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Category: Blog

Florida’s Criminal Justice Reform – 2022

This year saw a sweeping movement in the Florida Legislature of proposed bills that would have had a large impact on the criminal justice system in Florida. While many of these bills did not become law in Florida, there were several that did, and that went into effect a few months ago- July 1, 2022. This article focuses on 2 of the new Florida criminal laws.
By Philip J. Bonamo, Esq. - Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Law Attorney

Temporary Custody by Extended Family Member: What You Need to Know About Chapter 751

Chapter 751 of Florida Statutes dictates the requirements for legal and temporary custody of a minor child by an extended family member. As reflected in Chapter 751, many minor children live with and are cared for by members of their extended families. However, what happens when that family member needs to take extended care of a minor child?
By Rice Law

Using Beneficiary Designations to Avoid Probate

When it comes to estate planning, the primary goal of most clients is to eliminate the need for probate. Although a jack of all trades, probate is primarily a court proceeding designed to lawfully transfer certain assets previously owned by a deceased person. Probate is by no means a terrible undertaking, but it can be costly and time consuming. The good news is that not all assets need pass through probate.
By Matthew Shapiro, Daytona Beach Attorney

Current Overview of Alimony in Florida

The Florida legislature attempted to eliminate permanent alimony three times over the past ten years. However, those bills were vetoed twice by then Governor Rick Scott and once by current Governor Ron DeSantis. For better or worse, alimony is alive and well in Florida. As it stands now, alimony in Florida is governed by a law passed in 2011, which substantially overhauled the old alimony law and many court opinions arising from it.
By Paul E Rice, Jr. - Board Certified Divorce Attorney

Parent Communication Tools

Contemporary divorced or never married parents are expected to communicate frequently regarding the children. That said, even the best two households can get complicated.
By Elizabeth King

Criminal Charge Stacking: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve been charged with more than one crime, you may be experiencing criminal charge stacking. Continue reading to better understand what criminal charge stacking is and how it could affect you.
By Philip J. Bonamo, Esq. - Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Law Attorney

Florida’s Alimony Reform Bill Update

On June 17, 2022, the ‘Alimony Reform Bill’ that passed both chambers of the Florida legislature this past legislative session, was sent to Florida Governor DeSantis’ office for review. The Governor has until the end of this month to approve the bill and make it law, veto the bill, or if the Governor does not take action either way, it will automatically become law in Florida, effective July 1, 2022.
By Philip J. Bonamo, Esq. - Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Law Attorney

The Intersection of Probate and Wrongful Death Claims

Under Florida law, a personal representative (sometimes referred to as an “executor”) has a duty to pursue a wrongful death action on behalf of the decedent’s estate and the decedent’s survivors. There are two key takeaways from this edict.
By Matthew Shapiro, Daytona Beach Attorney

Domestic Violence Charges: Can They Be Dropped?

If you’re facing domestic violence charges in Florida, you may be wondering if there is a chance they could be dropped. You have a good reason to hope for that — the consequences of a domestic violence conviction can be severe and lifelong. After you have been accused of domestic violence, one of the first things you should do is contact a domestic violence defense lawyer in Daytona Beach.
By Philip J. Bonamo, Esq. - Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Law Attorney

The Penalties of Forgery in Florida

When people speak of forgery, they are referring to the attempt to defraud someone through the use of a false written document. Forgery does not only refer to handwriting. It also includes the production or alteration of any legally significant document by use of a printer, typewriter, or engraver.
By Philip J. Bonamo, Esq. - Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Law Attorney