Blog Archives

No Driver’s License, No Problem?

October 9, 2017

In a ruling in late September 2017, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that if a person does not have a driver’s license, for if he/she never obtained one, and that person is pulled over for a traffic stop infraction, such as speeding, that person can only also be cited for committing a second degree misdemeanor for driving without a valid driver’s license, no matter how many times that person drives and is caught.

By Philip J. Bonamo, Esq. - Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Law Attorney

Collaborative Divorce and Family Law Practice

October 4, 2017

The Florida legislature recently passed legislation and the Supreme Court implemented new rules governing collaborative practice in family law.

By Elizabeth King

Stand Your Ground In Court

September 29, 2017

The Florida Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision on September 28, 2017, made the ruling and finding that a “stand your ground” immunity in a criminal case could not be used to block a civil lawsuit.

By Philip J. Bonamo, Esq. - Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Law Attorney

Why Should I Pay for an Initial Divorce Consultation if Other Attorneys Offer Them for Free?

September 22, 2017

The old adage that “you get what you pay for” is never more true than in the legal field. And, while I’m on old adages, don’t forget that Abraham Lincoln is credited with saying that “a lawyer’s time and advice are his stock in trade.” In other words, all that we lawyers have to sell is our time and advice.

By Paul E Rice, Jr. - Board Certified Divorce Attorney

When and how to change your name on your Green Card

August 18, 2017

A permanent resident card, commonly known as a green card, must reflect the holder’s correct name. A green card is issued to new immigrants as proof of their legal resident status in the U.S. So it is important that this document has the holder’s correct name and other personal information like their date of birth.

By Douglas Williams, Partner

First time offenders… Pretrial Diversions

August 17, 2017

Everybody makes mistakes. Some mistakes can be corrected... with the right strategy. “Deferred Prosecution Agreement” is for those accused of misdemeanor offenses, and “pre-trial intervention” is for those accused of most third degree, non-violent felonies. Most charged with more serious offenses are not eligible for these programs.

By Douglas Williams, Partner

Custody By Extended Family Member

July 24, 2017

In my practice as a family law attorney, I have seen over the years where children have essentially been raised and their daily needs provided for by family members other than the child’s parents. It happens in a variety of different contexts, and the phrase “It Takes A Village” to raise a child is more and more prevalent in our society.

By Philip J. Bonamo, Esq. - Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Law Attorney

Trump’s Travel Ban

July 10, 2017

Who is affected by the ban? All travellers who have nationality of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen are not permitted to enter the US for 90 days, or be issued an immigrant or non-immigrant visa.

By Douglas Williams, Partner

Court Orders Incarcerated Parent to Pay Child Support

June 12, 2017

A Florida District of Appeal Court recently upheld a trial court’s final judgment of dissolution of marriage requiring the husband, who was in prison, to pay child support. The trial court evidently imputed income to the incarcerated parent based upon his previously established earning ability.

By Paul E Rice, Jr. - Board Certified Divorce Attorney

When is the Right Time for Estate Planning?

May 18, 2017

It may be an overused cliche, but there truly is no time like the present when it comes getting necessary estate planning documents in place. So often the typical client that seeks out an attorney for a Will, Trust, or other commonly utilized document is elderly or in the midst of a health crisis.

By Matthew Shapiro

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