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Clearwater Divorce Law Blog

Helpful tips for parenting teens during divorce

When divorce and child custody issues separate a family, Florida parents can make a tremendous difference in the overall impact on their children. Regardless of whether there is sole or joint custody, minor children need to know that their parents are firm in their love and continued guidance. Parenting is a lifelong job, and being a good parent does not stop with a final divorce decree.

Teens, in particular, require strong parenting and guidance. Both parents can work together as a team by setting similar rules for important events, such as getting drivers' licenses, rules for car ownership and use, dating, parties, and things such as getting tattoos or body piercings. There should be no opportunity left open for children to manipulate one parent against the other on these important issues.

How do family law attorneys handle their own divorces in court?

Some people assume that divorce lawyers have an advantage arguing their own divorce case in front of a judge. In reality, many attorneys in Florida view a trial as a last resort -- one that would likely result in lost time, energy and money. Some attorneys say they avoid divorce litigation because they see it as "a counter-productive force that destroys their chances of achieving a healthy negotiation climate."

According to an article published by CBS News, more than 90 percent of divorces never reach trial. Divorcing spouses frequently settle shortly before a trial in order to avoid the pitfalls of litigation that could be expensive and lengthy. Divorce attorneys often keep this statistic in mind during their own divorces, preferring not to spend time and resources preparing for a trial that will likely never occur. Instead, they may see early settlement as an appealing option that, which can end the process more quickly than going to trial.

Alimony reform moves forward in Florida Legislature

Many state legislatures have recently considered reforming how alimony payments are structured. Among the states involved in this discussion, Florida is pursuing alimony reform, as a bill moved through a legislative committee hearing. Alimony is obviously an important, and sometimes contentious, issue in the arena of family law.

Efforts to change state alimony have come in reaction to activists' claims that current laws are no longer relevant. Supporters of reform believe that laws should be modernized to more accurately reflect the nature of today's families.

Treasury rule could affect those with unpaid child support

Divorce becomes exponentially more complicated when children are involved. Children have needs that must be given consideration. Remain mindful that when you are coming out of a divorce where children are involved, whether you are the primary custody holder or not, you are obligated to support your child.

The United States Treasury has issued a new rule which could permit the garnishment of your Social Security checks if you have unpaid child support. With this new rule, states are required to establish regular analyses of accounts to determine if assets are present where child support is owed.

Evidence from phones increasingly being used in divorce

These days it seems as though people in Florida manage so much of their lives with their smartphones. While the electronic devices create many conveniences, they are also being used against individuals settling divorces. More and more spouses are using phone evidence, such as text messages, e-mails or Facebook messages, as leverage in divorce proceedings. These pieces of evidence can be used to gain advantages in child custody hearings.

A nationwide survey of attorneys revealed that they have seen a marked increase in the amount of evidence provided from phones, particularly text messages. Anything that's on a person's phone serves as written evidence.

Heidi Klum and Seal's high-asset divorce

Many citizens in Florida were shocked to hear of the divorce of high-profile celebrities Seal and Heidi Klum.

The couple claims they have grown apart but still carry respect and love for each other. They said the seven years of marriage were happy and loyal, and as they work through the divorce process, their primary concern is taking care of their young children, ages 7, 6, 5 and 2.

What should Florida couples do with their home after divorce?

For many couples in Clearwater, deciding what to do with the marital house after divorce can be one of the most difficult decisions. In the past, many couples thought that a house with a good amount of equity was one of the best things they could receive during property division.

Now, the number of couples who are upside-down on their mortgages is increasing, so receiving the martial home can be more of a burden than a blessing. If you are divorcing, what's the best thing you can do with your house?

Embracing confidence, empowerment and optimism during divorce

For couples in Florida, divorce is often considered one of the most financially devastating situations an individual will go through in their life. Although marriage is typically entered fairytale thoughts, that is not usually how marriages play out. For individuals who are recently divorced, there are a number of tasks that must be taken care of immediately.

Copies of the final divorce degree or judgment must be on hand, as well as any marriage settlement agreement. Having your divorce decree is critical for handling finances properly, especially debt.

What you need to know to move on peacefully after divorce

What do you think about when you think about working through the divorce process? Many people in Clearwater associate divorce with bitter feelings, constant fighting and brutal emotional damage. However, that doesn't need to be the case.

When you are intentional about your actions during divorce, it is possible to move through the process with inner peace. Divorce does not need to be a time of contention and fighting; it can be an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth.

Disturbing claims during celebrity divorce

Celebrity divorces occur across the country, including Florida. Best known for his Oscar-nominated performance on Hustle & Flow, Terrence Howard is undergoing a long battle with his soon-to-be ex-wife. The problems occurred during their engagement in May 2009, yet did not stop their wedding six months later.

Terrence's divorce from his wife is turning into an embarrassing spectacle, with unexpected accusations arising constantly. Accusations between the two include extortion, threats of bodily harm, verbal abuse and physical abuse.

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