Military Divorce in Jacksonville: What Service Members and Spouses Need to Know
A military divorce in Jacksonville follows Florida divorce law, but federal protections and military benefits add another layer to the process. Florida military divorce cases can involve additional rules governing deployments, military retirement, TRICARE, and other service-related benefits.
Jacksonville’s military presence includes Naval Station Mayport, NAS Jacksonville, and...
Parental Relocation with a Child in Florida: Understanding Fla. Stat. §61.13001
If you want to move with your child after a divorce or custody case, Florida law may require either the other parent's agreement or court approval before you relocate. Whether you're moving across the state or leaving Florida altogether, Fla. Stat. §61.13001 sets specific rules that can affect your parental...
IEP vs. 504 Plan: What’s the Difference and Which Does Your Florida Student Need?
If your child is struggling in school because of a disability, medical condition, or learning challenge, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a 504 Plan are two of the primary forms of support available. The biggest difference is that an IEP provides specialized instruction and related services under federal special education law,...
Who Can Use a Supported Decision-Making Agreement in Florida
In Florida, an adult who wants help receiving information and communicating decisions may use a supported decision-making agreement while continuing to retain their own legal decision-making authority. It is especially useful for a person with a disability, including a young adult turning 18, who needs trusted support but does not need...
Navigating Alimony Modifications Under Florida’s New Guidelines
Florida’s 2023 alimony reform changed how support is awarded and modified. Permanent alimony is no longer available, and courts now focus on durational and rehabilitative support, with clearer limits on length and amount. If you are paying or receiving alimony, these updates can directly affect whether your current order can be modified.
Florida’s 50-50 Time-Sharing Presumption Explained
Florida law provides a rebuttable presumption that equal, 50-50 time-sharing is in a child’s best interests. This does not guarantee equal time in every case, but it means the court begins there and requires evidence to justify a different schedule. If you are going through a divorce or paternity case, this shift...
The New Presumption of Equal Time-Sharing in Florida
Under previous Florida law, there was no presumption of any particular child custody (time-sharing) schedule. This allowed family court judges considerably broad discretion in how to assign custody, in line with the prevailing best interests of the child standard.
However, recent statutory changes have created a rebuttable presumption of...
7 Common Estate Planning Mistakes
Estate planning mistakes often happen when documents are outdated, assets are overlooked, or decisions are made without considering how life changes over time. These missteps can lead to confusion, delays, and outcomes that do not reflect your wishes. Avoiding the most common errors helps protect your family and keeps your plan aligned...
How to Address Disputes Over Alimony Payments
Alimony disputes in Florida must be resolved through the court system, not through informal agreements or unilateral decisions. If your financial circumstances have changed or the current order no longer reflects your situation, you may seek a modification by presenting specific facts and supporting documentation.
When you are dealing...
How Florida’s New Adoption Laws Affect Prospective Parents
If you're considering adoption in Jacksonville or anywhere...