How to Get Emergency Custody in Florida and What to Watch Out for

Concerns over the custody of your child can be incredibly distressing, especially if you are worried for their safety. While the legal system is rarely known to work quickly, if you have verifiable concerns for your child’s safety in Florida, you may be able to get an emergency custody hearing and temporary custody order pending […]

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Difference Between Lawyer and Attorney

The words “lawyer” and “attorney” are used interchangeably in many cases, but there is a difference between the two. In some cases, it is important to understand this difference so that you know whom to engage when you need legal assistance. These are the differences between lawyers and attorneys. Lawyer vs. Attorney: What Sets Them […]

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What Happens if You Miss Child Support Payments in Florida?

Florida penalties for nonpayment of child support start early, and they get progressively more severe if you fail to comply. The conventional wisdom is that “debtor’s prisons” are a relic of our medieval past, but that is not exactly true. In an extreme case, you could go to prison for nonpayment of child support. Although […]

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Who Gets the House in a FL Divorce?

Divorce is tough, and one of the biggest questions couples face is: “Who gets the house?” In Florida, the answer isn’t always straightforward. This guide breaks down how Florida law handles homes in divorce so you can understand your options and make informed decisions. Understanding Florida’s Equitable Distribution Law Florida follows the “equitable distribution” rule […]

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How To Recognize Your Spouse’s Manipulative Behavior

Do you often feel confused or guilty after a conversation with your spouse? This could be a sign of manipulation or gaslighting. Recognizing emotional manipulation from someone you know can be difficult. Living with manipulation tactics can alter your view of reality and affect your mental health.  There were nearly 674,000 divorces in 2022 alone. […]

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Does Florida Recognize Common Law Marriage?

Some couples choose to live together before officially getting married. They may live together for years and even hold themselves out to be married, even though they never obtained a marriage license or had a ceremony. Many of them may believe they have entered into a common law marriage after a certain period of time. […]

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What’s the Difference Between Alimony vs Spousal Support?

Domestic support is a common issue in many Florida divorce cases. Florida statutes refer to domestic support as alimony. However, many states have changed the term alimony to spousal support. Some parties believe that alimony has negative associations with husbands supporting wives after a divorce. It is suggestive of a time when many women did […]

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Considering Children Before Marriage? Insights from an Orlando Divorce Lawyer 

When you’re thinking about having children, there are many things to consider, especially if you and your partner are considering children before marriage. Having children is a significant responsibility and requires careful planning and discussion.  Experienced divorce attorneys understand the complexities of raising children and family life. Having insights from an Orlando divorce lawyer can […]

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How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Florida Without a Lawyer?

Divorce can be emotionally challenging, and navigating the financial aspects can add another layer of stress. The cost of a divorce in Florida can vary widely, depending on the specifics of your case. At the Law Office of Paulette Hamilton, our Orlando divorce attorneys understand that every divorce is unique. In this blog, we break […]

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What is a Custodial Parent?

“Custodial parent” is a term that describes the legal relationship between you and your child, between you and the other parent, and between you and the family court with jurisdiction over your case. As long as you are married to the other parent, no divorce is pending, and you are not separated from the other […]

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