Blog | Family Lawyer Grant J. Gisondo in Palm Beach Gardens

19 December

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The Use of Expert Witnesses at Trial (Forensic Accountants and Psychologists)

While, in most instances, someone who is to be a witness at a trial must have, by the use of one or more of their five senses, experienced some aspect of the case they will be testifying for. There are however exceptions and these people are called “expert witnesses”. An expert witness is defined as” a person who is a specialist in a subject, often technical, who may present his/her expert opinion without having been witness to any occurrence relating to the lawsuit or criminal case”. Further, Wikipedia goes on to say, “An expert witness in England, Wales, and the...

21 November

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Knowing When to Settle and When Not to Settle

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Family Law, Legal Advice, Mediation

Settling, in the legal sense, refers to deciding that the outcomes desired to culminate a case, such as a divorce, have reached the place where no more can or should be done to litigate the issues under consideration. At this point, be it at mediation or in an attorney’s office, a settlement agreement will be executed then presented to the judge for scrutiny at a final hearing so that the Judge can turn the parties agreement into an order of the Court. It is highly unlikely either party will be 100% happy with the outcome but a settlement indicates both parties were willing to compromise and...

24 October

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Setting Aside Prenuptial Agreements in Florida

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Family Law, Prenuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements made in the state of Florida are, for the most part, accepted by the court in the event of a legal separation or divorce. There are certain instances, however, when a judge will set aside a prenuptial agreement, which he/she is allowed to do under the Florida Family Law statutes. If you are looking to create a prenuptial agreement, that is an agreement made before you marry, deciding, if a divorce happens, specific outcomes for such issues as assets, debts, alimony, retirement funds, and inheritance (especially in regards to children from prior marriages) you need to be very...

24 October

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A Mediator’s Role in Family Law Cases

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Family Law

Mediation is an alternate form of trying to resolve a dispute with the help of a third party who is referred to as a “mediator”. In the case of Family Law matters, mediation is offered in hopes a settlement between two parties can be reached without having to go to court where a judge will resolve matters and set forth the final decree. In most states this method of negotiation has been successfully used for a number of years and in some states is a requirement before a Family Law matter can be put before the court. The issues often...

18 September

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How is Debt Handled in a Florida Divorce?

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Divorce Law News, Family Law

Debt, is money or services owed to a company, bank, individual, or other organization, usually secured by a signed agreement or contract outlining the terms of repayment both in time and money. Most people have, at one time or another incurred debt and sometimes, as is common in a marriage, incurred debt together, or jointly as it is referred to. When a marriage is going well, debt, though sometimes in contention, is worked out between the two parties. However, when a divorce appears to be eminent, debt will suddenly become a very important issue. While much attention will be focused...

How is debt handled in a florida divorce

08 September

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How to Prepare Financially For a Divorce

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Divorce Law News, Family Law

Whether your marriage has finally wound down to where both parties realize a divorce is what they both deem necessary or whether your spouse suddenly tells you there is to be a divorce, it is vitally important you begin to think about and plan for the inevitable financial changes the future may bring. Emotions will no doubt be running high, especially if you have not suspected divorce was coming, but to salvage as much as possible for your post divorce life you must immediately begin to plan for the divorce. And, finances will play a huge role in how you...

27 August

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Why You Need An Attorney… Even If Your Case Is Uncontested or Simple

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Family Law

In today’s world of seemingly complicated legal maneuvers, it hardly seems possible that a case could be considered simple.Or commonly called, uncontested, when both parties agree completely on all issues to be resolved and adjudicated by the court, but hardly simple. The very definition of “simple” states “simple refers to something that’s easy and uncomplicated, without too many steps.” speaks to a modern day court system which can hardly be found to be “simple”. While it is true some cases are very forthright with all necessary proceedings, paperwork, and desired outcomes neatly tied together; there are still numerous steps to...

17 August

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Retroactive Child Support

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Child Support, Family Law

As each state has their own set of Family Law guidelines (statutes), for the purposes of this blog, guidelines for the state of Florida Child Support Laws, which include retroactive situations, will be used. In Florida Family law, the term “in the best interest of the child” is used frequently and in a sense becomes the goal or mission of the Florida Courts. It is important to note that child support in Florida is a legal requirement for all parents, living or not living together, married, divorced, or never married. When a child is born, unless custody is signed over...

11 August

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Hearsay . . .

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Family Law

The most misunderstood objection there is Hearsay, a word that most people hear in movies, and on television, such as judge shows, as well as in many crime or mystery novels where courtroom drama is part of the plot. But what exactly is “hearsay” and just how is it explained and used, or in many cases, not used. The definition of “hearsay” as found in the online legal dictionary, states, “A statement made out of court that is offered in court as evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted”. These statements can have been made verbally, in writing, or by...

01 August

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The Importance of The Family Law Attorney as an Advocate, Counselor, and Advisor

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Family Law

To be able to look at how a Family Law Attorney can be an advocate, counselor, and advisor, it is necessary to determine what areas of law said Family Law Attorney will practice. For the purpose of this blog, a Family Law Attorney with over 10 years experience, Grant Gisondo, will be used as an example. Attorney Gisondo has his practice in West Palm Beach, Florida and serves Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, and Orange counties. He is also licensed in Washington DC and New York. Looking at his areas of practice which include: Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage Child Custody ...