When our clients start the process of dissolving their marriage in Florida, the topic of alimony and spousal support invariably comes up. Usually asked in some phrasing of the following questions: “Can I get alimony from my ex?” “Will I have to pay my ex alimony?” Our answer to both questions is: “Maybe.” Florida laws do not provide a guarantee either spouse will be granted alimony or spousal support in cases of divorce. Below, we’ll
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According to Magistrate Judge Kandis Westmore of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California, police cannot force a suspect to unlock their phone through facial recognition, a fingerprint or an iris scan. Forcing a suspect to do so would violate their rights against self-incrimination as protected by the Fifth Amendment. This decision overrules previous circuit court rulings in California that biometric features were considered testimonies since suspects weren’t verbally giving up their
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When the holiday festivities end, people begin their planning for the New Year. For many couples, the New Year means beginning the process of divorce. January is dubbed National Divorce Month. It’s the month when courts start seeing a spike in divorce cases. In 2019, January 7 is dubbed Divorce Day. A day when Family Law Attorneys receive an increase in inquiries about divorce. The timing makes some sense. Many couples prefer not to spoil
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If you’re ever caught shoplifting in Florida, you could face serious criminal penalties. You’ll also be joining a group of people that include young and old, rich and poor, celebrities and politicians. According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP), 1 in 11 people will shoplift during their lifetime. However, only 1 in 48 shoplifters will be caught. Penalties for shoplifting can include fines, jail and prison time. It’s a serious charge that could
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Holidays are meant to be joyful for the whole family. However, the holidays can be stressful for divorced and separated parents and their children who must deal with visitation issues. Between parents and extended families, the holidays can be tough, taxing, and traumatic for everyone involved with children of divorce or separation. It doesn’t have to be. Many holiday planners (and Martha Stewart followers) know that a well-organized holiday schedule can be the best way
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a yearly reminder for people to be mindful of a serious situation that can be devastating to victims—leaving deep scars in women, men and children that take years and even decades to heal. The U.S. Government estimates that nearly 25% of all adult women and nearly 14% of men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner. As alarming as those statistics can be, what’s just as harrowing
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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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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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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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