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The Real Guide to Contempt & Enforcement in Florida Family Law

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Apr 10, 2026 | 0 Comments

This comprehensive guide explains how contempt and enforcement work in Florida family law. It breaks down the legal requirements for filing a motion for contempt, what must be proven in court, how to prepare for an evidentiary hearing, and what remedies a judge can order. Designed for both litigants and attorneys, this article provides a clear, practical roadmap for enforcing court orders related to timesharing, child support, alimony, and more.

Why My Background in Family Law and Family Systems Changes the Way I Mediate Cases

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Mar 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

This article explains how mediation in family law cases can be more effective when the mediator understands both legal frameworks and family systems dynamics. Drawing on experience as a Florida family law attorney and background in family systems and therapy, the blog explores how identifying underlying interests—rather than simply negotiating positions—can lead to more durable agreements in parenting plans, financial disputes, and other family law matters.

Mediation Prep in Florida Divorce: How to Walk In Ready and Walk Out Settled

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Mar 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

This blog explains how to properly prepare for mediation in a Florida divorce or family law case. It covers BATNA, court risk analysis, financial preparation, negotiation strategy, and realistic expectations in South Florida family courts. Based on the Family Matters Law Group Mediation Prep Workbook. Topics include: Florida divorce mediation Broward County family mediation BATNA in divorce Florida alimony mediation Parenting plan mediation Florida South Florida family law attorney Divorce strategy Florida

Using AI During Your Divorce or Custody Case: What Pro Se Litigants Need to Know About Privilege, Discovery, and Case Preparation

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Mar 06, 2026 | 0 Comments

Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly used by individuals navigating divorce and custody disputes without attorneys. However, a recent federal court decision has highlighted serious legal risks when litigants use AI platforms to discuss case strategy or confidential facts. This article explains the difference between AI-assisted document drafting, legal research, and case preparation, and why conversations with public AI systems may not be protected by attorney-client privilege. It provides practical guidance for pro se litigants on how to use AI responsibly while protecting their legal interests. AI divorce advice AI and attorney-client privilege using AI in litigation AI discovery risks divorce AI legal research divorce AI custody case preparation AI legal documents divorce pro se divorce AI risks

AI in Litigation: What Family Law Attorneys Need to Know About Privilege, Discovery, and Protecting Clients

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Mar 06, 2026 | 0 Comments

Artificial intelligence is increasingly used by litigants and attorneys during litigation. A recent federal court decision has clarified that conversations with public AI systems may not be protected by attorney-client privilege. This article explains the case law, explores the nuances between AI drafting, research, and case preparation, and provides practical guidance for family law attorneys seeking to protect client confidentiality and manage emerging discovery risks. AI attorney client privilege AI discovery litigation AI legal ethics family law AI legal research risks AI privilege case law AI family law litigation AI confidentiality lawyer guidance

The Florida Parenting Plan: What the Supreme Court Form Covers — and What It Leaves Out

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Feb 27, 2026 | 0 Comments

This comprehensive guide explains how Florida parenting plans work under Chapter 61.13, breaks down each section of the Florida Supreme Court parenting plan form, and highlights critical provisions that are often missing. If you are creating a parenting plan in Florida, this article outlines what you must include — and what you should never leave out. #Florida Parenting Plan #FloridaCustody #TimesharingFlorida #FamilyLawFlorida #RelocationFlorida #ChildCustodyAgreement

How to Talk to Your Child About Divorce (Without Making It Worse)

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Feb 26, 2026 | 0 Comments

When parents separate, children already sense that something is changing. The key is giving them enough information to feel secure without overwhelming them with adult details. This guide explains how to talk to your child about divorce in an age-appropriate way, how to create a unified message when possible, and how to prioritize emotional stability and predictability during family transitions.

What Really Happens During Divorce Mediation in Florida?

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Feb 13, 2026 | 0 Comments

This article explains step-by-step what happens during divorce mediation in Florida, including how the session begins, whether parties sit together, how offers are exchanged, and what happens if an agreement is reached or mediation fails. Written by a Florida family law attorney and mediator serving clients throughout the State of Florida.

Can You Skip Mediation in a Florida Divorce?

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Feb 13, 2026 | 0 Comments

This article explains whether mediation is required in Florida divorce and paternity cases, when it may be waived, what happens if a party refuses to participate, and how mediation affects trial scheduling. Written by a Florida family law attorney and mediator serving clients throughout the State of Florida.

Introducing Leisa + Lisa and the Family Jam

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Feb 12, 2026 | 0 Comments

Leisa + Lisa and the Family Jam is a candid podcast hosted by Florida family law attorney Leisa Wintz and clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Sapanaro. The show explores high-conflict divorce, custody litigation, parental alienation claims, mental health diagnoses in family court, therapy misuse in litigation, and family systems under pressure. Subscribe on YouTube to watch full episodes. Target Keywords Family law podcast High conflict divorce Mental health in family court Parental alienation discussion Custody battles and psychology Family systems and divorce Court involved families Reunification therapy podcast Parenting during divorce Psychology and law podcast

You Can’t Ignore a Court-Appointed Guardian ad Litem (Even If You Don’t Like Them)

Posted by Nazarena Rosales Hauser | Feb 12, 2026 | 0 Comments

When a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is appointed in a Florida custody case, they become part of the case by court order. Parents cannot refuse to cooperate or unilaterally remove the GAL. This article explains the GAL’s role, the legal authority behind the appointment, and why non-cooperation can damage your position in court. Florida Guardian ad Litem, court-appointed guardian, custody investigation Florida, best interest of the child Florida, refusing to cooperate with GAL, Florida family court process

The Ultimate Guide to Divorce Mediation in Florida (2026 Edition)

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Feb 11, 2026 | 0 Comments

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about divorce mediation in Florida, including whether mediation is mandatory, what happens during mediation, what it costs, what can be resolved, and what happens if you reach or fail to reach an agreement. Written by an experienced Florida family law attorney and mediator serving clients throughout the State of Florida.

Drug Testing in Florida Family Court: What You Need to Know

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Aug 05, 2025 | 0 Comments

Drug testing in Florida family court is not automatic but can play a major role in custody or time-sharing disputes. Learn how to handle false allegations, choose the right drug test, and protect your rights if accused. Understand how Florida family law judges view drug use, what evidence matters, and when to get ahead of the issue.

What Not to Say in Court: Top Mistakes to Avoid in Your Family Law Hearing

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Jul 30, 2025 | 0 Comments

Florida family court hearings are high-stakes and emotionally charged—and saying the wrong thing, even once, can derail your entire case. In this blog, we break down the biggest mistakes people make in family court, from poor presentation to reckless statements, and show you exactly how to show up sharp, prepared, and in control. Whether you're representing yourself or working with an attorney, this is your courtroom prep checklist. Florida family court mistakes, what not to say in court, courtroom tips, family law hearing

What No One Tells You About High-Conflict Divorce and Custody Battles in Florida

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Jul 26, 2025 | 0 Comments

If you’re in a high-conflict divorce or custody battle in Florida, you need to know these five truths. From legal loopholes to emotional manipulation, this blog breaks down real strategies and legal realities—so you don’t get blindsided. #FloridaFamilyLaw #ChildCustody #DivorceTruths #ParentingPlan #CoParenting #DomesticViolenceAwareness #FamilyCourtRealities #FloridaAttorney #DIYDivorceHelp

🚫 “Parental Kidnapping” in Florida? What It Really Means (and What to Do)

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Jul 25, 2025 | 0 Comments

This blog explains the legal misconceptions around “parental kidnapping” in Florida. Without a court-ordered parenting plan, police typically won’t intervene. We break down what the law says, when criminal charges apply, and how to use the family court system to protect your rights. Keywords: Parental kidnapping Florida, child withholding, emergency custody Florida, contempt of court parenting plan, no court order custody, birth certificate custody rights, DIY family court

✈ What Happens When a Florida Custody Order Crosses State Lines

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Jul 23, 2025 | 0 Comments

If your co-parent takes your child out of Florida, your court order doesn’t automatically follow them. You’ll need to “domesticate” your Florida custody order in the new state to get it enforced. Here’s what that means—and how to do it. #FloridaFamilyLaw #ParentalKidnapping #InterstateCustody #CustodyEnforcement #DomesticateOrder #PickUpOrder #ParentingPlan #DIYLegal #FamilyMattersLawGroup #CoparentingConflicts #ProtectYourKids

When Divorce Threats Get Loud, Stay Grounded in Truth

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Jul 22, 2025 | 0 Comments

Threats like “you’ll never see your child again” or “you’re not getting anything” are common during divorce or separation — but they usually have no legal basis in Florida. These outbursts stem from fear, control, and panic. This blog explains why people make these threats, how to emotionally and legally protect yourself, and what your real rights are when emotions are running high. Tags: threats in divorce, emotional control, Florida custody law, intimidation during divorce, parenting rights

🚨 “She Took Our Child and Won’t Tell Me Where They Are” — What Florida Parents Can (and Can’t) Do

Posted by LEISA WINTZ | Jul 22, 2025 | 0 Comments

If your child’s other parent has taken them and refuses to share their location—and you don’t have a court-ordered parenting plan—your options are limited, but not nonexistent. In Florida, police typically can’t intervene without a court order, but you can still file a petition with the court and request emergency relief. This blog explains your legal options, when to involve DCF, and how to stay strategic during an emotionally overwhelming situation.

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