24 November

Sticky

Be Careful What You Post on Social Media

in Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice, Parenting, Paternity

Social media is fast becoming the way to communicate information ideas, and often pictures to further evidence the written word. Authors Marisa A. Tradatti and Anna C. Hore vary write “There’s a whole generation of people for whom tweeting is as natural as breathing, for whom the word “friend” has become a verb and for whom Web 2.0 is the only media platform they know”. Facebook alone has over 1 billion users, approximately one-seventh of the world’s population, with other social media such as Instant Message, Twitter, YouTube, Linkedin, and just plain texting and e-mails adding countless more users to...

15 November

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Is Being Separated a Requirement for a Divorce in Florida?

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice, Parenting, Paternity

No, being separated is not a requirement for a divorce in the state of Florida. In fact, in Florida, as in five other states, Texas, Mississippi, Deleware, Pennsylvania, and Georgia,legal separation is not recognized.A couple can choose to live apart, in other words, “separate” but the Florida courts do not have a way to make this legal. However, particularly if minor children (children under 18 years of age or special needs adults) are involved the courts, usually with the help of mediation, can adjudicate issues including child support, child custody, visitation, and division of property. When determining child support payments,...

29 October

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When to Switch to a New Attorney

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice, Parenting, Paternity

You have done your research, met with some attorneys specializing in handling situations involving your concerns, chosen the attorney you felt the most comfortable with and had confidence in, and your particular case is well on its way to being decided. Without intending there to be problems with your attorney, several issues have surfaced and it may be time to switch to a new attorney. Changing attorneys during a case can and does happen. Here are some of the reasons why: Lack of prompt and meaningful communication is probably the most frequent cause for concern. Of course, attorneys are busy...

Five Reasons to Consider Switching to a New Attorney

04 October

Sticky

How a Parenting Coordinator Can Help

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice, Parenting, Paternity

How Does a Parenting Coordinator Help Florida Families Pre and Post-Divorce

In states like Florida, unless there are special circumstances, there is no longer a primary custody parent for minor children between ages new-born to 18years but rather a sharing of parental responsibility. This is termed “parental time-sharing.”Basically,this means parents will share equally the care and nurturing of any minor children born or adopted to them as a couple. (The parents do not have to be or have been married.)Additionally, as part of the parenting plan required by the court, all major decision making must be shared in the areas of education, medial, discipline, and religion. While all the above plans for...

29 September

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Divorce Is Not an Ending but A Beginning

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice

Divorce, or as it is now termed, dissolution of marriage, can for many seem the end of the road. This is particularly true in long-term marriages or in marriages where just one partner desires the divorce. And, if the reason for desiring a divorce is another woman or another man, the distress is usually multiplied many times over. Being rejected is probably one of the most hurtful of human experiences and one that puts a huge damper on a person’s ego. In our culture, divorce can be looked upon as “too bad,”and “it was likely your fault in the first...

Can You Make a Beginning From the Ending After a Divorce?

28 June

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When is 50/50 Equal Timesharing Proper and When Is it not Proper?

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice

When is 50/50 Equal Timesharing Proper and When Is it not Proper?

As each state has its own laws regarding the care and nurturing of minor children following a separation or divorce of their biological or adoptive parents, this blog will focus on the state of Florida. For many years Florida, as in most states, awarded the custody of minor children to one or the other parent. Children lived with the parent having primary custody and the parent given secondary custody would receive visitation rights which may or may not have included overnights with their child. Decision making usually rested with the parent holding primary custody which often left out the other...

07 June

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Who Gets the Dog?

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Alimony, Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice

About two years ago a well-received movie who gets the Dog gained the attention of many Americans. The theme of the movie revolved around a couple who had a beloved dog that neither was willing to part with because of their pending divorce. While the movie provided a great deal of humor, in reality, it isn’t funny when a couple desires a divorce but neither party wants to give up claim to a treasured dog. Since the movie, public awareness of the “who gets the dog” issue has increased and courts are being pressured into making the guidelines for the...

Are Dogs Given the Same Status as Minor Children in a Divorce?

24 May

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How Long Does a Divorce Take? How Long Does a Paternity Agreement Take?

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Alimony, Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice

How Long Does a Divorce Take? How Long Does a Paternity Agreement Take?

In reality, the answer to both questions is “it depends on the complexity of the case, the backlog of the court, competency of representing council, and how fast facts, proof, and witnesses can be appropriated and put together. As each state has their own set of guidelines, as found in their statutes, there is no absolute amount of time prescribed for either the length of time it takes for a divorce or for a paternity agreement. Taking one subject at a time, there are issues which can be at least itemized in sequence, if not in length of time. Taking...

16 May

Sticky

Am I Headed for Divorce?

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Alimony, Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice

How do I know a divorce is likely in my future? There are many signs, some known ahead of time and some that come as horrible surprises, to indicate the likelihood a divorce will happen. Here are 6 of these reasons: You have been served with divorce papers and now have 20 days to answer the petition for dissolution of marriage, the term used in most states for “divorce”. You are certain there has been infidelity. This certainty can come from situations including finding your spouse in bed with another, frequent late nights which turn out to be lied about,...

Six Reasons a Divorce May be in Your Future

13 April

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How to Strategically Plan for a Divorce

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Alimony, Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice

Strategic planning sounds like something one does when fighting a war. And, in truth, many divorces are much like a war, with opposing sides, each trying to win the battle and take home the spoils. Sad as this seems, especially as at one time there was love and the hope of a future lifetime together, it is a reality, for at least 50% of the marriages in the US will end in divorce. So, as in war, it is best to strategically plan, usually and most advisably, with the help of an experienced Family Law attorney. Whether you are the...