Effective Parenting Plans Maria C. Gonzalez, Esq. Florida has a long standing public policy “that each minor child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the parents separate or the marriage of the parties is dissolved and to encourage parents to share the rights and responsibilities, and joys, of childrearing. There is no presumption for or against the … Read More
Permanent Alimony in Short Term Marriages
Permanent Alimony in Short Term Marriages J.J. Dahl Can a spouse get permanent alimony in a short duration marriage where the debilitating issue did not occur during the marriage? Several cases have affirmed permanent alimony in short term marriages where debilitating medical conditions occurred during the marriage. For example, in Reeves v. Reeves, 821 So.2d 333 (Fla. 5th DCA 2002), … Read More
The Significance of Hooker v. Hooker
The Florida Supreme Court released an opinion in the case of Hooker v. Hooker, 42 FLW S396 (Fla. 2017). The Supreme Court agreed with the trial court’s determination that a husband made an interspousal gift of his pre-marital real properties to his wife based on how the parties “treated” the properties during the marriage, and notwithstanding title to the properties … Read More
Chief Supreme Court Justice, Florida Bar Honors One of Our Own
Former AAML Florida President David Manz just received the prestigious Pro Bono Award from the Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice and Florida Bar President for “outstanding efforts above and beyond the call of duty to serve the legal community and state.” Manz, of the Florida Keys, and member of AAML Florida’s Board of Governors, received the Florida Bar President’s Pro … Read More
Considering Mortgage Payment in Calculating Permanent Alimony
(Alex Caballero of Sessums Black Caballero Ficarrotta, Tampa) The Florida Supreme Court has explicitly ruled, if a spouse requests permanent alimony, which includes an amount to be saved, the amount requested for savings should be denied. See Mallard v. Mallard, 771 So. 2d 1138 (Fla. 2000). The law is clear that there is no “savings” alimony. However, in determining permanent … Read More
Daubert in Family Law Cases: The Key to the Evidentiary Gate
The introduction of expert testimony can be a pivotal issue in a complex family law matter. Undoubtedly, there will be cases where you want to keep an expert’s opinion in evidence; and cases where you want to keep an expert’s opinion out of evidence. Since Florida’s 2013 adoption of the Daubert standard, the arguments regarding the admissibility of expert witness … Read More
For the holidays, AAML Foundation gives to those who give hope
The holidays can be an emotionally tough time for a lot of people. That’s especially true for those going through a divorce; families may not look the same, traditions may be changing. While it’s important to connect with difficult feelings and work through them, many people don’t know where to start — that’s where trained professionals can really help. Through … Read More
The Effectiveness of a Well Drafted Nuptial Agreement
Reuben A. Doupé, Esq. In Florida, a sound pre or post nuptial agreement remains an effective tool for setting the transfer of the assets of a married person, in the event of their death or divorce. This article is only intended to discuss the benefits of using a nuptial agreement to protect assets in the event of a divorce. Written … Read More