Jacobs Law FIrm

Marriage, often depicted as a union built on love and trust, can sometimes take a dark turn when one spouse harms the other, either emotionally or physically. When harm occurs within the context of marriage, it raises complex legal questions about whether one spouse can sue the other for a tort, a civil wrong. Florida's stance on marital tort claims is a fascinating subject that delves into the legal intricacies of balancing personal grievances within the sacred institution of marriage.   What is a Tort Claim?   A tort, in legal terms, refers to a civil wrong that causes harm to someone, leading to legal liability for the person committing the wrong. Common torts include negligence, assault, battery, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.   Marital Tort Claims in Florida   Florida has taken a distinct stance on marital tort claims. Historically, there was a doctrine called "interspousal tort immunity," which barred one spouse from su

In an increasingly globalized world, relationships and families often span continents. The melding of cultures and nationalities can be beautiful, but it also has its challenges, especially when marital discord occurs. One of the gravest issues that can arise in such a backdrop is international child abduction. In the Sunshine State of Florida, with its diverse population and gateway status to Latin America and the Caribbean, the matter takes on added urgency.   What is International Child Abduction?   International child abduction typically occurs when one parent unlawfully takes their child or children to another country, violating the other parent's custody rights. Such actions often stem from marital disputes, divorces, or fears of losing child custody orlando battles. The left-behind parent faces a traumatic situation, struggling to regain access to and custody of their child across international borders.   Florida's Engagement with the Hague Convention  

The term 'grey divorce' has emerged over recent years to describe couples who choose to separate or divorce after many years of marriage, typically in their 50s, 60s, or later. In Florida, a state known for its significant senior population and retirement communities, the phenomenon of grey divorce is particularly noteworthy. With its unique challenges and implications, grey divorce demands a different approach and understanding from both legal and social perspectives.   Why Grey Divorces?   National trends indicate a rising number of older couples choosing to part ways. Despite overall divorce rates witnessing a decline, the rate for those aged 50 and over has roughly doubled since the 1990s. Several factors contribute to this shift:   1. Longer Lifespans : With increased life expectancy, people reassess their happiness and fulfillment in the later stages of life.   2. Evolution of Social Norms : Divorce, once stigmatized, is now more socially accepted, allowin

  Mediation plays a crucial role in family law cases, offering a platform for dispute resolution outside the traditional courtroom setting. It is often a better alternative, which is why in this article, we’ll examine the role of mediation in family law matters in Florida, detailing its benefits, process, and the impact it can have on the outcome of a case.   What is Mediation?   Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates communication between parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution.   In Florida, family law Orlando cases such as divorce, child custody, and property division often utilize mediation. It's a more collaborative, less adversarial approach compared to court trials, focusing on compromise and consensus, which often leads to better results.   In mediation, parties meet with a trained mediator who facilitates discussions and negotiates terms. Unlike a judge, a mediator do

Cohabitation, or living together in an intimate relationship without being married, has become a more common trend in recent years, and yet, its legal implications are not widely understood. Because it is such a common issue, in this article we’ll examine the legal considerations and potential implications of cohabitation in the state of Florida.   Legal Recognition:   Florida does not recognize common-law marriages, and cohabiting couples are generally not granted the same legal protections or benefits as married couples. This means cohabiting couples do not automatically have property rights, inheritance rights, or the ability to make medical decisions for each other. Each person is considered an individual in the eyes of the law, and their rights and responsibilities are typically separate.   In the absence of a legal marriage, property acquired during cohabitation is not considered marital property. Ownership generally remains with the person who purchased the property

Stepparent adoption is a legal process that allows a stepparent to become the legal parent of their spouse's child. In Florida, stepparent adoption offers an opportunity to solidify family bonds and establish legal rights and responsibilities, and because of its importance, in this article, we’ll explore the definition, process, requirements, and overall benefits of stepparent adoption.   Stepparent Adoption: Definition & Process   Stepparent adoption occurs when a stepparent assumes legal parental rights and responsibilities for their spouse's child. It is a significant decision that can provide stability, security, and a sense of belonging within the family unit.   In Florida, the stepparent adoption legal process ensures not only that all parties involved are protected, but also that the best interests of the child are upheld, as a major factor.   The process of stepparent adoption typically involves some simple yet fundamental steps. The stepparent must