There is no such thing as an “easy” divorce. How can it be easy to walk away from a person that you once loved or still love, but can no longer be with? You may value your friendship with your soon to be former spouse or, at the very least, still value having a functional relationship with them, especially if children are involved. In any case, do you truly want to destroy any amicable feelings that you both may have for each other, through the slash and dagger of the traditional divorce? In the traditional divorce, one party files and the other party responds. It may start out amicable, even ..read more

On behalf of Mary Greenwood Collaborative divorce is a relatively recent process developed in response to the adversarial experience in traditional divorce. Many people approaching divorce are not aware of a modern alternative to the traditional divorce trial in which the judge decides all contested issues for the couple. That alternative is collaborative divorce, a more dignified process in which the divorcing spouses agree to settle their issues through respectful negotiation instead of in contentious litigation. The process begins with the execution of a participation agreement in which th ..read more

The upscale condo complex, Casa Di Amici, now limits all sales of units to singles or married couples. Despite outrage that the new restrictions are discriminatory, a condo association lawyer argues the new guidelines are legal. Condo refuses to sell to unmarried gay or heterosexual couples A Florida condominium association won’t let unmarried couples purchase a home — after it released new restrictions this summer that barred couples “living in sin” from owning any property at the upscale complex. And, despite public outcry, the new guidelines are legal. The rules at the Venice condo complex ..read more

Our firm recently received a bulletin from Ideal Identification’s Mr. Bob Smedley concerning a change in FBI policy relating to criminal background checks. The FBI has informed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that effective April 15, 2012, it will no longer accept fingerprint cards submissions for any domestic adoption. While the FBI will continue to take “hard card” fingerprint submissions for international adoption applicants, all domestic adoption applicants must submit their fingerprints electronically by live scan submission. While this once meant that applicants needed to go t ..read more

In Florida, both parents are legally obligated to provide support for their minor child or children and receipt of child support is considered a right of the child not the parents. The purpose of child support is to ensure that the child’s basic needs for food, clothing and shelter are met and, additionally, to allow the child to share in the wealth and good fortune of the parent’s. Establishment Child support is established based upon a formula, which takes into account the net income of both parents, and certain specified expenses including but not limited to the health insurance premiums b ..read more

My story begins as most stories do, with a desire. My desire was to have a family; my dream was a big family, husband and 3 or 4 children. But little did I know that would not be my life. Looking back I see purpose for my singleness in being a co-caregiver for my mother, my mentor, I was able to help care for and be there for her as she had stood beside me. I almost wish that I had started this process before her passing because she would have been a really good Grandmother. However, after her passing, my sight was back on my life and where I was headed, and once again my desire for a family ..read more

Not long ago we adopted a little girl. As first time parents, we are both a bit surprised by how quickly she became the center of our world. Our adoption experience was a story in itself, but space does not suffice to tell it here. There were bitter disappointments along the way, but in the end great joy. If it is in your heart to adopt a child, you will hear a great deal of advice. Those that have been through the process will tell you that the experience is like a roller coaster ride and that it can be very trying. They will also tell you that it will be the most rewarding thing you have ev ..read more

For many couples, adoption is a second yet equally important choice to bring a child into their homes, commonly when infertility issues present obstacles. With multiple attempts to conceive and an equal number of failures over several years, the challenge becomes more stressful when considering that time is of the essence when wanting to raise a child into adulthood. While missing out on certain events that occur with pregnancy, adoption does not have to be the result of “giving up.” Couples are selecting a different route to create a family, provided that they have finally realized that adopt ..read more

As difficult as it was to make the decision to end your marriage, you may have even more difficult decisions ahead. Whether your marriage ended traumatically with a single betrayal or gradually frayed into mutual unhappiness, going through the process of divorce can be difficult, affecting every aspect of your life. You may be hoping to keep your relationship with your ex as amicable as possible, especially if you have children, or you may simply wish to protect yourself from the negativity and animosity of a litigated divorce. Fortunately, divorcing couples have more peaceful options these da ..read more

Adopting a child is a highly personal process for prospective parents. With that emotional element also comes complex legal steps that require patience. Once the day comes when a family is united, reality takes over, particularly when it comes to finances. While parents prepare emotionally for a dramatic change in their lifestyles, financial considerations over the short and long-term require an equal amount of attention. Proactive Steps are Paramount Adding to a family requires a thorough look at all costs combined with a deep dive into the current financial picture and the long-term expe ..read more