Approximately 50,000 couples will file for divorce in Florida this year. That annual average rate ranks Florida among one of the top states in the United States for divorces. There are numerous reasons why marriages fail. Possibly one spouse is at fault due to: Adultery Abuse Financial irresponsibility Maybe there is no fault at all. One spouse might feel bored in the marriage or determine they’re just not compatible as a couple. It could be
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A new Florida law taking effect July 1 promises to be a game-changing move toward transparency in the criminal justice system. The law (CS/CS/SB 1392: Criminal Justice) requires all 67 counties to release 25 percent more criminal-justice system data pertaining to: Courts Jails Policing Prison The data will be collected and published in a statewide Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) system publically accessible by the summer of 2019. Going forward, Attorneys, Prosecutors, and the public
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For many Duval County children, summer begins when schools let out around June 1st and ends when the school bell rings mid-August. During those two and a half months, wonderful childhood memories—summer camps, vacations, visits to the beach, zoo and Grandma—are made. Hopefully, children of divorced parents will not recall any summer strife surrounding child custody and time-sharing schedule issues. With a bit of advanced planning, communication and effort from both parents, summer child custody
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If the police have probable cause to think your cell phone contains evidence of a crime, they can obtain a search warrant to examine the content of your device. But what if you have password protected your phone? Can you be compelled to provide the police with your passcode to access the phone? Wouldn’t your refusal to provide your passcode be protected by the Fifth Amendment right against self-incriminating? In December 2016, similar questions were
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In Florida, it’s the child’s legal right that both parents financially support their basic needs. When only one parent has custody, the other parent is generally directed by the court to pay child support. Florida courts determine child support payments based on the combined income of both parents, health insurance, daycare costs, and other financial considerations as well as the amount of overnights the child is with each parent. Essentially, child support payment amounts are
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Being arrested for DUI can be an overwhelming, scary experience. It is a situation the State of Florida takes seriously. Prosecutors are fully prepared to execute harsh, costly punishments even for first-time offenders. Unfortunately, you won’t just be fighting one case against you. In Florida, you’ll face two cases: A criminal case in the courtroom: Where your case will be heard before a judge. An administrative case in front of a hearing officer of the
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The days after a divorce is finalized can bring a whirlwind of emotions. Sadness and anger might linger. You might also feel relief that the stressful legal process is over. Many times we hear clients share their confusion over what they should do next. Divorce is difficult. Many times painful. But it can also be a fresh start—where you embrace new opportunities. Taking proactive steps after your divorce can affect you in positive ways. Below
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What to Do After Your Child Has Been Arrested: As a parent it may be difficult to be notified that your child has been arrested. What happens when your child is sitting in a jail cell? It has been found that many parents are receiving these calls at higher rates in Duval County than in any other coun ty in Florida. In 2016, 469 juveniles were arrested in just Duval County for minor offenses. Minor
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Each November, communities across the nation celebrate National Adoption Month. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about adoption-related issues. For Duval County, National Adoption Month unofficially kicked off on October 31st. This past Halloween, 18 kids officially got new families during a Jacksonville adoption ceremony at the Duval County courthouse. We can just imagine the festivities and delight experienced by both the children and their new parents this holiday season. Adoption can be a joyous
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It’s Saturday night, you’re 20 years old and out partying with your college friends. Someone suggests going to that new nightclub in Jacksonville Beach. No problem, you think. You recently bought a fake id saying you’re over 21 that will make it easy to buy a couple drinks. However, the bouncer at the club spots the fake, keeps ID and prevents you from entering the bar. While you’re hanging out in the parking lot, a
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