Not all divorces end up in a courtroom. In fact, many couples are able to reach a settlement through cooperative effort or negotiation, avoiding litigation altogether. But if you still have unresolved issues and your case does go to court, not knowing what to expect can feel intimidating. Knowing how to prepare for your court …
Mother’s Day after a divorce can stir up a whole mix of emotions for everyone – anger, betrayal, sadness, or even relief. But as a co-parent, your focus should always be on one simple truth: that your child still wants (and deserves) to celebrate their mom, even if you are no longer married. Special occasions …
Divorce isn’t only a major legal decision — it’s also a major financial one. Unfortunately, any missteps can cost you thousands of dollars. The choices you make now could shape the outcome of your entire case. Before you take that next step, you’ll want to educate yourself on the pitfalls that could jeopardize your future. …
As one of life’s most difficult transitions, divorce comes with emotional overwhelm, financial stress, and big concerns about the future. But just like spring follows winter, life after a divorce can also promise new growth and beginnings. At Melone Hatley, P.C., we believe divorce isn’t the end of a story – it’s merely the beginning …
If you’re thinking about filing for divorce in Florida, it’s important to understand the state’s legal requirements before you begin. Every state has its own divorce laws, and Florida is no exception. One key factor to keep in mind is the mandatory waiting period between filing and finalizing your divorce. And that is just one …
One of the main aspects of the divorce process in Florida is dividing the assets and liabilities of a divorcing couple fairly. However, in Florida, courts use the equitable principle of property division instead of a 50/50 split. If you are navigating a divorce in Florida, understanding how this works can be key to preparing …
Life has its fair share of hurdles, and families often face challenges that can feel overwhelming without the right help. Whether it’s safeguarding your legacy, securing your family’s financial future, or ensuring your and your children’s well-being during a divorce, there are situations when having skilled legal guidance can make all the difference. But how …
When a divorce proceeds to trial, family law attorneys must weave testimony, facts, and documents into a compelling case to benefit their client. Attorneys must have comprehensive information to do this effectively, and the discovery phase of the divorce process makes this possible. Discovery is the phase of divorce where both sides fully disclose and …
Divorce is challenging enough, but what about for those who are not U.S. citizens? With so much conversation centered around immigration today, it’s no wonder that many non-citizens are concerned about being able to remain in the United States after a divorce. Florida’s large immigrant population raises a common concern: Can you stay in the …
In many family law cases involving divorce and custody disputes, matters can become emotionally charged and sometimes even turn violent. In some cases, one party may feel threatened or unsafe because of the actions and threats of the other party. Virginia law provides legal protections called protective orders, otherwise known as restraining orders, to protect …
Over the last several years, Florida has made significant changes in its alimony laws, fundamentally altering how spousal support is decided and awarded in divorce cases. The alimony reform bill, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, has enacted some of the most dramatic changes to spousal support in Florida in years. New Key Changes …
Going through a divorce is not just legally and emotionally overwhelming. It can also have a profound financial impact on your life; and, if you are not careful, that impact can be negative. At one of the most vulnerable times of your life, you must make critical decisions that could affect your short-term and long-term …
Once you have made the decision your marriage is over, filing for divorce is generally the next step. But divorce isn’t just the emotional end of a relationship. It’s also the dissolution of a legal contract, complete with a signed court order dictating how you and your spouse will share your assets and the custody …
Going through a divorce is one of life’s most overwhelming transitions. Even after the paperwork has been finalized and the ink is dry, the emotional, financial, and practical aspects can linger. Whether your divorce was relatively amicable or a contentious nightmare, moving forward is key to creating a new and fulfilling life post-divorce. Taking the …
February is the month of love. Valentine’s Day. Candy. Flowers. Marriage proposals. All the fairytale trappings of love can be summed up in this one month of the calendar. But the reality? For many, the “love month” is less about romance than the brutal reality that their relationship is not what they had hoped for. …
Divorce is difficult enough, but when you come to the process with misconceptions and misunderstandings, it makes it even more challenging and stressful. Many outdated or simply untrue myths still circulate around divorce today. Let’s look at three of these and parse fact from fiction so you aren’t navigating your divorce with misinformation that can …
Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, representing the end of a couple’s shared life together and the dissolution of their legal marital contract. But divorces are as unique as the couples who seek them. Some couples come to the mutual decision to divorce and agree to terms by which they will dissolve their …
While divorce is the end of a relationship of the heart, it’s also the dissolution of a serious legal contract that could have many implications on your future. Unfortunately, while navigating this emotionally volatile time, you must still keep a calm head so you can make sound legal decisions for your future. Being well-informed and …
