Recent Blog Posts
Does HIPAA Prevent Disclosure of a Party’s Medical or Therapy Records in a Florida Divorce or Father’s Rights Case?
A party’s medical records or therapy records may be relevant to an issue in a divorce or a father’s rights case. The patient/client to whom the records belong often objects to disclosure based on HIPAA or Florida’s medical records law. However, HIPAA generally does not prevent disclosure of an opposing party’s medical records in… Read More »
Are unvested restricted share units (RSUs) marital property?
Restricted share units (RSUs) are a type of equity compensation. Many public companies that in the past issued stock options have now moved toward restricted share units. Disney is an example of an Orlando employer that offers restricted share units to executives and key persons. There are no reported cases in Florida that specifically… Read More »
What Happens When Parents Disagree About Vaccinating their Children?
How do parents in Florida resolve disagreement about vaccinating their children, including disagreement over the COVID vaccination? Courts are required to grant parents “shared parental responsibility” unless it would be detrimental to their child.[1] “Shared parental responsibility” means major decisions affecting the child are to be made after the parents confer and reach an… Read More »
What is the Difference Between Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage?
The difference between divorce and dissolution of marriage is that divorce requires proof of fault, and dissolution of marriage does not. Marriages in Florida used to be ended by filing for “divorce.” Today marriages are dissolved by filing a petition for “dissolution of marriage.” Historically, “divorce” in Florida referred to the fault-based system for… Read More »
Is it legal for the Court to automatically suspend rights in judicial administrative orders?
Is it legal for the Court to automatically suspend rights in judicial administrative orders? Administrative orders are the preferred tool for the court to manage its internal affairs. However, administrative orders often impact topics beyond the court’s internal affairs, and even impact rights of litigants. In general, administrative orders cannot: Take away an existing… Read More »
Are Judicial Administrative Orders Enforceable?
Administrative Orders in Ninth Circuit family law cases (including Orange County, Orlando divorce and paternity cases) have been in place for more than a decade. These orders put litigants on notice of substantive law; address issues that commonly arise in newly filed divorce cases; and are intended to promote stability and decrease the number… Read More »
Ninth Circuit Issues New Administrative Orders for Orange County in Response to COVID-19
As of this writing, the Ninth Circuit has issued five administrative orders in response to COVID-19 in less than a week. Administrative Order 2020-06-02 (entered 4/14/2020)(Amended AOSC 2020-06 that was retroactive to 3/16/2020, Amended 2020-06-01 entered 3/20/2020) –Implements AOSC20-15 at a circuit level. Tracks definitions of “essential” and “critical” court proceedings. Directs that essential… Read More »
Florida Supreme Court Issues New Emergency Administrative Orders in Response to COVID-19
As of this writing, the Florida Supreme Court has issued over seven emergency administrative orders in response to COVID-19 in less than two weeks. Among them include: AOSC20-12 (3/11/2020) – Directs chief judges to take steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 (e.g. implementing “social distancing” and sanitation procedures). AOSC20-13 (3/13/2020) –Suspends as “non-essential”… Read More »
Seven Ways to Co-Parent Like a Rock Star During COVID-19
Changes in routine and uncertainty with the future can put your co-parenting skills to the test. Here are seven things you can do to parent effectively in challenging times. Parenting Guidelines During COVID-19
Helping Children Deal with Stress During COVID-19
Corona virus precautions have required many changes in daily routines and schedules. Changes like this can stress children. The Florida State University Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy put together fantastic guides to help you identify when children are stressed; the cause of stress; how to talk about stress with your children; and… Read More »