Children’s Issues

Law Update: Greyson’s Law In May 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Signed Into Law A Bill Coined “Greyson’s Law”. Read On For More On “Greyson’s Law.” “Greyson’s Law” is a result of the tragic murder-suicide involving 4-year old Greyson Kessler and his Father, both residents of Broward County. Days before tragedy struck, Greyson’s Mother, Ali Kessler, had filed an emergency petition in Broward County outlining her fear of becoming a victim of domestic violence at the hand of Greyson’s father. Greyson’s father had, days prior, sent a number of disturbing and threatening communications to Ms.…Read More

If you have a pending Dissolution of Marriage case, or pending Paternity action, you’ve likely received an Order requiring that you attend a “Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course.” A large number of children going through the divorce or separation of their parents each year. Legal proceedings often cause conflicts between parents. Ultimately, children suffer from parental conflict. This could lead to short-term and/or long-term consequences. Therefore, to limit the potential for negative consequences, the courts require a Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course be taken by both parents to provide information to each parent…Read More

If you haven’t had a chance to read our prior post Mediation – What is That? stop here and take a moment to read prior to continuing here! There are two types of mediation – court-ordered mediation, and mediation by agreement of the parties. Typically, regardless if the mediation is court-ordered or by agreement of the parties, you will have a Supreme Court certified mediator nonetheless. Mediation can occur either in person, or virtually. The court may order in-person mediation. However, most mediations take place virtually, via Zoom. Many of my clients attend mediation from the comfort of their home. Statistically,…Read More

What Is Mediation? A mediation is not a court hearing, and Judge’s are not present at mediation. Mediation is an opportunity for the parties to sit (either in person or virtually) to discuss the issues surrounding their case. A mediator is a neutral third party. They have no interest in your case, they are simply there to try to help the parties reach a settlement! A mediator will not say who is right or wrong. They will not take sides. However, a mediator will work with the parties to understand the other side’s perspective. A mediator cannot force you…Read More

The Courts find that it is in the best interests of minor children to have frequent and ongoing communication and contact with both of their parents. However, that doesn’t always mean that it’s in the children’s best interest to have equal timesharing with both parents, especially for school-aged children. *Enter The 60/40 Schedule* A 60/40 schedule works well for parents that still want to exercise substantial time with the child(ren), but aren’t able to figure out a 50/50 time sharing schedule with fewer exchanges. Perhaps alternating weeks is too long to be away, and all other options lead…Read More

Consider the Best Interest(s) of the Child(ren): When establishing or modifying parental responsibility and/or a parenting plan, including a timesharing schedule, the best interest of the child remains the primary consideration. A presumption that an established timesharing schedule is in the best interest of the child(ren) is created when ratified by the Court. In order to modify that which is already in existence, there must be a showing of substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances and a determination that the modification is in the best interest of the child(ren). This is an extraordinary burden to meet. What Does Not Constitute A Substantial Change In Circumstances? The…Read More

Parenting Plan: What Is A “Parenting Plan?” And Discussing Parental Responsibility Parenting Plan – Defined Florida Statute § 61.046(14) defines a “Parenting Plan” to mean a document created to govern the relationship between the parents relating to decisions that must be made regarding the minor child(ren). A Parenting Plan must contain a timesharing schedule for the parents and child(ren). Does The Judge Or Court Create Our Parenting Plan? Although the Court must approve of the Parties Parenting Plan, the Court/Judge may not be the creator of the Parenting Plan in its entirety. A Parenting Plan can be developed and…Read More