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 …
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 …
Your divorce is finally over, and you can focus on your future. But divorce isn’t just about dividing your personal property and getting closure on your custody arrangement. It is also about protecting your and your loved ones financial futures. After a divorce, updating your estate plan isn’t just a prudent decision. It is one …
Your marriage has ended, but you and your former spouse will still be parents to your children for the rest of your life. Successful co-parenting means you must work together for the benefit of your child and coordinate with each other to develop a time-sharing schedule that works for both you and your children, even …
The words “prenuptial agreement” are seldom considered romantic. If anything, the words often conjure up images of awkward conversations and feelings of mistrust. But prenuptial agreements aren’t just for celebrities and billionaires. And they don’t mean you’re already planning on future failure. In fact, a prenuptial agreement can be one of the healthiest steps you …
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 …
In any Florida custody case, the guiding principle that courts use to determine custody arrangements is the “best interest of the child” standard. This standard ensures that all decisions made regarding custody and parental responsibility prioritize the child’s well-being, stability, and overall development. If you are navigating a custody case in Florida, you must understand …
Navigating child custody is one of the most overwhelming aspects of the divorce process for most parents. Both of you want the best for your children, but that can often mean different things to each of you. During emotionally charged times like divorce, it’s difficult to see past your own wishes (and anger) and consider …
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 …