How Pregnant Lawyers in Miami are Responding to Zika

Attorney Megan Wells was interviewed for an article featured on Law.com. Here is an excerpt from the article:

On top of managing litigation caseloads and expanding families, pregnant lawyers in the Miami area are figuring out how to manage the risks of living and working so close to a neighborhood the CDC has warned expectant mothers away from after an outbreak of the Zika virus.

For Miami Lakes-based family law solo practitioner Megan Wells, the precaution of choice is wearing multiple mosquito-repellent bracelets on her ankles and wrists whenever outside. Not a look that goes well with a business suit. At 28-weeks pregnant, Wells is just at the time when, according to what she has read, the baby is less at risk of damage if she does contract the Zika virus. But with reports of 14 Zika cases in her area, Wells isn’t taking any chances. She has stopped taking evening walks or sitting out on her balcony.

Click Here for Full Article

Child Custody Evaluations: Do’s and Don’ts for Parents

July 20, 2016. Information Provided by: divorcenet.com

If you’re in the midst of a child custody battle, you may be dealing with a custody evaluation as part of the court process. As you proceed through the evaluation, there are some important dos and don’ts to remember:

Do:

  • Acknowledge both your strengths and your weaknesses as a parent.
  • Be truthful in answering questions about your history and current situation.
  • Keep your focus on your children’s well-being and what’s best for them.
  • Follow up promptly and thoroughly if you’re asked to provide paperwork or information.

Don’t:

  • Say negative things about your spouse.
  • Coach your kids about what to say or do.
  • Be late or miss appointments with the evaluator.
  • Disobey custody orders that are in place while the evaluation is pending.

Click here to see more

Child Custody Procedures

July 20, 2016. Information Provided by: statelaws.findlaws.com

One of the more contentious issues in a divorce can be the battle over who gets custody of the children from the marriage.

Oftentimes, parents are able to work out a mutually agreeable solution, known as a “parenting plan,” for the custody of the children. If parents cannot reach an agreement on child custody themselves, a Florida family court can make a decision based on evaluating what is in the best interests of the child.

Ultimately, the court will issue a custody order which will dictate how, when and under what circumstances the parents of the child have custody or visitation rights with their child.

Click here to see more

Thinking about divorce? Pre-divorce steps you can take

June 3, 2016. Information Provided by: FloridaLawHelp.org

 1. Get help to try and save your marriage. If you are thinking about getting a divorce, take time to consider whether or not the marriage can be saved.  

2. Get a pro to help you talk to your kids. Whether or not you decide to try counseling for your marriage or yourself, you should seriously consider talking to a mental health professional if you have children and are planning to divorce.  

3. Get your papers together. Gather information about your finances and belongings before you meet with a lawyer.  

4. Think about working together first. Consult with an attorney first to advise you the best route to take.  

5. Think before you post. You should not write anything or put any photograph on social media that you would not want the judge who ends up deciding your divorce case to read or see.  

Click here to see more

Enforcement of Child Support

June 3, 2016. Information Provided by findlaw.com

The district attorney can impose various consequences for failure to pay child support, some include:

  • Withholding federal tax refunds and using these funds to pay child support
  • Garnishing wages
  • Seizing property
  • Revoking the delinquent payer’s driver’s license

Furthermore, the U.S. Department of State can even deny issuance of a passport to someone who owes more than $2,500 in child support. As mentioned, if the delinquent payer still fails to pay, the court can hold him or her in contempt of court (for failing to follow a court order) and impose a jail term.

Click here to see more

How Do I Prepare for the Initial Consult with a Divorce Lawyer

Before you see your Florida divorce lawyer for the first time, there are some things that you can commit to writing that will help in the initial consultation.

You should start with a list of all marital and non-marital assets, debts and income for both you and your spouse. A history of your marriage would also be helpful. It should include the date and place of marriage, all of the jobs either of you has had (including dates), anything either has done which could be considered a sacrifice for the benefit of the marriage, any affairs, medical or psychological problems, ages and activities of your children (including what role each parent plays in their lives) and what your vocational and other plans are for the future.

If you have an appointment with an expert divorce lawyer and are able to provide this information at the first meeting, you will save time and money and get the most out of your visit.

Click Here for Full Article: http://www.divorcesource.com/ds/florida/how-do-i-prepare-for-the-initial-consultation-with-a-florida-divorce-lawyer–3584.shtml

How Florida Divorce Lawyers Save Their Clients Money by Using Paralegals

May 16, 2016. Information Provided by: Stann W. Givens, Esq.

Florida divorce lawyers typically charge by the hour for what they do. In order to save their clients money, they make use of paralegals to perform some tasks. A paralegal is someone who has gone to school to receive training in assisting lawyers with legal research, drafting of court documents and preparing a case for presentation to the court. Obviously, paralegals cannot give legal advice and must work under the direction of a lawyer.

One way that expert divorce lawyers use paralegals is to have them perform the initial work in preparing a financial affidavit for use in a dissolution of marriage case. They take the account statements and other documents provided by the client and place the information in the proper locations on the financial affidavit. By doing this, the lawyer need only review the work for accuracy and spend far less time on the task than otherwise would be spent. Since the hourly rates of paralegals is far less than those of lawyers, the savings can be significant.

Bottom Line: Use of paralegals by Florida divorce lawyers can save substantial money in your divorce.

Click Here for the Full Article: http://www.divorcesource.com/ds/florida/how-florida-divorce-lawyers-save-their-clients-money-by-using-paralegals-3580.shtml