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Do Unmarried Parents Have to Pay Child Support in Florida?

In Florida, every parent is financially responsible for the children. Regardless of marital status, child support is issued by a court order. The payment amounts are based on various factors, including income. Jacobs Law Firm, an Orlando paternity attorney, will discuss parental rights in Florida. Parents seeking child support and child custody should retain a family lawyer. We’ll explain why.   Unmarried parents with kids who split up go through a different process than in a divorce. With marriage rates declining, some people choose to stay officially single. Couples in Florida who are unmarried and have kids may break up in the future. While divorce proceedings will be avoided, child support and custody won’t be. If you recently went through a breakup and are a single parent in Florida, you want to retain a family lawyer.   Paternity needs first to be established in the courts to get child support in Florida. Unwed parents should do this right after the child is born...

Is an Amicable Divorce the Same as a Collaborative in Florida?

The words amicable and collaborative are both are associated with being “cooperative”. Therefore, you might think that these types of divorces have the same process in Florida. However, an amicable dissolution of marriage is very different from a collaborative one. Jacobs Law Firm, a divorce attorney in Winter Park FL and collaborative family lawyer Florida, will explain why they aren’t the same.   An amicable divorce is when both spouses agree to get along during the proceedings. In many cases, your attorney files an uncontested divorce. The couple agrees on their own on how to split property, and one or both spouses have an attorney. If there are kids, both parents reach an agreement on child support modification Orlando . Jacobs Law Firm works with clients seeking an amicable divorce in Winter Park, FL. If you feel that this is the best route for you, set up a consultation with our attorneys today.   An amicable divorce is easier, quicker, and cheaper than a collabo...

Can Alimony be Reduced in Florida?

Alimony or spousal support can be You want to hire a lawyer to reduce your alimony because it can be a complicated process. Spousal support ordered as part of a divorce settlement can be modified. Attorneys file a Supplemental Petition for Modification of Alimony in the Florida courts. You need to show substantial changes in your circumstances. Jacobs Law Firm, an alimony attorney in Orlando, will briefly discuss the process.   Florida has several types of alimony, and two are not subject to modification. Lump-sum or one-time payments can’t be reduced. Bridge-the-gap alimony provides temporary financial relief and can’t be modified. This type of spousal support has a set date when payments end and can’t extend beyond two years in Florida. Also, divorce decrees stating “non-modifiable alimony” can’t be altered. Jacobs Law Firm in Orlando can evaluate your case and explain the types of spousal support. Our attorneys can see if you qualify for alimony modification or termination. ...

What is the Average Amount of Alimony in Florida?

In some divorce cases, one partner may ask for alimony because they might need financial help. The courts determine how much should be paid and for how long. A judge looks at the needs of the spouse seeking support and the ability of the ex-spouse to pay. Therefore, the average amount of alimony in Florida varies. Divorce settlements are based on other factors, including the length of the marriage. Jacobs Law Firm, an alimony attorney in Orlando, FL, will go over the basics.   Knowing how Florida alimony is calculated helps you prepare financially. The amount of spousal support payments and the duration lets you know what to expect. A general outline of an alimony calculator uses this formula: 30% of the paying spouse’s gross income – 20% of the receiving partner’s income = alimony. Unfortunately, that formula does not contain any of the unique facts of your case and does not truly provide an accurate number based on the evidence you will present to the court. Our Orlando, FL a...

Retirement in a Florida Divorce?

  After you get married, you plan to grow older with your spouse and enjoy life. Many couples plan for a future together, including retirement. Partners often look forward to their free time and save up for it. You may have plans to travel, buy a 2 nd  property, or spend more time with the family. Sometimes, marriages don’t work out, and the life you had planned changes drastically. One question Jacobs Law Firm gets asked frequently is, “who gets the retirement in a divorce?” As a divorce attorney in Orlando, FL, property, and assets are divided equitably in divorce. You spend years investing in a retirement fund that can be lost.   Courts in Florida recognize assets and debt acquired after marriage as marital property. A divorce doesn’t affect most investments you had before getting married. However, retirement funds are often split regardless of when the account was opened. A prenuptial agreement can benefit both partners by offering the potential for post-marital f...

What is a Collaborative Divorce in Florida?

Spouses can participate in a collaborative divorce in Florida. Jacobs Law Firm of Orlando and Clermont FL will explain what a collaborative divorce Orlando is and you may see if it’s right for you. A collaborative divorce Orlando is when a couple decides to end their marriage and stay out of the court for a majority of their case. Spouses may have disagreements but choose to work together to reach a settlement. In Florida, collaborative and uncontested divorces are similar but there are significant differences.   In a collaborative divorce, each spouse needs to retain a separate attorney. Although both sides agree to avoid litigation, lawyers are involved. All parties sign a Florida Collaborative Law Participation Agreement. This document states a divorce settlement will be reached without going to court. The couple and their lawyers have several team meetings with all involved collaborative professionals to agree on the final terms.   Collaborative divorces are relati...

Divorcing During the Holidays

The holiday season is a busy time and should be cheerful. Divorcing during the holidays adds pressure to you and your family. Adding more stress can take its toll when you already have so much going on each day. You’re free to file any time although this may not be an ideal moment. Call Jacobs Law Firm, an Orlando, FL divorce attorney, for the information you need about divorce and family law.   Parents going through a divorce during the holidays is painful for children. Couples without kids may see friction and uneasiness among family members. Divorces may put a damper on any festivities and planned get-togethers. You may find separation to be a joyous occasion, but some friends and family may experience emotions over it.   Anyone in a rocky marriage planning to get a divorce can consult with us any time of the year. You may not know this, but Florida doesn’t recognize legal separations. If you and your partner decide on splitting up and haven’t formally filed, contac...