Jump to Navigation

Fort Lauderdale Family Law Attorney Blog

Florida Legislature weighs changes to alimony laws

Many in Florida may know that the legislature is considering changing the state's alimony laws that were installed several decades ago. Although many agree that alimony laws may need some updating, they also caution against making overly drastic changes to this important aspect of family law. Currently, there are differing versions of the bill in the Florida House and Senate.

At first, the alimony reform bills, in both the House and Senate, included provisions to eliminate adultery as a component of determining spousal support and set strict limits on how long alimony would be paid. Furthermore, the bill would retroactively affect previously determined alimony settlements. Critics of the original bills argue that they were an attempt to get spouses out of their duty to pay alimony.

Emotions can cloud judgment in divorce proceedings

There is no doubt that divorce is a tough process. Ending a marital relationship is very likely to stir up a slew of emotions, but sometimes those emotions only cause trouble during divorce proceedings. Contested divorce settlements can become unnecessarily litigious when Florida couples do not consider exactly what is best for them while going through divorce.

There is no way to completely avoid emotions during divorce, but there are ways couples can deal with their emotions to reach an amicable settlement. Too often people use divorce court proceedings as a way to exact revenge on their ex-spouse. Unnecessarily letting emotions get in the way of a fair settlement can cause court proceedings to drag on, which only exacerbates emotions.

The lessons of celebrity property division

Seeing the lavish mansions celebrity couples live in gives the impression that they live entirely charmed lives. However, with the recent streak of major celebrity divorces, several famous couples will now be going through the often stressful process of property division. Determining which spouse will be responsible for their home is an incredibly important decision for Fort Lauderdale families, especially if the home is highly valued.

Over the last year, there have been a number of unexpected celebrity divorces. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, married for over 20 years, announced they would be getting divorced last year. They have built a family and own purchased a large home nearly 10 years ago. Another long-term couple, Heidi Klum and Seal, have a home they bought for over $14 million within the last two years.

Stress of divorce impacts babies too

Divorce is never an easy process. Everyone involved in a divorce faces a series of difficult emotions, even infant children. It is common knowledge that divorce is tough on kids, but it may not be obvious that babies are affected by the strain of a divorce. When Florida families make the decision to divorce and determine a child custody arrangement, they should consider the welfare of any children involved, no matter how young they are.

Though babies can't understand the words feuding parents use or what divorce means, they are still very perceptive beings. Babies have the keen ability to sense the emotions of the people they are close too, especially their parents. So, if a baby's parents are fighting, angry or depressed, he or she will detect those emotions and feel them too.

NBA star Bryant likely to split assets with his wife

It seems that many celebrity marriages end quickly. Yet Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa are seeking a divorce after 10 years of marriage. The divorce laws to which the couple is subject indicate that Kobe Bryant may have to split his assets evenly with his wife, since they did not sign a prenuptial agreement. Florida couples may be able to learn a lesson from the basketball player's situation.

Late last year, Vanessa Bryant filed for divorce. The couple was apparently going through an especially difficult period, as the reported reason for their divorce is "irreconcilable differences." Since their wedding in 2001, the couple has had two children.

Florida court decision expands same-sex parental rights

Child custody cases in are often complex and involve considerable emotion. As such, these cases deserve careful consideration of all facts when being deliberated. A recent Florida court decision makes this difficult process less unpredictable and volatile for same-sex parents. Two women were engaged in a very tough child custody battle over the child they raised together, but, in overturning a previous decision, the court determined both parties have full parental rights.

The two women involved in this case had spent 11 years together. After several years into their relationship, they decided to start a family. In the course of planning, they determined which of the two would carry the child, who would provide an egg and gave their daughter both of their last names. They spent two years raising the girl with each other, but eventually decided to end their relationship.

FindLaw Network
Subscribe to This Blog’s Feed
Tell Us About Your Case

Bold labels are required.

Contact Information
disclaimer.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

close

Privacy Policy | FirmSite® by FindLaw, a Thomson Reuters business.