What is Simplified Dissolution in Florida?

in Alimony, Child Custody, Divorce Law News, Family Law, Laws and Women, Lawyer’s Advice, Legal Advice

For many years the courts used the term “divorce” to signify the legal ending of a marriage. In those days, there needed to be reasons a marriage could be terminated, such as adultery, misconduct, and emotional or physical abuse. A reason for divorce had to be proven before a court would end a marriage. As time has gone on, however, there have been radical changes in how a marriage can be legally terminated. In many states, including Florida, the term “divorce” has been replaced by the term “dissolution of marriage.” In many states, including Florida, there need be no reason...

16 January

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Social Media Posts and Photos Can Be Used Against You in Court

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Alimony, Child Custody, Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice, Parenting, Time Sharing

Social media, the blessing, and curse of the modern world. YouTube, Facebook, Tumbler, Twitter, Snapchat, Instant Messenger, Linkedin, Instagram, and Pinterest are examples of social media options. It is amazing to be able to talk with and see people around the world. You can take videos of activities, people, and just about anything the mind can think up. Information is non-ending, and music and art abound. Authors Marisa A. Tradatti and Anna C. Horevay write, “There is a whole generation of people for whom tweeting is as natural as breathing, for whom the word ‘friend’ has become a verb and...

07 January

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What is a Retainer? Why Do I Have to Pay One?

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Alimony, Child Custody, Divorce Law News, Family Law, Legal Advice, Parenting, Time Sharing

A retainer, in the legal sense, is an up-front fee paid by a potential client to ‘’retain” or hold the time and expenses an attorney may need to litigate a case properly. The definition of payment by retainer provided by the Legal Information Institute is “A fee that the client pays up-front to an attorney before the attorney has begun work for the client.” A specific outcome is not guaranteed, but rather the attorney will be working on the client’s behalf until an outcome is reached. There are three types of retainers: Retaining fee: an up-front retaining fee held by...

28 December

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How Might Virtual Learning and Working from Home Affect Shared Parenting and Child Support?

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Child Support, COVID l9, Family Law, Parenting, Time Sharing

Due to the COVID pandemic, working from home and virtual learning has now been in effect for many months and, in some areas, is still an everyday occurrence. In fact, some soothsayers are predicting that this change in the way we live is becoming the new norm. In many instances, schools and businesses are finding it financially beneficial to keep doors closed, and students and employees studying and working from home. For some, this change in venue is welcomed, but for many, especially those who depend on parenting plans and child support, there are and will continue to be possible...

18 December

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What Should You Bring to Your Initial Consultation?

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Divorce Law News, Family Law, Lawyer’s Advice, Legal Advice, Parenting

To better understand what you should bring to your initial consultation, it Is necessary to understand what an initial consultation with an attorney is designed to accomplish. There are several things to consider: An initial consultation is not a time when an attorney will be giving direct advice involving your potential case. Instead, it a time for you to present the reasons you need an attorney and for the attorney to listen and make suggestions as to how he or she can be of help in getting you the outcome you hope for. As no one can know the mind...

08 December

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Why an Attorney Will Not Give You Legal Advice in a FREE Consultation

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Alimony, Divorce Law News, Family Law, Lawyer’s Advice, Legal Advice, Parenting

When considering this question, the first thing to clarify is the difference between advice and information. Advice: as defined by online Find Law states, “Legal advice refers to the written or oral counsel about a legal matter that would affect the rights and responsibilities of the person receiving the advice. In addition, actual legal advice requires careful analysis of the law as it applies to a person’s specific situation—as opposed for speculation based on generic facts.” Here an attorney would learn the specific facts of a client’s case and do research to determine how best to proceed. Often just getting ready...

30 April

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How to Efficiently Communicate with Your Attorney

Posted by Grant Gisondo

in Family Law, Laws and Women, Lawyer’s Advice, Legal Advice, Necessary Forms

Communication, likely one of the most important social skills related to the human (and animal) species, is not something a person should take casually or for granted. How to use speech, emotions, and body language to effectively share information between two or more persons becomes a powerful tool, whether for a positive or a negative outcome. Such concerns as taking into account the communication style of those listening, finding empathy with the listener, and hearing what the listener has to say in return are all necessary components of efficient communication. And, efficient communication with your attorney is vitally necessary if...