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

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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Modification / Enforcement

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.

Adoption

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.


Child Support

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.

Timesharing (Custody)

Timesharing (Custody)

As part of a dissolution of marriage proceeding, the court will often make a determination as to both parents child custody rights and obligations regarding the minor children. There are several significant issues here:

  1. Shared Parental Responsibility vs. Sole Parental Responsibility
  2. Time Sharing
  3. Relocation
  4. Medical Education & Religion
  5. Extra-Curricular Activities
  6. Right of First Refusal
  7. Pick-ups & Drop-offs of the Minor Children
  8. Out of State Travel
  9. Out of the Country Travel
  10. Parenting Course Certificate
  11. Parenting Plan

The courts now refer to custody as “Time Sharing” (FL Statute 61.13). Parenting generally means that each parent will have an equal say in the major decisions affecting the welfare of the minor children. Sole parental responsibility is awarded to one parent in very limited situations. Visitation is also now more appropriately referred to as “Time Sharing”, i.e. the time the parent spends with the minor child or children. The Court generally focuses on the number of overnights the children will spend with each parent. This will impact the amount of Child Support paid. There are many variations and arrangements here also and the parties will complete a State required Parenting Plan.

The court will determine fathers rights in child custody, parental responsibility access and custody and chain of custody. Our Orlando divorce attorneys and help you determine interpretation of joint custody laws, custody battles, how to win child custody  and custody questions. Call us today for a consultation.

Practice Areas

Orlando Family Law – Orlando Divorce Lawyers – Orlando Family Attorney

The Marks Law Firm – Orlando Family Law Attorneys and Orlando Divorce Lawyers focus on providing service and support to families and individuals with family law needs in Orlando Florida.  Our practice areas include the following:

  • Adoption
  • Alimony
  • Assistance with Pro Se Divorce
  • Child Support
  • Collaborative Law
  • Contempt and Enforcement
  • Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
  • Domestic Violence Injunctions
  • Guardian Ad Litem
  • Legal Separation
  • Mediation
  • Modification (Post-Dissolution)
  • Parental Decision-Making and Timesharing
  • Parent Coordination
  • Paternity
  • Pre-Nuptial and Ante-Nuptial Agreements
  • Support Unconnected with Dissolution of Marriage