Quick answer: In most Florida divorces, the parent with the majority of overnight custody claims the children as dependents on taxes. However, court orders or written agreements between parents can override this default rule. Couples should document any tax dependency arrangement clearly and consult a tax professional or family law attorney to avoid disputes with the IRS. Divorce changes nearly every part of family Read More
Types of Protective Injunctions in Florida
Types of Protective Injunctions in Florida: A Legal Guide Quick answer: Florida has five primary types of injunctions for protection: domestic violence, dating violence, repeat violence, sexual violence, and stalking. Each type has different eligibility requirements based on the relationship between the parties and the conduct involved. Understanding these differences can help you determine which type of injunction Read More
How Unmarried Dads Get Timesharing in Florida
Quick answer: Unmarried fathers in Florida must first establish legal paternity, then file a petition for custody and parenting time. Many courts require mediation to build a shared parenting plan, and judges decide timesharing based on the child's best interests, weighing each parent's stability, involvement, and ability to care for the child. Unmarried fathers in Florida often face legal hurdles that married Read More
C. Alvarez Law Recognized in 2026 Best of Florida Awards
C. Alvarez Law Recognized in 2026 Best of Florida Awards C. Alvarez Law is proud to announce that the firm has once again been recognized in the Best of Florida Awards, earning a 2026 Best of Florida Regional award in the Family Law Firms category. Presented by Guide to Florida, the Best of Florida Awards recognize businesses and organizations across the state in a variety of industries and categories. C. Alvarez Read More
What to Know About Temporary Relief During Divorce Proceedings
Quick answer: Temporary relief, also called pendente lite relief, is a set of short-term court orders that manage custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and bills while a divorce case is pending. These orders give families financial stability and clear custody arrangements until a judge issues a final divorce judgment. Divorce proceedings rarely wrap up quickly. In Florida, a case can take months or even years Read More
What Is Considered a Hidden Asset in a Florida Divorce?
Quick answer: A hidden asset in Florida is any income, property, bank account, or financial interest that a spouse intentionally fails to disclose during divorce proceedings. Florida law requires full financial transparency under equitable distribution rules, and concealing marital assets is illegal and can result in serious legal penalties. Divorce is already one of the most difficult experiences a person can face. Read More
How Much Does the Average Divorce Cost in Florida?
Quick answer: The average divorce cost in Florida is approximately $13,500 for couples without children and $20,300 for couples with children. Actual costs vary widely based on whether spouses agree on key terms, ranging from as little as $400 for a DIY uncontested divorce to $50,000 or more for a fully litigated trial. Divorce is never easy, and the financial side can be just as stressful as the emotional one. If Read More
How to Contest Paternity in Florida
Quick answer: To contest paternity in Florida, a legal father must file a formal petition under Florida Statute § 742.18, submit a DNA test completed within 90 days showing 0% biological probability, provide an affidavit of newly discovered evidence, and confirm that all child support payments are current. Paternity disputes can have lasting consequences, not just for parents, but for children navigating custody Read More
Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce First in Florida?
Quick answer: No, filing for divorce first in Florida carries no legal advantage. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning judges do not favor the petitioner over the respondent when deciding property division, alimony, or custody. However, filing first does offer minor tactical benefits worth understanding. Many people going through a separation wonder whether filing for divorce first gives them the upper hand. The Read More
Can You Date During a Divorce in Florida?
Can You Date During a Divorce in Florida? Quick answer: Yes, dating during a divorce in Florida is legal. Florida's no-fault divorce law does not prohibit new relationships while a case is pending. However, dating while divorced or going through a divorce can affect finances, child custody, and settlement outcomes, making discretion essential. Divorce is already one of the most stressful life events a person can go Read More
