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Understanding Florida relocation law requires more than reading the statute. Each judge may have unique division procedures that determine how and when your motion is heard. Learn how to avoid critical mistakes.

This blog explores the seasonal trends in divorce filings, highlighting why January and August are peak months for couples to initiate divorce proceedings. According to research and professional experience: • January represents a “fresh start” mindset following the holidays, as many people resolve to make major life changes after failed attempts at reconciliation. • August is strategic for parents—timed around the start of the school year to avoid disrupting children’s summer or academic routines. The post explains how timing a divorce can affect parenting plans, taxes, financial disclosures, and court scheduling. It encourages readers to be intentional about when and how they file, offering legal representation, unbundled legal services, and DIY Legal Coaching options from Family Matters Law Group, P.A.

Learn how a postnuptial agreement can help couples in Florida navigate financial conflict and protect their marriage before divorce becomes the only option.

How to Get a Child’s Passport Without the Other Parent’s Consent in Florida Learn when Florida parents can apply for a child’s passport without the other parent’s consent. Understand the rules for sole custody, shared parental responsibility, parenting plans, and court orders. SEO Keywords: child passport without consent Florida, sole legal custody passport Florida, parenting plan travel restrictions, Florida family law passport, uncooperative parent passport issue, minor passport court order

This morning, I was in court for a domestic violence return hearing. My client had just hired me over the weekend, and like many cases that come in quickly, I was learning important details in real time. What I discovered once I got to the courthouse is something I want to share — because it high...

What Does Child Support Cover in Florida? | Family Matters Law Group Confused about what child support includes in Florida? Learn which costs are covered and which expenses—like medical, camp, and extracurriculars—should be split between parents. Clear guidance for parenting plans and support orders.

Private investigators can play a key role in Florida family law cases involving hidden assets, parenting plan violations, alimony cohabitation claims, and admissible evidence collection. Learn when hiring a PI could be the strategic move your case needs.

In Florida same-sex divorces, both spouses have equal parental rights to children born during the marriage—regardless of who gave birth. Learn how to protect your rights if one parent tries to take a child before a court order is in place.

If a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) has been appointed in your Florida family law case, it can feel intimidating or unclear what to expect. In this blog, we explain what a GAL is, when they are appointed, and how their investigation works. You’ll also get practical tips on how to prepare for interviews, organize your concerns, and work with your attorney to respond to the GAL’s recommendations. Whether you’re hoping to modify a parenting plan or raise safety concerns, this guide will help you present your case clearly and child-centered.

Reunification therapy in Florida helps rebuild relationships between a parent and child after estrangement or high-conflict separation. Learn when it’s ordered, what it involves, and how to prepare.

In Florida family law, mediation gives parents wide latitude to create parenting plans that work for their unique circumstances. However, once that agreement is formalized, changing it isn’t simple. You’ll need to prove a substantial and material change in circumstances. Just realizing you don’t like the schedule anymore won’t cut it. This article explores how far you can go in mediation — and why getting it right the first time is critical.

When a co-parent tries to take full custody by filing a petition filled with twisted truths and accusations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless—especially if you don’t have an attorney. But you do have rights. In this blog, we walk through the process of how to respond in Florida family court, what documents you’ll need, and what happens next. We also explain what happens with child support when you’re unemployed and not asking for money.

In Florida, custody orders aren’t set in stone—but modifying a 50/50 plan requires proof of a substantial change. If one parent consistently fails to show up for their scheduled time, it may be grounds for modification, but not abandonment. This blog explains what the court looks for, how to document the issues, and how to take action—always with your child’s best interest in mind.

Grayson’s Law, enacted in Florida in 2023, allows judges to consider threats, stalking, and harassment toward the other parent—not just the child—when determining custody and time-sharing. Learn how this law protects families, empowers survivors, and strengthens your case in high-conflict custody disputes.

DIY Legal by Family Matters Law Group, P.A. offers attorney-backed legal education, coaching, and document prep for Florida families navigating divorce, custody, support, and more—empowering you to do it yourself, but not alone.

Here’s a concise SEO-optimized blog summary for your website: ⸻ Blog Summary: When parents disagree on non-traditional parenting decisions like virtual schooling, homeschooling, or vaccinations, Florida courts rely on the best interest of the child standard. While creative arrangements can be made through mediation, judges typically favor stability, structure, and proven success. This blog explores what happens when one parent wants to homeschool, keep a child unvaccinated, or split time between two counties using virtual school—and what courts actually do in these situations. Learn when courts allow flexibility, when they don’t, and how to build a case that supports your parenting goals.

If your Florida divorce judgment awarded you half of your ex-spouse’s retirement but you haven’t received any funds, you likely need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). A QDRO is a legal document required to divide most retirement accounts, including pensions and 401(k)s. Without it, plan administrators cannot process payments. Even if your Final Judgment grants you 50%, payout is often delayed until your ex retires, especially with public plans like the Florida Retirement System (FRS). IRAs typically do not require a QDRO, but precise court language is still essential. Since QDROs are complex, it’s best to work with a QDRO attorney to ensure proper drafting and plan compliance. At Family Matters Law Group, P.A., we help clients understand their post-divorce rights and connect them with trusted QDRO specialists.

Understanding Parental Rights & Property Disputes for Unmarried Parents in Florida Unmarried parents in Florida face unique legal challenges when separating, including securing parental rights and dividing jointly owned property. If a father is on the birth certificate, there is a presumption of paternity, but he must still file a Petition to Establish Paternity to secure a legal parenting plan, enforce timesharing, and determine child support obligations. Without this court order, the mother retains sole legal rights to the child. Property disputes between unmarried couples are not handled in family court but require a partition action in civil court if both parties are on the deed. However, experienced family law attorneys can often negotiate a property settlement as part of the paternity case, streamlining the process. In high-conflict co-parenting situations—such as one parent overstepping boundaries with the other parent’s family—a court-ordered parenting plan is crucial to protect parental rights and prevent unnecessary control. At Family Matters Law Group, P.A., we help unmarried parents navigate paternity cases, property disputes, and co-parenting challenges. Contact us today to ensure your rights are protected and reach a fair resolution.

SEO-Optimized Summary: Hair Follicle Drug Testing in Florida Custody Cases Hair follicle drug tests are commonly used in Florida custody cases to detect long-term drug use, with a detection window of up to 90 days. These tests screen for substances like cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP, making them a critical factor in timesharing and parental responsibility disputes. A positive drug test can result in restricted visitation, supervised timesharing, court-ordered counseling, or even a dependency case. Parents facing drug testing have the option to agree to testing or challenge it through a Motion to Compel. If a test comes back positive, taking proactive steps like follow-up testing, treatment, and legal counsel can help mitigate the impact. If you are dealing with a custody case involving drug testing, consult an experienced Florida family law attorney to protect your parental rights. Keywords: Florida custody case, hair follicle drug test, timesharing, parental responsibility, Florida family law attorney, positive drug test, supervised visitation, Motion to Compel, substance abuse, parental rights