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The Marks Law Firm, P.A. returns to support Nathaniel’s Hope

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In the spirit of summer, The Marks Law Firm has big plans to get outside and enjoy the weather with our community. This year is the third year that our team will be participating in the Nathaniel’s Hope- Make M’ Smile Celebration! Make M’ Smile is an annual community festival dedicated to celebrating VIP Kids, children with all types of special needs/disabilities, and their families.  VIP kids, families, volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors enjoy free entertainment, food, activities, and many vendors with giveaways.   

Every year the Marks Law Firm has been an active sponsor in the midst of all the fun and entertainment giving away free drinks and helping bring a smile to every child’s face!  The event will be held on Saturday, June 4th from 7:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.  We would love for you to come out to help support the VIP kids, their families, and this wonderful organization. 

If you are interested in participating please visit the Nathaniel’s Hope website at www.NathanielsHope.org.  One way to participate is by becoming a “buddy” to one of the VIP kids. As a “buddy” you will walk with a child and guide them during the “friendship stroll” around the park and throughout the event.  You can also sign up to be a volunteer or make a donation on the website.  Stay tuned to our website and Facebook to find out updates regarding this event and other ways that you can help.

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Mediation

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Mediation

Mediation is a process by which an impartial third-party, the Mediator, assists the parties in resolving their dispute.  The family lawyers at the Marks Law Firm can help guide you through this non-adversarial approach to conflict resolution that empowers the parties to generate their own solution to their dispute.  In Florida, parties to a dissolution (divorce) proceeding are required to attend mediation before moving toward a trial and each Florida County has a Mediation Department to assist with the process. The Marks Law Firm also works regularly with private mediators to help clients resolve their matter more efficiently and with less expense.

Mediation is a great way to resolve your matter without the cost, both financially and personally, that usually accompanies a full trial.  Through mediation the parties maintain control over the result through negotiation and discussion, which generally is preferred to ceding control to a Judge who may or may not see things your way.  The family law attorneys at The Marks Law Firm have significant experience working with clients through mediation and have found mediation to be a fruitful and positive experience for most clients.

Mediation is a great way for pro se parties with limited funds to obtain a quick and fair resolution of their case, and The Marks Law Firm can provide support to individuals in that situation.  If you would like more information about mediation in Central Florida, contact the family law attorneys at The Marks Law Firm in Orlando to schedule a consultation.

Modification / Enforcement

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Modification / Enforcement

When parties reach an agreement to settle, or a Court at trial orders a resolution to a family law dispute, those decisions are based on the parties’ circumstances at the time of the agreement or order.  When those circumstances change, however, the agreement or court order may need to change as well.  The Orlando family law attorneys at The Marks Law Firm can help you in seeking to obtain that necessary change.

In Florida, a party that has experience a “substantial change” in its circumstances may be entitled to a modification of their agreement or the Court’s order so that party’s rights and obligations reflect their current reality.  For instance, if a husband who is paying alimony to his former wife learns that the former wife, who was previously unemployed, now has a job and earns more money and perhaps more than he does, the husband may be entitled to a reduction or elimination of his alimony obligations.

Likewise, if a father paying child support to his former wife suddenly loses his job, he may be entitled to a reduction or elimination of those payments as well.  If you believe your circumstances have “substantially changed” since the end of your family law matter, you may be entitled to a change in your rights or obligations.  Contact the Orlando Family Law Attorneys at The Marks Law Firm for a one-on-one consultation to ensure you are protected.  If you would like more information about modification in Central Florida, contact the family law attorneys at The Marks Law Firm in Orlando to schedule a consultation.

Contempt or Enforcement

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Contempt or Enforcement

When a parent or former spouse refuses to comply with a Court Order, it may be appropriate to ask the Court to hold him or her in Contempt of court or Enforce the Order or Final Judgment.  The Court has the authority to act to ensure compliance with the Order and may even impose sanctions on the non-compliant party and award you attorney’s fees for your efforts.

To begin the process of Contempt/Enforcement, you should become aware of the steps required by the Court.

Important Points to Keep in Mind:

  • Forms should be typed or completed in black ink
  • Motions should be signed before a notary or deputy clerk
  • Electronic filing procedures are unique to each judicial circuit
  • Specific electronic filing instructions are available for those who are self-represented
  • Once a Hearing has been set by the Court, you will need to complete a Notice of Hearing

If you or your children are the victims of a party who refuses to honor a Court Order, call The Marks Law Firm in Orlando Florida for a one-on-one consultation to receive clear advice to discuss your options.

Paternity

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Paternity

When two unmarried parties have a child, it often becomes necessary to establish paternity for purposes of obtaining timesharing or establishing child support.  The Orlando paternity lawyers at The Marks Law Firm can guide you through this process and help ensure that your rights are protected, whether you are a father seeking time with his child or a mother in need of support.

Many men have learned the hard way that having their name on the birth certificate is not the same as having a Final Judgment establishing their parental rights when they need them. Many women have realized that receiving voluntary child support payments does not guarantee they will continue uninterrupted.  Only an Order of Paternity establishes rights of timesharing support legally.

If you would like more information about paternity law in Central Florida, contact the family law attorneys at The Marks Law Firm in Orlando to schedule a consultation.

Adoption

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Adoption

The decision to adopt is one of the most important choices your family will ever make. Whether you are starting a family or growing your own, adoption is a blessing and a gift to everyone involved. It is important to recognize the complexity and various time periods of all adoption related cases. Despite your eagerness to officially welcome a child into your family, often times the necessary legal procedures may span several months.  If you begin the process without thorough research, you may find yourself becoming overwhelmed quickly. Each adoption journey differs beyond the child involved. Do not underestimate the impact of the details and how your current family dynamic could change.

Perhaps you are in a position to gain legal guardianship of a stepchild, or even a child in the foster care system. No matter the specifics of your circumstances, be mindful of how you would like to proceed with your case in the most efficient and seamless manner. Your consultation with an attorney will provide you with an opportunity to explore many different possibilities.

You need a family law firm with the experience and understanding to support you through the adoption process, Florida adoption law and adoption finalization.  At The Marks Law Firm in Orlando, Florida it is our pleasure to help clients experience the joy of growing their family through adoption, whether domestic or international.  Our Orlando family attorneys and paralegals employ the right balance of legal skill and personal compassion as we work with you to make the dream of parenthood a reality.

Regardless of your stage in the adoption process, The Marks Law Firm Orlando is here to support you in the child adoption process. Call our office to schedule a consultation with one of our seasoned attorneys. We look forward to serving your adoption related needs.


Alimony

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Alimony

Alimony is provided for in FL Statute 61.08. There are literally hundreds of Appellate cases in Florida significantly impacting how this Statute is interpreted.

When spouses separate or divorce the financial burden on each spouse can be significant. Interestingly, the status of alimony in Florida is currently in a state of flux. There have been substantial changes to the alimony statutes and the corresponding case law over the past several years, and there is a movement affront in Florida to abolish Permanent Periodic Alimony.

Alimony, or Spousal Support, is the payment made by one spouse to the other. Alimony can be court-ordered or agreed to by the parties, however, not every separated or divorcing spouse is entitled to alimony. We can assess your unique situation and clearly and concisely counsel you as to your legal rights.

There are 6 types of alimony in Florida:

1. Permanent Periodic Alimony
2. Rehabilitative Alimony
3. Durational Alimony
4. Bridge the Gap Alimony
5. Lump Sum Alimony
6. Temporary Alimony

The number one and number two factors in all alimony cases are: 1. Does one spouse have a Financial Ability to pay and 2. Does the other spouse have a financial need to receive Alimony? You must meet both criteria for it to be an alimony case.

In Florida, under FL Statute 61.08, there are a number of additional factors to consider when determining whether alimony is appropriate, including the length of the marriage, standard of living, the health, education and age of the parties, non-marital resources available to the parties and other contributions made to the marriage.

The Marks Law Firm Attorneys in Orlando, FL have over 80 years of combined experience in the Family Law Area. Experienced in Florida Alimony Law – Orlando alimony lawyer.

Child Support

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Child Support

In any separation or divorce involving minor children, the best interests of the children are paramount. Unfortunately, not every parent is willing to do their part and child support guidelines can be complicated to understand and often lead to contentious dispute between the parties. The Marks Law Firm has the knowledge and experience to help you make sure that your child support determination is fair and accurate. In Florida, child support is determined based on Florida Child Support Guidelines that considers each parent’s income and other factors like who pays the health insurance premiums, day care, or after school care for the minor children. Even Alimony payments made and received can affect Florida child support calculations and Florida child support payments.

You can review Florida’s child support guidelines by clicking here:

While the statutory guidelines provide the parties with a starting point for their Florida child support obligations, it is often appropriate to deviate from the amount provided for in the statute. The Marks Law Firm will consider your unique situation and help you determine whether a deviation is appropriate.  And for those parents already paying or receiving child support, we can analyze your situation to help you decide whether to modify or terminate your child support obligations or to enforce support obligations that the other parent isn’t meeting.

The Marks Law Firm’s child support lawyers in the Orlando, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Longwood, Clermont, Ocoee, Lake Mary area with help and advise on your child support situation. Call us today.

Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)

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Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)

Our Orlando family lawyers at the Marks Law Firm understand that the decision to end your marriage is one of the most difficult and stressful decisions you’ll ever make.  We are committed to helping you through this difficult time by minimizing uncertainty, empowering you, and preparing you for what comes next.  A Dissolution of Marriage can involve any number of complicated issues, including how to value and divide your assets and liabilities, how to calculate both spousal and child support where appropriate, and how to arrive at an appropriate schedule for time sharing with your minor children.

At The Marks Law Firm in Orlando, FL, our focus is on guiding you through these often painful issues and helping you emerge on the other side of your divorce with hope for the future.  If you would like more information about divorce or dissolution of marriage in Central Florida, contact the Orlando family law attorneys at The Marks Law Firm to schedule a consultation.