Category: Divorce and Family Law

Coronavirus and Divorce in Florida

Coronavirus and Divorce in Florida

You are locked away (in a manner of speaking) with your spouse for weeks. There are shortages of toilet paper, food, and mostly, shortages of patience. This is the reality of coronavirus and divorce in Florida, also known as Covid-19. If you were already experiencing marital discord (arguments, disagreements, financial woes, etc.) being isolated with your spouse might exacerbate that situation. During times of a pandemic there is some degree of mass panic that may cause an elevation in stress levels. Thus far, although many Florida courts have cancelled in person appearances, attorneys such as divorce attorneys and family law attorneys may still file divorce and paternity pleadings. Call the Jacobs Law Firm, offices Winter Park and Clermont Florida for the help and guidance you need at 407-335-8113, for uncontested divorce in Florida or contested divorce representation.

Coronavirus and Divorce in Florida

Florida already has a higher than average divorce rate as compared with national statistics. Coronavirus and divorce in Florida may elevate that number. What we know is that we are temporarily, though indefinitely, in a state of national emergency. Stores are largely empty on certain essentials such as toilet paper, hand sanitizers, soaps, bleach, and bottled water. There is a measure of panic out there. Being married is stressful at times, but when we factor in the reality of the impact on businesses and cuts in hours due to non-essential employees being in some instances asked to stay at home, marriages may suffer serious financial hardships. Mortgages may go unpaid, and other bills may go unpaid raising the amounts due. This is serious and is an unfortunate reality. Whether we blame another nation for the outbreak, or our government, or out media for hyping the impact of the virus, the fact remains that even sports and large events are cancelled. It feels like society is at a standstill for a month or longer.

Coronavirus and divorce in Florida go hand-in-hand because marital problems may worsen during times of high tension and stress. If spouses have children, the kids need to be provided for now more than ever. Many schools are closing, leaving kids at home, and requiring one of the parents stay at home to supervise then. This may lead to disputes over whose job is more important and which parent should make the sacrifice of staying at home. Hopefully, employers will recognize this and understand this essential need that families have. Nevertheless, there are many potential stressors that could factor into marriages becoming irretrievably broken.

Ideally, the coronavirus and divorce in Florida will in fact lead to more time together, and closer and more strong bonds with family. Perhaps having a stay-cation with one’s family will help communications get better and will allow for some rare, but well-needed rest and relaxation. There can be an upside to all of this hullabaloo.

Jonathan Jacobs practices divorce (uncontested divorce as well) family law, and civil litigation in Orlando, Kissimmee, Tavares, Sanford, and all throughout Central Florida.

Case Management Conference Florida Divorce

Case Management Conference Florida Divorce

Florida Family Law Rule 12.200 establishes the purpose and parameters of a case management conference in a Florida divorce. This Rule provides for a lot of options for attorneys to help their client’s divorce case. Litigants may schedule a case management conference after 30 days from the date of service of the petition for dissolution of marriage or the paternity petition. Rule 12.200 also acknowledges that a Florida family law court may sua sponte (on its own volition) order the parties and their attorneys to attend a case management conference Florida divorce. If you need a divorce attorney in Orlando or a divorce attorney in Clermont to help you resolve the challenging family law or divorce issues in your case, call us for a consultation, 407-335-8113.

According to Rule 12.200, at a case management conference Florida divorce, the court has the authority to (this is not a full listing, rather it is intended to address some common reasons for setting a conference) set a date certain for trial, narrow or expand discovery, hear arguments for the necessity of expert witnesses, order the parties to attend mediation within a certain period of time, appoint a guardian ad litem, commence a social investigation, and/or schedule further proceedings to address contentious issues in the case.

A case management conference in a Florida divorce is among the most useful tools in an attorney’s arsenal. It enables attorneys to appear before the judge to explain the other side’s lack of compliance with discovery and/or other required disclosures or filings. A case management conference can also hasten the pace of a divorce or paternity case that has slowed down considerably due to a refusal to set a matter for a hearing or otherwise. It serves as a vehicle for resolving issues by court order.

When Do You Need A Case Management Conference In A Florida Divorce?

You do not always need a case management conference in a Florida divorce. It is a tool in the toolkit of attorneys that may be used at an appropriate time. For any number of reasons, including slow-peddling and failure to provide mandatory disclosures, a case management conference can serve the purpose of having the court remind the litigants of their responsibilities (such as taking a genetic test in a paternity action). Cases sometimes go the distance (to trial) because the parties feel the need to have the judge decide their case. Similarly, when one party is non-compliant with the courts rules and protocols, a case management conference Florida divorce can make a substantial difference. Timesharing with the children is often a discussion that happens during these conferences.

Jonathan Jacobs is an uncontested divorce attorney in Orlando, Seminole County, Lake County, Osceola County, and anywhere in Central Florida. Call for a consultation today, 407-335-8113.

uncontested divorce attorney Seminole County Florida

Uncontested Divorce Attorney Seminole County Florida

Jonathan Jacobs is an uncontested divorce attorney Seminole County Florida that works closely with spouses seeking an amicable divorce. An amicable/uncontested divorce can offer many benefits and positive outcomes for couples who prefer to resolve their differences on their OWN terms. Among the best benefits is uncontested divorce in Sanford can be cost-effective and affordable when compared with contested legal battles. One of the first steps in this process is filling out our client intake form. After you have filled out our Jacobs Law Firm’s introductory client intake form for a Sanford uncontested divorce, we can schedule your phone call quickly and get you on our calendar for a thorough review of your case. Why wait days or weeks when you need answers to your most pressing questions? Attorney Jonathan Jacobs is a divorce attorney Orlando and divorce attorney Clermont FL that provides family law consultations and legal services to valued clients. Call today to speak with us, 407-335-8113.

Sanford Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce attorney Seminole County Florida can tell you that uncontested divorces are generally the best kind. Legal fees can be lower, spouses can take their time and get everything right without having to be under the pressure of official court deadlines, and best of all, it is (with a few mandatory court requirements) on YOUR mutual terms. Why would spouses with a working relationship want the judges or the lawyers to decide their parenting schedules or financial division of marital property? Uncontested divorces often result in less bitterness post-divorce and start a pattern of working together to resolve differences and to manage crises. This spirit of cooperation in a Sanford uncontested divorce can be especially important if you have an uncontested divorce with a child together who needs two loving parents, rather than two bickering adults.

What Does An Uncontested Divorce Attorney Seminole County Florida Do?

When you hire the Jacobs Law Firm as your uncontested divorce attorney Seminole County Florida, we will likely draft all of your paperwork, including a marital settlement agreement, parenting plan, and child support guidelines. There may be as many as (estimated) ten or more documents you need to file. The child support guidelines worksheets are best prepared by a family law attorney as they can be especially complex.

We understand that spouses need to save money for their post-divorce life. We can do an installment plans and offer flexible payment options. Please note that there is a filing fee for dissolution/divorce cases in Florida. Keeping a divorce uncontested may also allow you to save on a summons and service of process.

We offer attention to detail, answers to many of your questions, revisions to your agreements/plans, legal advice, guidance in resolving your issues, and a lot of sensitivity to your situation in your Sanford uncontested divorce. If you are considering alimony in your case, plan carefully and thoughtfully.

If you would like to work with us, the Jacobs Law Firm, as your uncontested divorce attorney Seminole County Florida, we will send a contract offer and an invoice and we can get started as soon as you are ready to proceed. This process can unfold primarily on your terms and can be amicable. Call or e-mail us today for the help you need with your uncontested divorce case in Orlando, Kissimmee, Tavares, Sanford, or anywhere else in Central Florida.

Florida Small Claims Court Service of Process

Florida Small Claims Court Service of Process

Florida Small Claims Court Service of Process can be effective in different ways. The Florida Small Claims Rules 2020 provides that service of process can me made by hiring a process server and/or by Certified Mail. If you retain an Orlando small claims attorney or an Osceola small claims attorney, your lawyer will hire a process server for you or attempt to serve the defendant by Certified Mail. If you are in the Central Florida area (Tavares, Kissimmee, Brooksville, Orlando, Sanford, etc.) we welcome you to call us for a referral for your small claims case. This article is for reference only. We are not accepting new civil litigation claims at this time. Please do not contact us with any small claims or other civil claims issues.

According to the Florida Small Claims Rules 2020 (updated in some interesting ways), Florida Small Claims Court Service of Process (Small Claims Rule 7.070) can be made by Certified Mail provided that there is a return receipt filed with the court that demonstrates the defendant(s) signed, or that someone in their household authorized to accept the documents has signed. Specifically, Rule 7.070 states: “Service of process on Florida residents only may also be effected by Certified Mail, return receipt signed by the defendant, or someone authorized to receive mail at the residence or principal place of business of the defendant.” Read carefully. Only Florida residents may be served this way. In cases where the defendant is a business, there is some question as to whether actual service of process is required, but that is an arguable issue of fact and law.

The Florida Small Claims Rules 2020 make it clear that when Florida Small Claims Court Service of Process is done by Certified Mail service, it is generally not valid when the defendant is an out-of-state defendant. Remember, that you may at any time hire a process server to effect service on a defendant. Certified Mail service in small claims court in Florida is often less expensive and easier to do. Of course, the defendant or someone reasonably able to accept the pleadings on their behalf must sign for it, and you must file proof of their acceptance with the court for it to be effective.

Florida Small Claims Rules 2020

Be careful plaintiff. If you are scheduled for pretrial mediation in Florida small claims court, and you are pro se (self-represented), you may encounter problems with Florida Small Claims Court Service of Process  because some clerks of court do not know the Florida Small Claims Rules 2020. Sometimes the clerks will try to cancel mediation claiming the defendant has not been properly served because they only know about service of process by standard means. You may wish to bring to court a copy of Florida Small Claims Rule 7.070 to alert the clerk as to your right to serve the defendant by Certified Mail under the circumstances. Pay careful attention to the Rules and make sure you have complied with them fully. Your case could be delayed or otherwise, for a failure to abide by the Rules.

Attorney Jonathan Jacobs is a civil litigation lawyer in Orlando and an Orlando small claims attorney that has worked with many clients in small claims court. This article is for reference only. We are not accepting new civil litigation claims at this time.

Florida Divorce Jurisdiction

Florida Divorce Jurisdiction

Florida Divorce Jurisdiction is simple in theory and really complicated in practice. There are two kinds of divorce jurisdiction in Florida. The first kind is called Personal Jurisdiction. The second type is known as Subject Matter Jurisdiction. Personal jurisdiction is often easier for our clients to wrap their arms around. Subject matter jurisdiction is what sometimes causes nonplussed (puzzled) looks on faces. Jonathan Jacobs is a divorce attorney in Orlando and a divorce attorney in Lake County Florida. When you need answers to your most important questions about your family law case, call us at 407-335-8113 for more information.

Personal Jurisdiction in Florida

First, let’s address the easier of the two Florida divorce jurisdiction requirements. Personal jurisdiction means exactly how it sounds; the court must have jurisdiction (the legal right to make decisions) over the person (husband or wife). Florida Statute 48.193 identifies the behaviors/acts that subject a spouse to divorce jurisdiction in Florida: “(1)(a) A person, whether or not a citizen or resident of this state, who personally or through an agent…submits himself or herself…to the jurisdiction of the [divorce] courts of this state [Florida]…With respect to a proceeding for alimony, child support, or division of property in connection with an action to dissolve a marriage or with respect to an independent action for support of dependents [paternity lawsuit], maintaining a matrimonial domicile in this state at the time of the commencement of this action or, if the defendant [Respondent] resided in this state preceding the commencement of the action, whether cohabiting during that time or not.” The moral of this story is that personal jurisdiction is the court’s authority over an individual person.

Long-Arm Jurisdiction in Florida Divorce

Have you ever heard of Long-arm jurisdiction? In plain language, long-arm jurisdiction means your spouse lives out of state and you want to have your divorce heard here in Florida. Long-arm divorce jurisdiction matters when a marriage has been over for some time, and one spouse has moved to Florida, or the other spouse has moved to another state from Florida. You still can have the court take divorce jurisdiction in Florida. Provided one party to the divorce has lived in Florida for at least 6 months and the other party has not served you with divorce pleadings from another state, Florida likely may hear your case. The Florida resident seeking to obtain jurisdiction over an out-of-state spouse will need to hire a process server to serve the respondent where he/she resides.

Divorce jurisdiction in Florida

Subject Matter Jurisdiction in Florida Divorces

Here is the statutory language regarding Florida divorce jurisdiction that refers to Subject Matter Jurisdiction: “61.021 To obtain a dissolution of marriage, one of the parties to the marriage must reside 6 months in the state before the filing of the petition.” Subject matter jurisdiction is not about serving the other party. Subject matter jurisdiction is about the court’s authority to hear your case. A Florida divorce court may not confer subject matter jurisdiction on spouses just because they consent to Florida hearing their divorce. At a minimum, one party to the divorce must have lived here in Florida for at least six months or else the court most likely will dismiss the case or refuse to issue a final judgment. Subject matter sounds like it means the nature of the case, and in a way it does. The subject of this article is divorce, and a divorce cannot be granted in Florida until the jurisdiction is established by the six-month policy.

Jonathan Jacobs is a divorce attorney in Clermont and a divorce attorney in Orange County Florida. When you need answers to your most important questions about your divorce or paternity/family law case, call us at 407-335-8113.

ultimate decision making authority florida

Ultimate Decision Making Authority Florida

Ultimate decision making authority Florida in a paternity or a divorce parenting plan is about ensuring the best interests of the children are met. Shared parental responsibility with ultimate decision making authority means, that according to the parenting plan, one parent will be able to make most if not all major decisions for the children. In this type of an agreement, parental responsibility will be “shared” and the parties must confer about major decisions impacting the minor children, but, ultimately, the parent with ultimate decision making authority over major decisions for the minor children has the authority to make the final decision. There is an important exception/caveat to this authority. Call us at 407-335-8113 to speak with a divorce attorney and a family law attorney today.

An exception to ultimate decision making authority Florida was recently propounded by the Fourth District Court of Appeal in the case of Clarke v. Stofft, 263 So. 3d 84 (Fla. 4th DCA 2019). The Court has added that if a parent is awarded shared parental responsibility with ultimate decision making authority, the parenting plan or the court must specify the areas wherein the parent will have this authority. It is not sufficient that this authority is generally stated without any identification of what those issues are that impact the kids.

@divorceinflorida

Parental Responsibility with Decision Making Authority in Florida is about mutually conferring on all major decisions for your children and if one parent disagrees, the parent with decision making authority generally will decide what is in the children’s best interests. #parentalrights #parentalresponsibility #decisionmaking #orlandodivorce #clermontflorida #divorcelaw Not legal advice. Call 407-335-8113 or visit www.jjlawfl.com for a consultation. Jacobs Law Firm is a divorce and family law practice with offices in Winter Park/Orlando and Clermont FL.

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Tie-Breaking Vote in Shared Parental Responsibility with Ultimate Decision Making Authority

Ultimate decision making authority Florida is often colloquially referred to as the “tie-breaking vote” in parental authority designations. This goes back to the principle that both parents must confer (hence why it is shared parental responsibility with ultimate decision making authority) on all major decisions impacting the minor child (at least those specified in the parenting plan), however, one parent has the tie-breaking vote if there is a disagreement.

What are some examples of shared parental responsibility with ultimate decision making authority and the tie-breaking vote being exercised by the parent with the additional authority? Hypothetical: Suppose Mom has ultimate decision making authority and the parenting plan specifies she has this authority over mental-health decisions impacting the child. The minor child has been disruptive at school and may need mental health counseling. Mom tells Dad about this issue, after which the parties spend hours discussing the child’s mental health, and then Dad refuses to consent to allowing the child to be seen by a counselor. Does Mom have the right to allow the child to see the mental health professional without the father’s consent? This is a tricky issue. On the one hand, Mom has the tie-breaking vote and the parenting plan allows her to make this decision. However, Dad’s consent in some circumstances may be required for the child to be seen by a mental health care professional. In a situation like this, if the parties need additional clarification, they may at any time for a motion for clarification or a motion for enforcement for an additional ruling from the court on this important issue. Shared parental responsibility with ultimate decision making authority is not always as clear an issue as one might imagine.

Shared parental responsibility with ultimate decision making authority

Hypothetical 2: Dad has the ultimate decision making authority Florida and tells the Mom that he wants to enroll the minor child in karate or tae kwon do for the child to learn self-defense. Mom disagrees with this and explains her objections to the child being enrolled in an allegedly dangerous sport. Mom refuses to give her consent. However, the parenting plan does not address this specific type of authority over extra-curricular activities. It is possible that despite Dad having the tie-breaking vote, this case could be one that needs to go before the court for further adjudication because the issue of extracurricular activities was not contemplated in the parenting plan and final judgment.  

Jonathan Jacobs is a divorce attorney in Orlando and family law attorney in Clermont Florida. We work with clients when they need help with their divorce and family law cases. Our areas of practice include same sex divorce, paternity petitions, parenting plans, alimony, and child support matters.

parenting plan Florida divorce

Parenting Plan Florida Divorce

A parenting plan in a Florida divorce requires certain basic standards to be met. These minimum requirements are prescribed by Florida Statute 61.13, Florida’s Timesharing Statute. A parenting plan Florida divorce must meet those minimum standards or else a family law divorce court may reject the proposed plan. The litigants and their family law attorneys may be sent back to the proverbial drawing board to draft a plan that meets the minimum standards outlined in the Statute. Call us for help creating your timesharing agreement in your divorce or paternity case. Dial 407-335-8113.

A Parenting plan in a Florida divorce must describe the role each parent will take in the child’s daily life. In practical terms this may mean a parenting plan Florida divorce should identify which parent will provide child support in the form of the meals, transportation, clothes, bathing, and other forms of moral, emotional and logistical support for the minor child. Some of this information may also be specified in the marital settlement agreement.

What Does a Parenting plan in a Florida Divorce Include?

The plan must designate/delineate the time the child will spend with each parent. For example, Parent 1 shall have timesharing (formerly called child custody) with the minor child from Monday after school at 5:30 P.M. until Friday morning school drop-off at 8:30 A.M. Parent 2 shall have all other times. Any reasonable configuration could be appropriate provided that both parents are allowed to have time with the child (frequent and continuing contact to promote the bonds between parents and children and to encourage co-parenting for the benefit of the child).

A parenting plan in a Florida divorce must identify the parent that provides health care (the method or source of health insurance may also be appropriate) for the child. Both parents’ consent should be obtained for mental health treatment if the parties have shared parental responsibility (i.e. both parents must confer regarding all major decisions impacting the child). Mental health treatment can be expensive for families and may be covered by health insurance, but there could still be co-pays. Communicating about these expenses is vital to co-parenting.

You may have heard that a parenting plan Florida divorce must also include school designation authority. This means the plan shall specify which parent’s address will be utilized for school-boundary determination and school registration. This often impacts the timesharing schedule and can majorly influence a parent’s request for relocation.

A parenting plan in a Florida divorce must provide for the means and methods of communications between parents and children. Will the parties use Skype, Google Duo, FaceTime, text messaging, phone calls, letters, and/or any other form(s) of communication? The parents and the court must know. The plan should also incorporate the fact that both parents may share in school, health, and other pertinent records for the child.

One other minimum requirement worth referencing is that the parents shall have shared parental responsibility unless shared parental responsibility would pose a detriment to the child. For example, if one parent has been convicted of domestic violence, a rebuttable presumption is created in favor of the non-convicted parent having sole parental responsibility.

florida divorce parenting plan

Ultimately, a parenting plan Florida divorce is about the best interests of the child. This phrase is rather generalized, but it comes down to what is best for the child’s safety, health, welfare, security, and well-being.

Jonathan Jacobs is a divorce attorney in Orlando and a divorce attorney in Clermont Florida that works with clients on their family law and paternity cases involving minor children to achieve the best outcome for timesharing and child support.

Modifying Permanent Alimony in Florida

Modifying Permanent Alimony in Florida

Many former spouses receiving permanent alimony and those spouses paying permanent periodic alimony have expressed an interested in modifying permanent alimony, especially with Florida alimony reform SB 1416 being signed by Governor DeSantis. Permanent alimony is no longer awardable except in cases involving disability. However, Florida’s alimony reform does not necessarily apply to cases already decided prior to July 1, 2023. The standard bearer for modifying permanent alimony in Florida was established in the cornerstone Florida Supreme Court case of Pimm v. Pimm, 601 So. 2d 534, 536 (Fla. 1992). In Pimm, the Court provided the following burden on the party seeking to modify alimony: “the moving party must show that: (1) there was a substantial change in circumstances; (2) the change was not contemplated at the time of the final judgment of dissolution; and (3) the change is sufficient, material, involuntary, and permanent in nature.” Call the Jacobs Law Firm divorce attorney Orlando, divorce attorney Clermont Florida at 407-335-8113 when you need to know your rights and responsibilities as a person paying or receiving alimony.

The Case Law on Modifying Permanent Alimony in Florida

Recently, the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Davis v. Maloch, No. 5D18-2490 (Fla. 5 DCA 2019) took up the issue of modifying permanent alimony in Florida. In its decision the Davis Court references Florida Statute 61.14, which provides broad discretion to the family law circuit courts to enter an order modifying alimony as equity (legalese for fairness) requires. Building on this equity principle, the Court reasserts that when considering an alimony modification, the judge must look at all relevant factors in Florida Statute 61.08. Albu v. Albu, 150 So. 3d 1226, 1228 (Fla. 4th DCA 2014). When considering the complexity of these legal guidelines, it is no wonder may litigants seek to hire the best divorce attorney Orlando, divorce attorney Clermont Florida to ensure their financial positions are maintained or improved. While the new alimony reform bill is not intended to apply to cases decided prior to July 2023, there is a movement toward allowing payors to retire with dignity and financial security.

Modifying Permanent Alimony in Florida

When to Modify Permanent Alimony

Keep in mind that family law courts are often hesitant to engage in modifying permanent alimony in Florida when the parties initially agreed on a specific award of alimony, and now at some future time have decided their initial agreement should be abrogated. The courts consider that factors such as voluntary underemployment or unemployment, jealousy over remarriage, and bitterness may play unfortunate roles in a party’s decision to petition for a modification of alimony. Again, to reiterate, a party must show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances (this is nebulous but nonetheless a high standard); that the change was not contemplated at the time of Final Judgment of Dissolution (retirement is generally contemplated at a certain time absent disability or winning the Florida Lottery), and that the change is sufficient, material, involuntary, and permanent in nature (involuntariness is challenging to prove).

When you need guidance or to litigate your alimony case call us at 407-335-8113 and schedule your consultation with Orlando alimony attorney, Attorney Jacobs as soon as is practicable.

small claims jurisdictional limit Florida

Small Claims Jurisdictional Limit Florida

We are not accepting new civil litigation claims at this time. Please do not contact us with any small claims or other civil claims issues. This article is for reference only. A small claims case is litigated in county court before a county court Judge that handles a variety of legal issues. All small claims cases are factually distinct, and a large number of legal matters are decided in county court. Beginning on January 1, 2020, the state Legislature has decided that small claims jurisdictional limit Florida is now up to $8,000 exclusive of court costs, statutory interest, and attorney fees. What is the maximum amount you can sue for in small claims court in Florida? The answer is $8,000, not $8,000.01 as that causes you to enter into county civil court and not small claims court.

Small claims court lawsuits may begin with a simple Statement of Claim, or your small claims attorney in Orlando may broaden your lawsuit to include several causes of action. As mentioned earlier, because small claims cases range from car damages to civil theft, to replevin, to rental damages, to destruction of property, insurance lawsuits, and more, hiring a small claims lawyer in Osceola, Lake or Seminole County FL may assist greatly in achieving a recovery of financial or non-monetary damages from your suit. The small claims jurisdictional limit Florida is $8,000.00 which is a substantial amount of money to pursue from the defendant.

What Is The Maximum Amount You Can Sue For in Small Claims Court in Florida?

After filing your lawsuit with the small claims court, your attorney must ensure the defendant or defendants are served with a copy of your complaint/statement of claim and the summons indicating they must respond and/or attend a pretrial mediation. Pro se litigants often try to achieve service by Certified Mail, whereas many small claims lawyers prefer to serve the defendant(s) by process server. 

Once you have figured out your damages and assessed the small claims jurisdictional limit Florida, consider next where to litigate your case. What is the appropriate venue?  Florida Rule 7.060(a) of the Florida Small Claims Rules provides that a plaintiff may sue a defendant per the terms specified in the contract, where the loan note is signed, where the cause of action happened, or where the defendant resides or has their principal place of business. Sometimes there will be a dispute resolution clause in a contract specifying the allegedly proper venue for your lawsuit to be brought.

What Is The Maximum Amount You Can Sue For in Small Claims Court in Florida

The Jacobs Law Firm offers affordable family law help to a wife variety of businesses and individuals across Central Florida.

ncontested divorce in Florida with child

Uncontested Divorce in Florida With Child

An uncontested divorce in Florida with child is more complex than a standard uncontested divorce where the issues are primarily financial. When children are involved, the family law court requires your attorney to present additional documents for the court records. These may include a UCCJEA, an extended Notice of Social Security Numbers, a parenting plan and child support guidelines (described below). How is an uncontested divorce with children different in practice? Call us at 407-335-8113 for a consultation to discuss whether affordable amicable uncontested divorce is right for your family.

In addition to the standard pleadings when there is an uncontested divorce in Florida with child, your amicable divorce or simple divorce (there are several phrases that litigants use to describe this process) must include a parenting plan, a child support guidelines worksheet, a UCCJEA, and a more extensive notice of Social Security Numbers. The Florida parenting plan must meet certain minimum requirements, or the court may require you to amend the plan to comply with its rules and regulations (statutorily speaking). Your uncontested divorce attorney in Orlando will work closely with you to ensure the parenting plan not only meets the court’s requirements, but also ensures it aligns with your schedule so it will be in your and your children’s best interests.

Uncontested Divorce in Florida With Child and Child Support

If your amicable divorce includes children, the court requires a child support guidelines worksheet to be drafted. The Jacobs Law Firm uses a family law software that calculates child support and is used by many Florida courts. The child support calculations include health insurance, daycare expenses, the parties’ gross incomes, and deviations for which party is claiming the child tax credit for the year. With an uncontested divorce in Florida with child many litigants choose to pay child support directly with the option of registering with the State Disbursement Unit should the payor fail to make timely child support payments.

The Notice of Social Security Numbers is generally filed in all cases, and is particularly important if the parties in an uncontested divorce in Florida with child are in need of Title IV-D financial assistance due to poverty, disability, or otherwise. It may appear to be a formality, but when there are children involved, the court requires this document to be filed. Sometimes a parent will know every detail about their child, but not the Social Security Number. This can be obtained from the other party or by visiting the Vital Statistic office to obtain a new Social Security Card for future use.

Ultimately, an uncontested divorce in Florida with child is a process that generally is affordable and can help prevent lasting damage to family relationships. As an uncontested divorce attorney in Lake County FL and in Orlando, it is important to help divorce clients resolve their marital issues amicably. When you need us, call Jacobs Law Firm uncontested divorce attorney at 407-335-8113. We are here to help you negotiate and litigate.