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. …
Springs means warmer weather and fresh starts, and for many people, spring cleaning is a seasonal rite. But spring cleaning should be more than just decluttering your closets and organizing the garage. If you haven’t addressed your legal paperwork recently, some legal spring cleaning may also be in order. This year, while you’re deep cleaning …
Winning a custody battle isn’t about being the perfect parent. It’s about demonstrating that you provide the most stable environment for your child. If you are navigating a custody dispute, understanding what judges truly look for can make all the difference in your custody case. Big Mistakes That Can Cost You Custody Custody battles are …
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, but unfortunately, many children today experience neglect, physical harm, emotional abuse, or sexual exploitation. April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the realities of child abuse. By recognizing the warning signs of abuse and being vigilant …
Property division, custody, alimony – divorce can present a horror story around each corner if you’re not careful. Even in the “friendliest” divorces, one small misunderstanding, misinterpretation, or lack of legal understanding and all “friendly” bets are off. Here, we’ll explore some shocking yet very real horror stories, debunk some common myths, and reveal why …
For many families, religious holidays have deep emotional significance and are central to family traditions. But when parents divorce or separate, navigating custody arrangements around these holidays can be challenging. Unfortunately, holiday custody scheduling often creates unnecessary conflict for many divorced parents. But by approaching custody around the holidays with a clear plan, cooperation, and …
Spring break is exciting for most families. Travelling, seeing extended family, spending quality time together. But for divorced parents who share custody, this time of year comes with logistical and emotional challenges. Balancing schedules, expectations, and family traditions can feel overwhelming, often leading to co-parenting disputes. For co-parents who must navigate spring break and other …
Family law cases are some of the most emotionally and legally complex challenges a person will ever face. Whether you are navigating a divorce, working through a child custody dispute, or looking out for your future financial stability through a support agreement, understanding your legal rights will be critical. Many enter these situations unprepared, relying …
Separating from a spouse can be one of the most painful and pivotal moments in a person’s life. You may be reevaluating your marriage, working diligently on keeping it afloat, or even separating as a condition of a divorce. Unfortunately, without careful planning, you could risk losing assets, accumulating unexpected debts, and even jeopardizing your …
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 …
Your divorce brings big changes for the whole family – especially your children. Co-parenting can be particularly challenging if you and your former spouse struggle with miscommunication, unresolved emotions, and very different parenting styles. However, with patience, respectful communication, and a child-centered approach, co-parenting can be a positive and cooperative experience that can benefit the …
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 …
According to reports by the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare, nearly 1 in 8 children in the United States live in a household where one parent has a substance abuse disorder. For parents who are divorcing and trying to gain custody, substance abuse, along with many other issues, can complicate the divorce …
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 …
Let’s be honest – if you are nowhere near retirement age, estate planning is probably not high on your to-do list. You are busy juggling a career, raising kids, and remembering to pay the bills and take out the garbage. Wills and trusts? These are things that probably never enter your mind, or if they …
