Digital Spying and Divorce in the Smartphone Age
With the advances of technology, changes in how people use technology and, consequently, changes in evidence in court cases. Click on the links below to read an article about how technology is being used by divorcing or separated couples and an article about what to do if spyware comes up in your relationship. The attorneys of Sessums Black provide high quality legal services by staying abreast of changes in the law and technology which may affect their clients or cases.
App Available to Assist pro se litigants in Florida Family Law Cases
Navigating Florida’s court system without the guidance of a qualified Florida Family Law Attorney can be daunting. The Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice has created a Florida Courts Help App for pro se litigants which, among other things, allows users to complete Florida Supreme Court-approved family law forms, provides links and contact information to help centers for pro se litigants throughout Florida, and has user-friendly instructions on family law procedures in Florida courts. The App is available at the Apple Store, Google Play, and Amazon App store. Click on the link below to read an article from The Florida Bar News about the App. The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on providing superior, personal service to assist their clients in helping them reach their goals by providing high quality legal services.
Caroline Black Sikorske, Esq. Presenter at the AAML National Meeting on Unique Valuation Issues
On November 10, 2017, Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske co-presented on Unique Valuation Issues at the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyerse (AAML) National Meeting in Chicago, IL. Click on the links below to see pictures. Congratulations, Caroline!
At the End of Your Case: How to Save Time, Money, and Future Litigation
The entry of a final judgment in a case may give a sense of conclusion, but typically there is additional work to be done to wrap up loose ends. Click on the link below to read an article with things you should consider as your divorce case comes to an end. The Attorneys of Sessums Black are experienced in providing high quality legal assistance in post-judgment matters.
Supreme Court Amends the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar to accommodate the Collaborative Law Process
On May 18, 2017, the Florida Supreme Court issued an opinion amending the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar effective July 1, 2017 to accommodate the collaborative law process. Click on the link below to read the Florida Supreme Court opinion. Collaborative law is an alternative dispute resolution process which normally costs less time, money, and stress and affords participants increased opportunities to creatively resolve their differences. Click here to read more about collaborative law. Although the attorneys of Sessums Black continue to practice and are experienced in traditional litigation, they recognize the benefits, both financial and emotional, of not going to court.
United States Supreme Court Considers Family Law Ruling
The United States Supreme Court is considering Howell v. Howell, Docket No. 15-1031 which should addresses whether or not the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act preempts an Arizona state court’s ruling involving a veteran’s retirement pay. Click the links below to see a summary of the case status and updates. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA are experienced in addressing family law matters involving veterans, active duty military, military reservists, military spouses, and former military spouses.
Credit Freeze
Identity theft can have long-lasting implications. In addition to requesting a fraud alert, concerned consumers can also request a credit freeze. A credit freeze restricts access to the consumer’s credit report which may delay or prevent a thief from opening new accounts since many creditors need the report or information in the report before approving new credit. More information on credit freezes and fraud alerts is available by clicking the link below to the Federal Trade Commission website. Sessums Black PA prides itself on providing personalized representation and resources to its clients.
Florida adopts new Collaborative Law
On March 24, 2016, Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 967 titled “Collaborative Law Process Act” into law, making Florida the 14th state to offer Collaborative Divorce as an alternative to traditional litigation. Collaborative Divorce is a method of reaching a resolution through cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques and court proceedings. Although the attorneys at Sessums Black PA continue to practice and are experienced in the traditional litigation-based dissolution of marriage, they are also trained and experienced in handling matters through Collaborative Law. Florida’s new Collaborative Law Process Act and more about Collaborative Divorce are available by clicking the links below.
Divorce and taxes: 4 tips for managing the 2016 tax season
As April 18, 2016 quickly approaches, many people’s focus turns to taxes. For people who have divorced at the start of 2016 or have a divorce proceeding pending, deciding how to handle the filing of 2015 taxes can be daunting if not overwhelming. Click on the link below to read one author’s tips as to how to navigate the tax season as a new or soon-to-be divorcee. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA are skilled at representing clients facing all types of family law-related legal issues.
Announcement – Attorney Alex Caballero Presentation on Equitable Distribution
On February 4, 2016, Attorney Alex Caballero co-presented a 2 hour continuing legal education seminar titled “Complex Issues in Equitable Distribution” for the Marital & Family Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Mr. Caballero spoke on the issues of business valuations in equitable distribution and stock options, restricted shares, and other employee benefits. As a board certified attorney in Marital and Family Law and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, he speaks frequently on family law matters and specializes in handling complex family law matters.
Announcement – Alex Caballero to present on Complex Issues in Equitable Distribution
On February 4, 2016 starting at 1 PM, Attorney Alex Caballero will be co-presenting a 2 hour continuing legal education seminar titled “Complex Issues in Equitable Distribution” for the Marital & Family Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Mr. Caballero will be specifically speaking on the issues of business valuations in equitable distribution and stock options, restricted shares, and other employee benefits. Mr. Caballero is board certified in Marital and Family Law and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He speaks frequently on family law matters and specializes in handling complex family law matters. To register or for more information, please click here.
Announcement – Alex Caballero Presentation on Use of Expert Advice
On August 27, 2015, Attorney Alex Caballero and CPA Mike Lewis presented a seminar entitled “Using Your Expert’s Advice in Crafting Better Discovery.” The webinar was sponsored by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Florida Chapter. Both Alex and Mike advised on how to properly craft discovery requests, and how to sift through the abundance in responses to hone in on the necessary information needed to best present your case. Congratulations, Alex!
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Same-Sex Marriage Nationwide
On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that states cannot ban same-sex marriage. Click on the link below to read more. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on staying abreast of changes in local, state-wide, and national laws which affect their clients.
How to Plan Your Divorce
While it is common to spend months – or longer – planning a wedding, it is generally uncommon to spend any time planning a divorce. Nevertheless, a little planning can help ease the transition from married to unmarried life. Click on the link below to read six suggestions on how to plan for a divorce. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing personalized legal advice and representation to clients anticipating or facing all types of family law issues.
When an Ex-Spouse Attempts to Get Your Credit Report
People typically share confidential and sensitive information with spouses and paramours. When couples separate or divorce, that personal information may be misused. Click on the link below to read an article by the Experian credit reporting agency about what can be done if a former confidant, like a former spouse, attempts to retrieve your credit report. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA strive to be responsive to their clients and sensitive to the clients’ unique needs.
Removing ex-spouse’s name from your credit report
It is not uncommon for there to be follow-up tasks to be completed after a divorce is finalized. One of those items may be to update a credit report to reflect the change in marital status. Click on the link below to read an article by the Experian credit reporting agency about how to remove a former spouse’s name from your credit report. Sessums Black, PA strives to be worthy of its clients complete confidence by staying abreast of issues relevant to their unique situations.
Divorce and Credit
Obtaining a divorce oftentimes does not affect contractual agreements for loans, credit cards, lines of credit, or other liabilities. Click on the link below to read two articles published by the Experian credit reporting agency about some credit-related challenges divorce may present. Sessums Black, PA believes in individualized representation because each client’s situation is unique.
Four steps you can take if you think your credit or debit card data was hacked
Unfortunately, credit troubles are not unheard of in today’s society. Click on the link below to read a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau article with four suggestions on steps you can take if you think your credit or debit card information has been compromised. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA pride themselves on staying abreast of issues that may arise in family law proceedings.
Credit Reports and Divorce
It is not unusual for a couple’s finances to become intertwined during a marriage often resulting in challenges while untangling those finances during a divorce. A divorced or divorcing person may want to consider ordering his or her credit report(s) to ensure all liabilities or debts have been appropriately divided or otherwise addressed. Click on the link below to read more about credit reports, their importance, and how to order them. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on offering personalized and high-quality legal services to its clients to help them address their various family law issues.
5 Tips About Late-Life Divorce and Your Money
When a divorce occurs at or near normal retirement age, some unique financial challenges may emerge. Click on the link below to read one author’s five suggested issues individuals divorcing after the age of 50 should contemplate. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on its superior, personal service to its clients of all ages.
Searching for Hidden Assets during a Divorce
It is not unusual for a spouse who has not had an active role in the parties’ finances to be concerned that the other spouse may have hidden assets. Click on the link below to read about ways to potentially identify undisclosed assets during a dissolution of marriage proceeding. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are experienced in assisting clients to address equitable distribution concerns. Read more
Helpful Information for Discussing Property Division with your Florida Family Law Attorney
It is important to have as much information as possible available before discussing the division of marital and non-marital assets and liabilities with your family law attorney. Click on the link to read through a list of the type of information that will help your attorney provide you meaningful advice and insight. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing superior legal representation to clients with equitable distribution issues and concerns. Click here to read more
Exclusive Use and Possession of the Former Marital Home
There are times divorcing parties can agree, or the court can order, for one spouse to retain exclusive use and possession of the former marital home. This can be done, among other things, to provide stability for a minor child or for another special purpose. Click on the links below to read more. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are skilled at representing clients facing issues relating to the exclusive use and possession of former marital residences.
Links
Florida Bar Journal; Fla. Stat. 61.075; Duncan v. Duncan; Ascherman v. Ascherman
Setoffs or Credits Upon Sale of Marital Home
Sometimes couples sell their jointly-owned house when they divorce. Although the beginning presumption may be that the parties equally divide any sale proceeds, there are times when a party may be entitled to setoffs or credits. Section 61.077, Florida Statutes, outlines the factors the court must consider when determining the issue of credits or setoffs in a final judgment dissolving a marriage. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing superior legal representation to its clients facing issues relating to the sale of their marital homes.
Graying Divorces: What Boomers Need to Know to Protect Their Assets
Many baby boomers are experiencing a major life change in addition to retirement: divorce. The financial issues common to a divorce may complicate if the division a baby boomer’s retirement funds becomes a pivotal issue during the dissolution of his/her marriage. Click on the link below to read an article highlighting issues a retirement aged person may want to contemplate during a divorce. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are experienced in representing clients of all ages and helping them consider all areas that a dissolution of marriage may effect.
FAQs about Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
A spouse’s retirement account or benefit may be divided during a dissolution of marriage proceeding. A qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) is an order that, among other things, creates a right (or recognizes that a right exists) for a retirement plan participant’s spouse, former spouse, child, or other dependent (“alternate payee”) to receive a portion or all of the monies payable under the participant’s retirement plan. Click on the link below to read the U.S. Department of Labor’s frequently asked questions (FAQs) about QDROs. No matter the assets divided during equitable distribution, Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing clients with exceptional legal representation.
Florida Legislature Considering Changes to Equitable Distribution Laws
Florida’s Senate and House of Representatives are each considering bills that propose changes to, among other things, Florida’s laws governing equitable distribution. The links below are to Florida’s Senate and House of Representatives websites which provide the latest news on each bill’s status. As each person’s situation is unique, it is always best to consult with a licensed marital and family law attorney on how Florida’s equitable laws may affect your situation. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are well-informed on the current status of Florida’s equitable distribution laws and the impact they may have on each client’s case.
Financial Division during Divorce
A divorce can have a large impact on, among other things, a person’s finances. Florida law calls the division of the marital estate “equitable distribution.” Throughout a dissolution of marriage, it is important to look towards the future and work towards ensuring financial stability as a single person. Below are articles that discuss some practical items to consider during the equitable distribution process. Before any actions are taken regarding any financial matters, it is always best to first consult with an attorney. Each person’s case is individual and all the recommendations in these articles may not apply. These articles are provided as lists of possible topics to consider and discuss with a licensed marital and family law attorney. Sessums Black, PA believes in individualized representation because each client’s financial situation is unique and the attorneys strive to provide clients with top quality legal representation throughout the dissolution of marriage proceedings.
6 Money Tips for Late in Life Divorces
7 Steps to Protect Your Assets When Leaving an Abusive Marriage
Struggling Economy Complicates Divorce and Child Custody Cases says Survey
Dividing property including real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, stocks, and businesses during a divorce can be difficult. While many couples can agree to a division, at times an amicable resolution may not be feasible. To help avoid a financially and emotionally costly litigation, it is important to prioritize after carefully considering the big picture because not everything is worth a fight, particularly in an unfavorable economy. Caroline Black is a member of the AAML, a highly regarded organization devoted to providing leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law. Sessums Black, PA believes in individualized representation to assist its clients in efficiently and prudently meeting their priorities during the division of their marital estates.