Tagged: Divorce RSS

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  Michael Fender 10:58 am on February 17, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Attorney (23), dissolution of marraige, Divorce, Lawyer (15), modification, modify, Orlando (28)   

  Modification of Final Judgment of Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage 

  Modification of Spousal Support or Alimony:
  One matter from a final judgment of divorce or dissolution of marriage which may be modified is spousal support or alimony which can be either an increase or decrease in the amount of financial support a spouse receives. Under Florida law, if the financial ability or the circumstances change then either spouse may request the court for modification of the alimony payment. Reduced or increased income of a spouse paying the alimony is not enough on its own for modification of alimony.
  In order to modify alimony, a party must file a supplemental petition with the court and serve the other side. The party who is seeking the modification must show the court that there has been (1) a substantial change in the circumstances; (2) that the change was not contemplated by the parties at the time of the final judgment of dissolution; and (3) the change is sufficient, material, involuntary, and permanent in nature.
  Alimony may be modified or terminated if the paying former spouse can prove the receiving party is involved in a “supportive relationship,” a relationship in which his or her expenses are being paid.
  Modification of Child Support:
  A party may also seek to modify child support either an upward or downward change in the amount of support a former spouse receives for the benefit of a minor child. Florida law authorizes the court to modify child support payments when the financial ability of either party changes or the child who is the beneficiary of an agreement or order as described reaches the age of 18, or 19 if still in high school with a reasonable expectation of graduation.
  Florida Statutes list three grounds for modification of child support: (1) when modification is found necessary by the court and is in the best interest of the child; (2) when the child reaches the age of 18; and (3) when there is a substantial change in the circumstances of the parties. The party seeking modification must prove that there has been a substantial change of circumstances and must show that this change is significant, material, involuntary and permanent in nature. A guideline change must result in a change of either 15% or $50, whichever is greater. Substantial change may be either the child’s needs or a parent’s income. Once the court finds that there has been a substantial change then the court must consider all of the statutory factors in recalculating the child support obligation.
  Modification of a Parenting Plan:
  Under Florida law the standard for modification of a parenting plan, time-sharing schedule or parental responsibility is to show that the circumstances have substantially, materially changed since the original determination and the child’s best interests justify the change.
  If a request is made to modify time-sharing or parental responsibility because a parent is activated, deployed or temporarily assigned to active military service and the parent’s ability to comply with the time-sharing schedule is materially affected, the court may only temporarily modify or amend the time-sharing if it is in the best interest of the minor child. However, the court is required to ensure contact between the military service member and the minor child by electronic communications, webcam, telephone and other available means as well as liberal time-sharing during periods of leave from military service. Upon return from active military service, deployment or temporary assingnment, the court is required to reinstate the original time-sharing schedule between the military service member and the minor child.

  ________________________________________________________________________

  Attorney Michael Fender has been representing spouses for 17+ years when their marriages come to an end. Mr. Fender represents Husbands or Wives in the Orlando, Florida area including Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Oviedo, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Deland, and Clermont. Please feel free to contact his office to schedule an appointment to discuss your rights and options with regard to custody, time sharing, parenting plans, equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, the marital home, alimony, child support, division of pensions, 401K’s, IRA’s and other retirement accounts. If you are in need of a lawyer for representation or advice, please contact Michael Fender’s office at 407-629-1886 or visit Attorney Fender’s website.

   

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  Michael Fender 10:41 am on February 12, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Attorney (23), Divorce, Lawyer (15), Orlando (28), surname, wife, woman   

  Married Woman’s Retention of Former Surname 

  No statute or judicial decision in Florida requires a woman to take her husband’s surname when they marry. Based on custom, a woman may change her surname to that of her husband, but the law neither compels her to do so nor automatically converts it for her. Thus, a married woman may legally retain her former name by choice, intention and use.
  A woman who uses her husband’s surname has a right to subsequently establish her former surname as her legal name if desired. Any person who wishes to change his or her name must file a petition for name change and comply with the statutory requirements.
  A woman may also have her former name or maiden name restored in a final judgment of dissolution of marriage or divorce. Some women choose to retain their married name if there are children of the marriage. Most judges require that a wife testify that she has not declared bankruptcy under her married name, has not been adjudicated a felon, does not have any money judgments entered against her in the married name, and is not seeking a name change for any fraudulent or improper purpose.

  ________________________________________________________________________

  Attorney Michael Fender has been representing spouses for 17+ years when their marriages come to an end. Mr. Fender represents Husbands or Wives in the Orlando, Florida area including Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Oviedo, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Deland, and Clermont. Please feel free to contact his office to schedule an appointment to discuss your rights and options with regard to custody, time sharing, parenting plans, equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, the marital home, alimony, child support, division of pensions, 401K’s, IRA’s and other retirement accounts. Contact his office at 407-629-1886 or visit Attorney Fender’s website.

   
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  Michael Fender 9:56 am on February 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Altamonte Springs (2), Attorney (23), Divorce, Florida (8), Lawyer (15), Orlando (28)   

  Attorney Michael Fender Profile 

  Michael Fender was born in 1963 in Kansas. In 1973, his family moved to Lakeland, Florida where he graduated from Lakeland Senior High School in 1981. Mr. Fender then attended the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with Honors in 1985. During his undergraduate years, Mr. Fender competed on the varisty debate team for his Sophomore, Junior and Senior years travelling to many different campuses across the country representing the University of Florida in debate tournaments.

  Upon graduation, Mr. Fender entered the work force. After taking a 3½ year break and working in the residential construction industry, first as a construction superintendent and then as an estimator and purchasing agent for two large homebuilders, Mr. Fender then entered law school at the University of Florida in 1989 and graduated in 1991.

  On the morning of April 29, 1992 and after waiting since childhood to become a lawyer, Mr. Fender learned that he had passed the bar examination with a combined score of 170 (130 needed to pass at that time) and immediately made an appointment with The Honorable Frederick D. Smith of the Eight Judicial Circuit to be sworn in at 11:15 a.m. that morning and became of member of The Florida Bar. After having clerked at several local Gainesville law firms as a law student, Mr. Fender immediately opened his practice in Gainesville, Florida and has remained a sole practitioner for the past 17+ years. In 1993, Mr. Fender moved his practice to Orlando, Florida and initially located in downtown Orlando. In 1995, Mr. Fender moved his practice to Maitland, Florida and in 2000 made a final move to his current location in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

  Mr. Fender has received a Martindale Hubbell rating of BV. This means that his peers have rated his legal ability from high to very high and his ethical standards as very high.

  Mr. Fender represented his first divorce client in 1992 and has represented hundreds since then. Mr. Fender practices in all areas of family law including divorce, paternity, domestic violence injunctions, child support and alimony modifications, custody modifications and stepparent adoptions.

  Mr. Fender provides criminal defense representation for all misdemeanors and felonies in Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Volusia County and Lake County, Florida.

  Utilizing his construction background and training, Mr. Fender also represents contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners and homeowners in construction disputes including breach of contract, construction or mechanic’s liens, warranty claims and defenses and construction defects.

  Mr. Fender is also admitted to the United States District Court, Middle District, the United States District Court, Northern District, and the United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit.

  In his spare time, Mr. Fender raises two young children with his wife, Julie, collects antique clocks, antique tube radios, antique fans, antique bookends, antiquarian Americana books, and antique prints and paintings.

  _________________________________
  Attorney Michael Fender has been representing spouses for 17+ years when their marriages come to an end. Mr. Fender represents Husbands or Wives in the Orlando, Florida area including Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Oviedo, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Deland, and Clermont. Please feel free to contact his office to schedule an appointment to discuss your rights and options with regard to custody, time sharing, parenting plans, equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, the marital home, alimony, child support, division of pensions, 401K’s, IRA’s and other retirement accounts. Contact his office at 407-629-1886 or visit Attorney Fender’s website.

   
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  Michael Fender 11:36 am on February 10, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Attorney (23), child support (5), Divorce, Orlando (28), paternity (2)   

  Child Born Out of Wedlock 

  The mother of a child born out of wedlock is the natural guardian and has the primary duty of support.” The term “born out of wedlock” generally refers to a child who was neither born nor conceived of a legally recognized marriage. The terms “bastard” and “illegitimate” are disfavored, but the term “illegitimate” still appears in some court opinions. A child who is either born or conceived in wedlock is presumed to be a child of the marriage.

  The father of a child born out of wedlock also owes a duty of support, unless the child has been adopted by another man. The father’s identity may be established by any of the following procedures:

  1. A paternity action.
  2. The father’s marriage to the mother.
  3. A foreign judgment of paternity.
  4. The father’s acknowledgment of paternity.

  A court may order support for a child born out of wedlock retroactively to the date of birth with a maximum retroactive period of two (2) preceding the date of the filing of the child support lawsuit. To determine the amount of child support that is necessary, a child born out of wedlock is treated as a child born of a marriage.

  The willful failure of the parents to provide support to a child born out of wedlock is a felony. A man cannot be held criminally liable for a failure to support such a child, however, unless a court of competent jurisdiction has first determined that he is the father.

  It is important to note that just because a child suppot order has been entered, the father has no rights of shared parenting or contact with the child until a court has adjudicated the father’s rights. After being served with a child support lawsuit, a father should hire an attorney if that father wishes to establish his rights of contact with the child, establish a parenting plan, and become involved in the child’s life.
  ______________________________________________________________________________

  Attorney Michael Fender has been representing spouses for 17+ years when their marriages come to an end. Mr. Fender represents Husbands or Wives in the Orlando, Florida area including Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Oviedo, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Deland, and Clermont. Please feel free to contact his office to schedule an appointment to discuss your rights and options with regard to custody, time sharing, parenting plans, equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, the marital home, alimony, child support, division of pensions, 401K’s, IRA’s and other retirement accounts. Contact his office at 407-629-1886 or visit Attorney Fender’s website.

   
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  Michael Fender 10:57 am on February 4, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Attorney (23), Divorce, Mediation, Orlando (28)   

  Mediation and Divorce 

  I always advise my clients of the option of early an alternative dispute resolution or mediation provided there is sufficient kowledge or discovery of the marital assets and marital debts involved in the divorce. An agreement mediated by my clients with the assistance of attorneys is likely to be a more comprehensive document than a judgment received after a trial. Therefore, mediation is a powerful mechanism for the quick and efficient resolution of a divorce case and is successful most of the time. In Florida, mediation is mandatory prior to setting trial or a temporary hearing. When mediation occurs, the lawyer continues to be involved but in a different role. One of the important and critical decisions to be made when deciding to mediate, or being required to do so, is the selection of the mediator that is appropriate for your case.
  In child custody and related issues, clients need to be cautioned as to the possible consequence of mediation. Mediation is usually viewed as a privileged session. However, a divorcing spouse airing his or her strengths may alert his or her spouse to weaknesses or strenths of the case, thereby providing the opponent an opportunity to strengthen his or her case.
  There also needs to be an understandubg of the dynamics of mediation. The mediator is simply attempting to facilitate the decision-making process and is not a decision maker. Unfortunately, when one party or their attorney is intractable as to his of her positions, the mediator may focus on the more flexible party to see if that party will move from his or her position. In these situations, one of the participants may sacrifice his or her positions for no apparent gain.
  A client will be unable to effectively mediate financial issues if he or she is unaware of the nature and extent of the family assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. The client should be conversant with the disclosure form and be comfortable in relying on it during the mediation session. If questions concerning full disclosure, accuracy, or the like exist, mediation is premature. To the extent valuations are necessary, the practitioner should work with the client to select either a joint or independent appraiser to appraise businesses, real estate, defined contributions plans, etc. Without valuations, the client in mediation could be taking on significant risk and the practitioner could ultimately be blames.
  Prior to mediation, the attorney should also discuss the disputed issues with the client and advise him or her as to how the law would be applied if the case were to be litigated. The mediator should not be expected to give the client legal advice.
  Last, the attorney should continue to counsel the client throughout the mediation process. The mediation agreement should be thoroughly reviewed for accuracy because once it is signed, there is little chance of having the agreement voided in whole or in part.
  _________________________________________________________________

  Attorney Michael Fender has been representing spouses for 17+ years when their marriages come to an end. Mr. Fender represents Husbands or Wives in the Orlando, Florida area including Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Oviedo, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Deland, and Clermont. Please feel free to contact his office to schedule an appointment to discuss your rights and options with regard to custody, time sharing, parenting plans, equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, the marital home, alimony, child support, division of pensions, 401K’s, IRA’s and other retirement accounts. Contact his office at 407-629-1886 or visit Attorney Michael Fender’s main website.

   
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  Michael Fender 6:41 am on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Attorney (23), child support (5), Divorce, duty, Maitland (2), Orlando (28), Winter Park (3)   

  Parents’ Duty to Support Child of the Marriage and Adopted Child 

  The parents of a minor child have a duty to support and educate the child and must provide the child with adequate food, clothing, and shelter. Each parent’s duty of support continues while the marriage exists and after its dissolution, unless the child is adopted by a stepparent or by another person.

  The duty of providing child support generally arises either contractually or from parenthood. Thus, in the absence of an enforceable agreement to provide support, a former spouse has no legal duty to support a child who is not his or her natural or adopted child. A former spouse may be equitably estopped from repudiating a child for purposes of support, however, when the spouse has enjoyed the benefits of being a parent, among which are having received the child’s love and affection over an extended period of time. For example, a husband who was neither the biological nor the adoptive father of a child was equitably estopped from repudiating paternity of the child where the husband, from the child’s birth until the child reached the age of nine, had completely and willingly assumed the role of father. Until dissolution of the marriage, however, a husband stands in loco parentis (in the place of a parent) to his wife’s child born during the marriage; this relationship creates a duty of support even if the man is not the child’s natural or adoptive father.

  Because a duty of support is owed to the child, one parent cannot relieve the other of this responsibility without court approval. Further, prior to enactment of the “shared parental responsibility” concept, the burden of child support could not be shifted from a noncustodial parent merely because his or her former spouse (the custodial parent) had remarried, and this rule appears to remain valid despite amendment of the custody laws to permit shared parental responsibility. However, the remarriage of the spouse with primary residential responsibility may affect his or her financial ability to contribute a greater share of the child’s support, which could be a factor in determining changed circumstances.

  The duty of support is nondelegable, even if the child does not live with either parent. Accordingly, if a parent neglects to provide support, a person who contributes to the support of the child is entitled to reimbursement from the parent.

  At any time during a proceeding for dissolution of a marriage, the court has the authority to order either or both parents to pay child support. In addition, the court has continuing jurisdiction to modify its orders and to require the parent with primary residential responsibility to account for expenditures made from child support received by him or her. A parent may seek an order to compel the other parent to pay child support at any time, regardless of any previous adjudication or opportunity to litigate the issue.

  ____________________________________________________________________________________

  Attorney Michael Fender has been representing spouses for 17+ years when their marriages come to an end. Mr. Fender represents Husbands or Wives in the Orlando, Florida area including Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Oviedo, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Deland, and Clermont. Please feel free to contact his office to schedule an appointment to discuss your rights and options with regard to custody, time sharing, parenting plans, equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, the marital home, alimony, child support, division of pensions, 401K’s, IRA’s and other retirement accounts. Contact his office at 407-629-1886 or visit Attorney Fender’s website.

   
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  Michael Fender 11:51 am on January 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Divorce, Marital Home (3), Orlando (28)   

  What Happens to the Marital Home? 

  WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MARITAL HOME?
  There are several different ways to tackle the issue of what happens to the marital home. First and most obvious, the home can be sold with the equity being split in some fashion by the parties.
  Secondly, one party can buy-out the interest of the other party. This can be done by acquiring the fair market value from three reputable realtors and taking an average. The party who is going to remain as owner should re-finance the mortgage to remove the non-owner from any liability. Additionally, the party being bought-out should quit claim deed whatever interest he or she has in the property. The quit claim deed should then be properly recorded with the County Recorder.
  Thirdly, the parties can agree to remain joint owners of the property until some specific date or time frame (for example, when the youngest child completes high school). Upon the happening of that date or time frame, it can be dictated as to what will happen with the property. It is possible that one party will receive one-half of the equity that was present at the time of dissolution. It is possible that one party will receive one-half of the equity at the time of sale or re-finance.
  As you can see, the possibilities are endless and are only limited by the imagination of the parties and their attorneys.
  Regardless of what is ultimately decided, make sure that your Judgment and/or Settlement Agreement is highly detailed. There should be no confusion as to who shall pay the mortgage, taxes, insurance and utilities until the property is effectively divided.

  ________________________________________________________________________

  Attorney Michael Fender has been representing spouses for past 18 years when their marriages come to an end. Mr. Fender represents Husbands or Wives in the Orlando, Florida area including Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Oviedo, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Deland, and Clermont. Please feel free to contact his office to schedule an appointment to discuss your rights and options with regard to custody, time sharing, parenting plans, equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, the marital home, alimony, child support, division of pensions, 401K’s, IRA’s and other retirement accounts. Contact his office at 407-629-1886 or visit Attorney Michael Fender’s main website.

   
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  Michael Fender 3:04 pm on January 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: annulment, Attorney (23), Divorce, Orlando (28)   

  Annulment in Orlando, Florida 

  It is important to understand the difference between an annulment and a dissolution of marriage or divorce. A divorce seeks to terminate a valid marriage, whereas an annulment seeks to have a marriage declared invalid. In many cases it may be advisable to sue the divorce procedure even if an annulment is technically appropriate. This is because the divorce procedure is clearly spelled out in Chapter 61, Florida Statutes; whereas there are no statutory provisions for annulments, which are only covered by sparse case law. An annulment is usually preferred for religious reasons, and is accompanied by a church annulment procedure.
  There are various grounds fro annulment. Some of these grounds result in the marriage being “void,” and other grounds result in the marriage being “voidable.” There are important differences between the two.
  In general, a void marriage confers no legal rights on the parties. A void marriage can be asserted at any time, by an interested party in any proceeding where the existence of the marriage is a material fact. A void marriage may be asserted even after the death of the husband or wife (such as by heirs who would benefit from the marriage being declared void). Children of a void marriage are generally considered illegitimate , although this may have little practical effect under Florida law. The innocent party’s actions, after learning of the situation rendering the marriage void, do not bar an annulment action. Void marriage includes those situations where there is (1) a lack of actual consent; (2) a lack of legal capacity based on nonage, incest or bigamy; and, (3) a lack of mental capacity.
  A voidable marriage is valid until either the husband or the wife has it annulled. The claim that the marriage is voidable may only be asserted by one of the parties to the marriage, and only while both parties are alive. The death of either the husband or the wife prohibits any such assertion, and the marriage become valid. The surviving spouse is still entitled to his or her inheritance. The party’s actions, after learning the voidability of the marriage, may bar an annulment. Continued cohabitation may ratify the marriage. Voidable marriages includes those marriage based on fraud or duress.
  It should also be noted that common law marriage in Florida was abolished effective January 1, 1986, and that any such marriage is void. Threfore, there is no need to seek either annulment or dissolution of such a marriage.
  It should further be noted that recent case law provides that an innocent spouse may be entitled to alimony in an annulment lawsuit.
  _________________________________

  Attorney Michael Fender has been representing spouses for 17+ years when their marriages come to an end. Mr. Fender represents Husbands or Wives in the Orlando, Florida area including Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Oviedo, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Deland, and Clermont. Please feel free to contact his office to schedule an appointment to discuss your rights and options with regard to custody, time sharing, parenting plans, equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, the marital home, alimony, child support, division of pensions, 401K’s, IRA’s and other retirement accounts. Contact his office at 407-629-1886 or visit Attorney Michael Fender’s main website.

   
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  Michael Fender 2:30 pm on January 26, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Divorce, Orlando (28), shared parenting   

  Shared Parenting Guidelines in Orlando, Florida 

  The safety, financial security and well-being of the children involved in your Orlando, Orange County, divorce case are the Court’s primary concern. Parents should follow these guidelines:

  It is the law, except in certain rare circumstances, that both parents will share parental responsibility for all minor children involved in this case. The law requires parents to share the children’s time and to participate together in making all important decisions concerning the children. The law expects parents to put aside their feelings and cooperate on all decisions involving the children. Therefore, parents must recognize the following:

  Children have a right to a loving, open and continuing relationship with both parents. They have the right to express love, affection and respect for one parent in the presence of the other parent.

  Neither parent may alienate a child’s affection for the other parent.

  Parents must separate any bad feelings for one another from their duties as parents. Their duty is to share the children’s time and share in making parenting decisions. Children must be free to draw their own conclusions about each parent, without the prejudicial influences of the other parent.

  Children have the right to never hear a parent, or a relative or friend of a parent, run down or degrade the other parent.

  Children have the right to be free from guilt because the parents have decided to separate. They are entitled to honest answers to questions about changes taking place in family makeup.

  Parents should never be so preoccupied with their own problems that they fail to meet the children’s needs. Separation of the parents usually has a worse impact on the children than on the parents, a fact both parents should never forget.

  Each parent should openly, honestly, respectfully and regularly communicate with the other parent to avoid misunderstandings. They should never argue about the children in front of them.

  Parents should discuss all differences regarding their separation and financial issues between them and parenting decisions out of the presence of the child. Both parents should always try to present a united front in handling any problems with the children.

  Generally, children have the right to regular and continuing contact with both parents. Parents should arrange all visitations and exchanges together and not through the child. The child should never be the messenger between the parents.

  Visitation plans should be kept and never cancelled unless absolutely necessary. If plans change, children should be given an explanation, preferably in advance and by the parent causing the cancellation.

  Common courtesies (politeness, promptness, readiness, calling to notify if one is going to be late) should always be observed when picking up and dropping off children. These times can be very stressful on children, so it is imperative that parents always behave as responsible adults. Between visits, children should be encouraged to contact the absent parent by letter and phone, frequently and continuously.

  Parent/child access and child support, while they may be emotionally connected, are separate and distinct under the law. Accordingly, a child’s right of access to his or her parent is not contingent upon the payment of child support.

  A child should never be the delivery person for support payments.

  Both parents are entitled, to participate in and attend all special activities in which their children are engaged, such as religious activities, school programs, sports events and other extra-curricular activities and programs.
  _________________________________
  Attorney Michael Fender has been representing spouses for 17+ years when their marriages come to an end. Mr. Fender represents Husbands or Wives in the Orlando, Florida area including Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Oviedo, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Deland, and Clermont. Please feel free to contact his office to schedule an appointment to discuss your rights and options with regard to custody, time sharing, parenting plans, equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, the marital home, alimony, child support, division of pensions, 401K’s, IRA’s and other retirement accounts. Contact his office at 407-629-1886 or visit Attorney Michael Fender’s main website.

   
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  Michael Fender 11:51 am on January 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Attorney (23), Divorce, Florida (8), Lawyer (15), Maitland (2), Orlando (28), Winter Park (3)   

  Pitfalls of Do-It-Yourself Divorce in Orlando, Florida
  It may seem like the quickest, simplest, and cheapest alternative: go online or get some forms from the office supply store and write up your own divorce. After all, in Florida, divorce is no-fault, so you simply have to assert that your marriage is irretrievably broken. Is there a reason to spend the money for a lawyer?
  As and Orlando and central Florida family law attorney with 18 years of experience, lawyer Michael Fender has seen the hazards of do-it-yourself divorce. Marriage is a powerful legal institution, and the dissolution of marriage must be handled carefully in order to ensure that the parties to the divorce actually get what they think they are getting — a fair and permanent settlement.

  Orlando attorney Michael Fender is an experienced divorce attorney who has had to repair damage from attempted “economy” divorces when clients came to him facing threats posed by simple errors:
  A check in the wrong box
  A single poorly chosen word concerning the marital home
  A failure to file a required document
  In some cases it turned out the couple, years after signing a divorce agreement, was never divorced at all!
  Failure to properly account for and divide retirement accounts
  If you have a good working relationship with your spouse, you may be surprised at how economical it is to have an experienced lawyer review your agreement with your spouse, ensure proper filings are made, and provide the protection you and your children need as you begin to rebuild your life.
  Whatever stage you are at in your divorce — considering a separation, negotiating a custody agreement, negotiating a property distribution agreement, or preparing to file for divorce — contact our Orange County and Seminole County law firm. You will speak with a divorce lawyer, not just an assistant or a paralegal.

  __________________________________________________________________

  Attorney Michael Fender has been representing spouses for 17+ years when their marriages come to an end. Mr. Fender represents Husbands or Wives in the Orlando, Florida area including Maitland, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Oviedo, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, Deland, and Clermont. Please feel free to contact his office to schedule an appointment to discuss your rights and options with regard to custody, time sharing, parenting plans, equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, the marital home, alimony, child support, division of pensions, 401K’s, IRA’s and other retirement accounts. Contact his office at 407-629-1886 or visit Attorney Michael Fender’s main website.