When Michael Gough’s ex-wife moved to Wisconsin from Utah with their 4-year-old daughter, Gough knew he had to do something to keep in touch with his child. He has pioneered the concept of virtual visitation, reading his child stories and even watching her open Christmas gifts over the internet. It…
A business is often the most valuable asset in a marriage. As such, it can be one of the most contentious points of a divorce. Married business owners can and should take steps to minimize the impact on their business in case of divorce. The business should be included in…
Divorces are usually marked by battles over property and child custody issues. Deciding who gets to keep the family pet can add a whole new topic for couples to fight over. Who gets to keep the dog, cat or lizard is a topic that comes up frequently in divorce proceeding,…
by Whitney R. Lonker, Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. wlonker@woodatter.com In my family and divorce law practice in Jacksonville, Florida, I get many cases that I feel are ripe for dissolving the marriage in a collaborative setting. Collaborative law encourages the use of financial professionals and mental health professionals early…
Children of parents who have filed for a divorce or are already divorced can now participate in free divorce classes in the state of Utah. The classes are for children aged 9-11 and are taught by a mental health professional, who helps the children learn how to communicate more openly…
by Whitney R. Lonker, Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. wlonker@woodatter.com Just because spouses separate does not mean that their finances are now considered to be separate by a court in Florida. In Florida, if you are acquiring assets or liquidating assets while you are separated, you must be very careful…
Florida and Indiana each have three counties that made the top ten list of highest divorce rates for the US. The Florida Counties are Monroe, Putnam, and Pinellas. Divorce experts point to a number of factors that could be contributing the high divorce rates, including the bad economy adding stress…
by Whitney R. Lonker, Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. wlonker@woodatter.com In Jacksonville, Florida and in all counties in Florida, if children are an issue in a divorce case, the courts will require that the parents attend and complete a parenting course or divorce class. In Jacksonville, Florida, the class is…
An emerging divorce method, using what is called a “collaborative process,” brings legal, financial and mental health professionals together to help encourage cooperation between the divorcing couple. The method is starting to gain momentum as the Florida Bar has drafted legislation to codify collaborative divorces into Florida state law. The…
Starting Monday, October 19th and running through January 31, 2010, parents have the opportunity to lock in the 2009-2010 tuition rates for Florida state universities by enrolling their children in the state-sponsored Florida Prepaid Plan. Under the plan, any child may be enrolled, from birth until they reach their junior…