Florida's Permanent Alimony Here to Stay -- For Now

Looks like there is a cease-fire in the fight against permanent alimony, as legislators retreat from bill revision for 2014. Supporters plan to "push it" for another year, though, so it should be back on our radar again. Read more at the following link:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/03/06/3974192/senator-no-alimony-reform.html

Florida Divorce? Not If You're Part of A Same-Sex Marriage

Beware that if you are a same sex couple that has gotten married in one of the few states that recognizes same sex marriages, you may run into some of these same complex legal issues if your marriage does not work out and you are seeking a divorce and you live in Florida. Florida does not recognize same sex marriage and therefore if you have been married in a state that does and you seek to dissolve that marriage in Florida you will not be able to.  Contact an Orlando Lawyer for in-depth help!More info:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/07/living/same-sex-divorce-marriage/index.html?hpt=li_t2

From an Orlando lawyer and future parent, this week's article gives us a reason to check our priorities.  To all parents, married , single or divorced, it is important not only to watch what you say online but what your children are saying and doing as well. Read the following article on how to identify when/if your child is experiencing cyberbullying.  Make sure you are taking proactive steps to protect your children, especially when you are in the middle of a divorce or custody battle. Children can be the most vulnerable when things are uncertain at home. Do not forget … Judges are looking at the best interest of the child when making their rulings … being a proactive parent can help your Orlando divorce case in front of a Judge and is certainly in the best interest of your child.

http://www.pbs.org/parents/childrenandmedia/article-protecting-kids-from-cyberbullying.html

Pay Attention To Your Child's School Attendance!

If you're looking into an Orlando divorce or paternity case, read on!Do your kids hate going to school? Are they missing more and more days … read the article below regarding  a recent Father’s run in with the law as a result of unexcused absences. http://www.wdrb.com/story/17523421/louisville-man-must-answer-to-judge-for-school-absences Remember when a Judge is making a decision regarding the children in your divorce or paternity action, he or she is going to act in the children’s BEST INTEREST. Unexcused absences might not only land you in front of a criminal judge but will also negatively affect your divorce or paternity case. Stability and consistency are the most beneficial things you can offer your children when you are facing legal action.  If you have questions on how your your case might be affected by your child's school attendance, contact an Orlando family law attorney ASAP!

Orlando Lawyer Offers Tips on Post-Divorce Health Insurance

Health insurance becomes an issue in almost every Orlando Orlando divorce, particularly when there are children involved. Many times one spouse provides insurance for the entire family through their employer, however, after a divorce that spouse can no longer cover the other spouse on their employers insurance. If you are the spouse losing coverage and cannot secure coverage through your own employer you may consider a cobra plan or your own individual plan as soon as the divorce is final. Insurance coverage can often be an unexpected expense after the divorce is final and it is important to include this cost when you are evaluating what your expenses will be post divorce. Children must always be covered and if insurance is not available through either spouses employer the State of Florida has a program called KidCare that will keep children insured at a fraction of the cost of private insurance.  Be sure to consult your Orlando family law attorney with any questions you may have.

Law Office of Jennifer T. Dane, P.A.
2431 Lee Road
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 260-0500
Fax: (407) 629-0180
JDane@JenniferDaneLaw.com
http://www.jenniferdanelaw.com/

Proposed Bill Would Make It More Difficult To Award Alimony Based on Claims of Adultery

Hello from the Orlando, FL Law Offices of Jennifer T. Dane!
This week we wanted to discuss some news and topics regarding alimony.  Here's some background:
Florida Statute 61.08 discusses Alimony and how the award is figured in Florida. Unlike child support there is no statutory formula for an award of alimony. There is a two part test that must first be passed before an award can be made, 1. Need of the spouse requesting alimony 2. Ability to pay on the part of the payee spouse. Once this test has passed muster then the court moves on to a list of factors enumerated in subsection (2) of the statute which includes standards of living during the marriage, duration of the marriage, age of the parties, financial recourses… ect. In subsection (1) it states “ The court may consider the adultery of either spouse and the circumstances thereof in determining the amount of alimony…” Because Florida is a no fault state meaning we do not care why you want a divorce or who caused it adultery in only one of many factors that may be taken into consideration when awarding alimony. However the proposed legislation discussed in the article above will make it increasingly difficult for alimony to be awarded based on claims of adultery.
Here is the link to the original article, found on the Orlando Sentinel's online news site: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-11-19/news/os-scott-maxwell-divorce-alimony-112011-20111119_1_alimony-divorce-legislator
Please let us know if you have any questions about Orlando alimony or legal services in general!
Sincerely,
The Law Office of Jennifer T. Dane, P.A.
2431 Lee Rd.
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 260-0500
jdane@JenniferDaneLaw.com
http://www.jenniferdanelaw.com/