determining time-sharing and child custody arrangements. These factors include the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s mental and physical health and any history of domestic violence. However, one factor that usually causes uncertainty among parties is the child’s preference. While courts do consider it, they only do under certain circumstances. The court’s criteria for considering the child’s wishes Under Florida custody laws, a court will only consider a child’s preference in its time-sharing and custody determination if the chil ..read more

You have worked hard to maintain a loving relationship with your children through the whirlwind of divorce. However, despite your best efforts, it seems like your kids are slipping away. You suspect that it is due to the negative influence of your former spouse. When one parent attempts to get their kids on their side by undermining the children’s relationship with the other parent, it is parental alienation. It can impact your parental rights as well as your children’s emotional well-being. Here are things you can do if you suspect that your ex is trying to turn your children against you: Kee ..read more

In Florida, property division follows the principle of equitable distribution. While this aims for fairness, it does not mean that the court will divide all assets equally. Certain assets are subject to division. However, it’s important to understand that there are those that are nonmarital and remain with the owning spouse. This understanding is crucial for navigating the divorce process and ensuring a fair distribution of marital assets. Nonmarital assets and liabilities The court classifies assets into two categories, marital and nonmarital, based on specific conditions. Marital assets are ..read more