Author Archives: Steve Marsee
Violating Visitation Rights in Child Custody Cases
Child custody agreements are set by the court during divorce proceedings. Florida family courts presume that there should be shared custody among the parents unless there is substantial proof showing otherwise. If one parent is given custody of the child, the other parent can still be awarded visitation rights. These rights detail when, where,… Read More »
Florida Lawmakers Propose New Alimony Reform Formula
A “child support-esque” formula that would determine the amount of money awarded for alimony in Florida is now in the works with the state’s legislators. In contrast to the legislation that passed through the state House of Representatives and Senate two years ago that was ultimately vetoed by the governor, this new plan, proposed… Read More »
Domestic Violence and Child Custody
Judges in family court understand the effect that domestic violence can have on a child, and as a result they are often hesitant to give custody to a parent or guardian that has a history of abusive behavior. Research has shown that the biggest risk factor for family violence to pass from one generation… Read More »
Florida Void Marriages
While Florida does not specifically have a law regarding annulment of marriage, it does state when a marriage is considered void or voidable. The courts in the state do make a point of distinction between the two types, and if your marriage is found to be void or voidable you can face similar issues… Read More »
Temporary Orders in Divorce Cases
Divorce cases can take months or years to be finalized in court, and unfortunately there are more immediate short-term decisions that must be figured out before the process is finished. As a result, a family law judge has the power to adjudicate these decisions in the form of temporary orders that last for the… Read More »
Alimony Reform Likely Proposed Again in 2015
Alimony reform is one of the hottest topics of debate happening across the country, and many states have revised their laws regarding spousal support in the last few years. Florida is in the midst of a contentious debate over whether permanent, or lifetime, alimony should be eliminated as an option for spousal support, replaced… Read More »
How Adultery Affects Alimony
In most states, whether one spouse cheats on the other during the course of the marriage is not considered during divorce proceedings for issues like property division or other divisions of assets. However, in Florida the judge is allowed to consider instances of adultery when deciding whether and how much alimony should be paid… Read More »
Missing Girl Found in Mexico with Non-Custodial Father
After nearly five years of living under an assumed name in a remote region of Mexico, authorities have found twelve year old Cara Cox. Taken from her mother during a visitation weekend with her father when she was only eight years old, Aaron Cox, 55, has been arrested in conjunction with finding Cara for… Read More »
Grounds to Terminate Parental Rights in Florida
Being a parent is arguably the biggest responsibility that a person will ever take on in their life. Most parents perform this role well and serve as the protector, caretaker, and role model for their child. However, some parents do not live up to their responsibilities, and Florida law provides the means to terminate… Read More »
Florida Congressman’s Fight Over Temporary Alimony
U.S. Representative Alan Grayson’s messy divorce is getting messier over claims for temporary alimony to fix the house. Court papers filed by the congressman’s estranged wife, Lolita Grayson, claim that he failed to pay for repairs to the family’s 5,300 square foot home while she is living there with four of their children during… Read More »