Florida Divorce in the Top Five

Divorce rates continue to fall along with marriage rates. See where Florida falls here.

Parenting Plans and Siblings

Parenting media expert Avidan Milevsky explains why making room for siblings in parenting plans is paramount. Read more here.

Prenups: Not Just for Celebrities Anymore

Once reserved for the wealthy, prenuptial agreements can help protect anyone with personal assets, property and even children from a previous marriage. Read more here.

Heartthrob Adam Levine and fiancee Behati  Prinsloo.

The Kaye Family: Adoption Success Story

The Safe Children Coalition helps two Florida siblings find a forever home.  Read more here.

New Non-Invasive Paternity Test Provides Answers Quickly

New paternity test can determine father as early as eight weeks into fetal development. Read more here. 

Four-Legged Family Member Costs Couple Adoption

Couple claims their adoption was denied because of their family dog is part pit bull. Read more here.

Exonerated Man Receives $6 Million in Compensation: Ex-Wife Sues for Her Share

Exonerated man receives $6 million in compensation after spending 24 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Ex-wife wants her share. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2343360/Ex-wife-sues-husband-compensation-24-years-spent-prison-crimes-HE-DIDNT-COMMIT.html

Further Estate Planning May Have Saved Gandofini Heirs Millions

James Gondofini heirs may lose up to 50% of inheritance to taxes.

http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20130712/FREE/130719966

Grandparents' Request to Adopt Denied

Minnesota Supreme Court rules in two-year-long adoption case. Court decides in favor of foster parents.

http://www.jenniferdanelaw.com/Blog.html?entry=grandparents-request-to-adopt-denied

Summer Safety Tips

A great time for outdoor sports, vacations and family gatherings, summer is the most active time of year for adults and kids alike. Increased activity, however, means increased chances for accidents and injuries. Although this list doesn’t cover every possible mishap, here a few tips to help you and your family stay safe during the most active and enjoyable time of the year. 

Happy 4^th of July

Patriots celebrated the first Independence Day in 1777, just one year after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Bells rang out, candles were lit, guns were fired and firecrackers were set off. That tradition carries on today with cities throughout the U.S. shooting off between $75,000 and $300,000 in fireworks every 4^th of July.

On a smaller scale, families throughout neighborhoods in the U.S. enjoy personal fireworks shows, but the American Academy of Pediatrics warns fireworks are dangerous and can cause permanent burns, scars and disfigurement.

Although most experts agree the best option is to attend a local fireworks show in your community, if shooting off fireworks is a tradition in your family, be sure to follow these simple safety rules.

• Make sure an adult is present at all times. Children should never play with fireworks without adult supervision.
• Though generally considered safe, sparklers can reach a temperature of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt gold. Make sure kids keep them outside and away from the face, clothing and hair.
• Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
• Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them when lighting.
• Always use fireworks outside with a bucket of water or hose nearby.
• Don’t let kids pick up fireworks after an event; some may still be lit.
• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash.
• Buy only legal fireworks (illegal ones will not have labels on them) and store them in a cool, dry place.
• If someone is injured from fireworks, call 9-1-1 immediately. If the injury is to the eye, don’t rub the eye or attempt to wash it out. Wait for professional help to arrive.

Water Safety Tips

When the weather heats up, splashing around in cool, refreshing water is a welcome treat. While it’s natural to head to the beach or pool in the summer months, taking a few precautions will help ensure your family enjoys safe hydro fun.

The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips:

At the Beach

• Swim in areas where a lifeguard is present; a study by the United States Lifesaving Association reports your chances of drowning are five times greater on a beach without lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy.
• Never leave a young child unattended in the water.
• Be sure young children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

At the Pool

• Install a barrier around the pool and consider safety covers and pool alarms as an extra precaution.
• Never allow children to swim without an adult present. 
• Do not let children play around drains or suction fittings.
• Adults should stay within arm’s reach of small children.
• Always keep a cell phone nearby

General Water Safety

• Enroll the whole family in swim lessons to ensure everyone knows how to swim.
• Avoid alcohol use when swimming or participating in water activities.
• If a child is missing, check the water first.
• Enroll in a first aid or CPR course to learn how to respond in emergency situations.

Bug Safety

Families spend more time outdoors during than summer. Unfortunately, outside is where the bugs are.   More than just an annoyance, insects can cause painful bites and stings in addition to carrying infectious diseases. To ward off the pesky creatures, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises the following:

• Don’t use scented soaps, perfumes or hair spray on your child.
• Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate.
• Avoid dressing your little fashionista in bright colors or flowery prints.
• Don’t combine sunscreen with insect repellent products. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, but insect repellent should not be reapplied.
• To prevent insect-related diseases, use repellents containing DEET, but do not use DEET on children under 2 months of age.  For children over 2 months old, the recommendation is to use 10 to 30 percent DEET. Ten percent DEET provides protection for about 2 hours, and 30 percent protects for about 5 hours. Choose the lowest concentration that will provide the required length of coverage.

Toy Safety

Within the increased sunlight hours, children are playing on their toys for many hours a day. Whether your child enjoys bike rides, skating devices or off-road vehicles, following these safety rules will help prevent injuries.   

• Make sure children wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how close to home.
• When purchasing helmets, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets CPSC safety standards.
• Children riding skateboards and scooters should wear protective gear at all times, particularly ASTM-approved safety helmets.
• Before riding skateboards or scooters, survey the terrain for obstacles such as potholes, rocks and debris.
• Children under the age of 8 should be closely supervised at all times when riding skateboards and scooters and when using inline skates.
• If a child is too young to have a driver’s license, he or she should not operate an off-road vehicle.
• Never ride double on an ATV. Most ATVs are built for a single rider.
• All ATV riders should wear helmets, eye protection and sturdy shoes (no flip-flops).
• Wear helmets designed for motorcycles and not bicycles when riding an ATV.
• Be sure the ATV is equipped with flags, reflectors and lights to make it more visible.

Travel Safety Tips

Summer vacations create memories that last a lifetime. Whether vacation plans call for exploring national landmarks, playing in theme parks or studying foreign cultures, the trip will be smoother if you plan ahead and follow these basic safety tips.

On the Road

• Always use car safety seats with young children, and be sure older children are buckled up at all times.
• Children under the age of 13 should ride in the rear seat.
• Bring interesting toys and games to keep children occupied.
• Plan on stopping every two hours to give children a break.
• Never leave a child alone in a car, even for a minute. Temperatures can reach deadly levels on the inside of a car quickly.
• Bring a traveler’s health kit that includes medications, basic first aid supplies, sunscreen, insect repellent and a contact card with information for a close relative, your family physician and your health insurance company.  
• Bring water and snacks.

In the Air

• Be sure children under the age of 2 are securely fastened in child restraint seats. If you use your car seat, check the label to be sure it’s approved for motor vehicles and aircraft.
• Call the airlines ahead of time to ensure they have emergency equipment designed specifically for small children.
• Keep your child’s seatbelt on him or her as much as possible.
• Take the aisle seat for yourself and let children take the middle and window seats.
• Never let your child go to the lavatory alone.

Overseas

• Take a copy of the travel itinerary to your pediatrician. He or she can assess any disease risks and determine if additional immunizations are required.
• Carry an up-to-date immunization record for each child.
• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control for any warnings they might have about visiting your destination.

General Family Travel Tips

• When in foreign places and tourist destinations, designate a central meeting place in case someone gets separated from the pack.
• Check hotel rooms for safety hazards such a sharp objects, and bring along child safety gadgets such as outlet covers and toilet locks.
• Don’t let children answer the door in hotel rooms. Instruct them to get an adult if someone knocks on the door.
• Leave copies of your travel documents with a family member back home including passports, insurance cards, itinerary, emergency medical numbers and credit card information.
• If divorced, be sure to follow the provisions outlined in the parenting plan before and during your vacation. For help drafting a parenting plan, contact Jennifer T. Dane, P.A. at 407-260-0500 or visit jenniferdanelaw.com for more information.

Have a Safe and Happy Summer!

Sources: kidshealth.org, Fireworks Safety, pletch.com, Cost of Fireworks: How much do cities spend?, kidshealth.org, Fireworks: Handle with Care,  American Red Cross, Water Safety, my pompanobeach.org, 10 Rules for Safety,  University Hospitals, Summer Travel Safety Guide,  parents.com, Child Travel Safety Tips, American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips.

Multimillionare's Adoption of Girlfriend Denied

Man convicted in wrongful death suit attempts to adopt girlfriend to hide assets from the victim's family.

Polo mogul John Goodman, pictured during his March 2012 trial in West Palm Beach.(Photo: Lannis Waters, The Palm Beach Post, via AP)

http://www.jenniferdanelaw.com/Blog.html?entry=multimillionare-s-attempt-to-adopt

San Diego School Teacher Fired Over Volatile Ex-Husband

Ex-husband violates restraining order by entering a San Diego school. Mother and 14-year veteran teacher fired over the incident.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0615-catholic-teacher-20130615,0,6752429.story

Adoption Leads to Audit

A report by the Taxpayer Advocate Service finds nearly 70 percent of adoptive families were audited by the IRS in 2012.

http://www.jenniferdanelaw.com/Blog.html?entry=adoption-leads-to-audit

Frogs Teach Us to Leap

Why we must leap and accept change: Lessons learned from boiled frogs.

http://www.jenniferdanelaw.com/Blog.html?entry=frogs-teach-us-to-take

Mediation Myths

Huffington Post blogger Diane L. Danois dispels six mediation myths that could affect your divorce.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-l-danois-jd/mediation-myths-and-misunderstandings_b_3137489.html

Thousands of Russian Children Denied Homes in the U.S.

Russian ban of U.S. adoptions leaves many orphans in limbo.

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/30/17504450-outrage-sadness-as-americans-barred-from-adopting-russian-children?lite

Divorce Leaves Many Women Without Medical Coverage

University of Michigan study finds divorce puts women at risk of losing health insurance.

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/11/16/divorce-puts-women-at-risk-of-losing-health-insurance-study-finds

Single Mom Questions the DORs Effectiveness at Collecting Child Support Payments

The State of Florida revokes the driver's license of parents who owe back child support, but is it working? 

http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/money/consumer/taking_action_for_you/how-florida-gets-missed-child-support-payments

Orlando Sentinel Polls Readers on Alimony Issue

Should divorced spouses receive alimony for a lifetime? Orlando citizens vote.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-04-19/news/os-ed-backtalk-permanent-alimony-041913-20130418_1_permanent-alimony-alimony-reform-laws

Visitation Rights for Grandma and Grandpa

In divorce cases, not all states agree that grandparents should have access to minor children. See how the State of Florida decides on child visitation rights for grandparents.

http://www.totaldivorce.com/state-laws/florida/florida-grandparent-visitation.aspx

Supreme Court Conflicted in Baby Veronica Case

Adoption gets complicated when birth parents live in two different states and one is of Native American descent.

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-04-16/politics/38582893_1_adoption-agency-melanie-capobianco-dusten-brown

Florida Legislature Considers Alimony Reform

Bill to eliminate permanent alimony moves through Florida's legislature.

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2013/03/18/bills-that-would-kill-permanent.html

Orlando Weighs in on Domestic Partners

The City of Orlando grants some rights to domestic partners. http://www.hlntv.com/article/2012/01/13/orlando-passes-domestic-partnership-affidavit

Courts Contend with Child Support Obligations for Duped Dads

State courts deal with a father's rights and responsibilities after negative paternity tests.

http://www.totaldivorce.com/news/articles/children/time-magazine-duped-dads.aspx

Florida Child Custody Laws

The following article outlines what single parents should know about child custody laws in the state of Florida:

http://singleparents.about.com/od/childcustodylaws/a/florida_child_custody_laws.htm

What is a Parenting Plan?

Orlando family law attorney Jennifer Dane answers the question: "What is a parenting plan?"

A parenting plan is a relatively new tool that’s been laid out by the legislature. It’s replaced what we used to call custody and visitation. Instead now, we have a parenting plan, which lays out timesharing.

Any time parents are divorced, or are not married, and are going to be living separately and raising a child together, they’re going to be co-parenting that child. Because the child is going to be living in a different place with mom or with dad, back and forth, we have to have, essentially, the rules by which the parties are going to agree to co-parent that child.

A parenting plan will lay out, specifically, what everyone’s rights and responsibilities are for the child until the child is 18 or until the child emancipates. Included in that would be a timesharing arrangement. The timesharing arrangement is going to speak specifically with regard to who has the child on what days and for what holidays, when the exchanges will be, what the telephone contact with the other parent will be on the times when the child is with the opposite parent… It’s basically going to lay out everything for the child going forward.  It will talk about health insurance. Who’s going to pay the health insurance? Who’s going to cover the uncovered medical expenses? Are we going to split that 50/50?

A parenting plan will also talk about extracurricular activities. Do the parties have to mutually agree on the extracurricular activities? Who’s going to be responsible for transporting the child to the extracurricular activities?

It’s all things that, if you were living together and raising the child, you would have to talk about anyway, but you would be living together and doing it. Instead, you’re living separately and doing the same things, and we like to have everything written down, so there’s no question about what everybody’s going to be doing going forward.

The great thing about a parenting plan is it gives parents the ability to work together and to change it and to modify it as they need to. However, if for some reason the parties can’t agree on a change, then we have a default document that you’re going to go back to, and that’s the parenting plan with the timesharing arrangement.

So, that basically is the parenting plan. It covers custody and visitation, or what we used to call custody and visitation, of the minor children, and it gives everyone their rights and responsibilities to the child going forward.