On May 3, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, 65, and his wife Melinda French Gates, 56, announced their divorce on Twitter after almost 30 years of marriage. That same day, Ms. Gates filed a petition for divorce, which Mr. Gates joined. The petition states that the...
Daniel Forrest
Florida prenups and postnups
What’s the real difference and what does it mean?Either before or during marriage, spouses can enter into specialized marital contracts in which they agree to terms of their marital relationship, terms in case of divorce, or terms that will apply after one or both of...
Parental alienation and timesharing in Florida, part 2
What legal rights do you have if your children’s other parent has turned them against you?If your ex- or soon-to-be ex-spouse has engaged in parental alienation behavior that has caused your kids to reject you, the key to stopping this injustice is to show a judge...
Timesharing and parental alienation, part 1
What are your rights in Florida when your children have been turned against you? Conflict between separated or divorced parents is not unusual. A relationship that produced at least one child for some reason has fallen apart – and sometimes there are hard feelings or...
But, it’s my life!
When can a child voice a preference for where they live after a Florida divorce?When a Florida court establishes or modifies child custody arrangements in a parenting plan involving parental responsibility, time-sharing schedules and the child’s residential...
Is Broward best?
How to determine the appropriate Florida county for filing for divorceVenue is the legal principle that determines which court or courts have the legal power to hear a particular dispute. A spouse filing for divorce in Florida should normally file the petition in...
She beat me to it!
Does the petitioner in Florida divorce proceedings gain any advantage?The answer is – sometimes, depending on your goals and circumstances. This issue is complicated, so sitting down for a discussion with an experienced family lawyer who knows the obvious as well as...
Ay chihuahua! Animal allergies and Florida parenting plans
Can Fido keep me from seeing my child?Well, maybe, if it’s in your child’s best interest from a health and welfare standpoint. When your son or daughter is allergic to your dog, cat or other pet, you might not be able to have your child in your home. You probably...
Coronavirus layoffs: How fast can you modify Florida alimony payments?
As the state of Florida slowly opens, the 17th Judicial Circuit Courts in Broward County will open with limited services provided by the Clerk of Courts on June 1, but courtrooms remain physically closed to the public. As of this May 27 writing, Broward County courts...
Florida courts are closed
Is it harder to get a divorce during the COVID-19 pandemic? Despite the coronavirus and the restrictions it has brought to all aspects of life, in Florida, while the courts are physically closed to the public for the most part, they have in large part moved legal...