When you file for a divorce in Florida, you do not have to prove the fault of the other party. Separating from someone with whom you have spent many years of your life is never easy. What can make it even more difficult is a complex, contentious divorce proceeding. In... Read more
Anything you do on social media could be used as evidence during a divorce case. If you are going through a divorce, especially one where you and your spouse disagree about the terms of the divorce, it is important that you take all actions possible to improve the outcome of... Read more
If you are getting remarried in Tampa, here is what you should know about how saying “I do” may impact your child support award. When parents of shared children divorce, the court will typically order one parent to make child support payments to the other. The amount that a parent... Read more
If you are in a custody battle in South Tampa, reach out to a skilled family law attorney for representation. Parents have the responsibility of providing physical and emotional care for their children. While all parents are imperfect, most are able to do this without interference from the court. In... Read more
Before signing a prenuptial agreement, have our Tampa family law attorney review it first to ensure your rights are protected. While some may consider it unromantic, having a prenuptial agreement provides numerous benefits to both you and your partner. It opens lines of communication regarding financial matters and clarifies important... Read more
Our Tampa child custody attorney explains that while Florida may be considered a ‘mother state,’ fathers still have rights in legal proceedings. When parents are married and go through a divorce, the court generally encourages each party to remain active and involved in the child’s life. Both have specific rights... Read more
Our experienced Tampa divorce attorney takes the swift legal action needed to protect you when divorcing an abusive partner. If you are dealing with an abusive situation in your marriage, it is important to realize you are not alone. Domestic violence in Tampa is an unfortunately common problem, but there... Read more
At the Law Office of Mark G. Rodriguez, P.A., we help you get the alimony you are entitled to in Tampa divorce proceedings. The end of a marriage can be devastating both emotionally and financially. After relying on your spouse’s income for years to make ends meet, you may be... Read more
At the Law Office of Mark G. Rodriguez, P.A., we protect the rights of LGBTQ parents in Florida child custody proceedings. LGBTQ couples have successfully challenged outdated state and federal laws in regards to their rights to get legally married in the state of Florida and also have more options... Read more
In the United States each year, more than 10 million women and men are abused by an intimate partner. According to the latest statistics, an estimated 108,030 domestic violence incidents were reported to police in Florida in 2013 while many more incidents went unreported. Filing for divorce can be a... Read more
Once you finally make the decision to leave an addict, it is important to be aware of some of the trials that may be involved in getting a divorce in Tampa. It is hard seeing someone you love struggle with an addiction. As much as you may love them and... Read more
Our Tampa child custody attorney protects your rights as a parent. As a parent, developing a close and loving relationship with your child is a top priority. Unfortunately, in the aftermath of a break-up, it is not uncommon for one parent to refuse to allow the child to spend time... Read more
An experienced Tampa child custody attorney from the Law Office of Mark G. Rodriguez, P.A., can help to protect the rights of both mothers and fathers in Florida child custody proceedings. Up until the 1950s, women were automatically expected to stay home and raise their children while fathers went out... Read more
Domestic abuse destroys families and is a terrible reality to endure. With the global pandemic keeping all of us home more often – and leaving us with fewer support systems in place – domestic violence is on the rise. In fact, domestic violence is often the impetus for divorce but... Read more
When you and your spouse divorced or otherwise separated, you likely came away with a parenting plan that applied to your circumstances at the time. Our lives evolve over time, however, and this is especially true of children. Their needs, schedules, and interests develop right along with them, and your... Read more
The question of whether it is possible or not to stop a divorce is an interesting question, and as with most interesting questions, there is no one simple yes or no answer. If you’re facing the possibility of divorce, however, you do need an experienced Tampa divorce attorney on your... Read more
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and beyond have become a mainstay in our lives. And now that we’re all getting out and socializing a lot less – due to the global pandemic – we’re turning to social media more and more. While this isn’t usually a problem, if... Read more
When it comes to divorce, there’s plenty to worry about, and many people facing divorce are concerned about their credit scores. Divorce generally leaves both exes less financially well off – at least initially – but there’s no reason that it has to affect your credit score. You’ll want to... Read more
All states require parents to financially support their children, and many state policies revolve around the child and their needs. However, many fathers ordered to pay child support have low income, and child support policies do not favor such fathers and their ability to successfully support their children. The following... Read more
Following a divorce, most parents in Florida will share parental responsibility. This is another term for legal custody, which refers to the authority to make important decisions for your child’s life, such as regarding healthcare and education. Parents should have a parenting plan that details how they will make important... Read more
Generally speaking, adults in the U.S. have the choice to move around and live in new places when they want to. There are many reasons why someone might want to relocate, including to be closer to family, for new job or educational opportunities, or simply to try out a new... Read more
In the past few months, millions of people in Florida have had their jobs put on hold or terminated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. Even as people return to work, some businesses might fail or cut workforces, resulting in unemployment and serious financial problems for many households.... Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about many drastic changes to our lives that we could not have expected. With children out of school, many parents are working from home or are out of work, and the differences in how we can get the things we need for our households, families needed... Read more
When you have a child custody order, it will include a parenting plan that sets out the specific details of the shared custody arrangement. Specifically, it should have a timesharing schedule that mandates when the child will live with each parent, how the child will be transferred between homes, and... Read more
Most people are aware that children can complicate the divorce process, as you need to decide how you will share custody of them. However, there are also other members of the family that might cause disagreements and hiccups in a divorce case – your pets. You might think that you... Read more
When a police officer pulls you over, they cannot simply arrest you on a whim that you have been drinking. Instead, they must have probable cause to believe that you violated the law by either having a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 percent or having your abilities impaired by... Read more
Dividing marital assets is a major aspect of the divorce process. Florida law requires the equitable division of all marital property, assets, and debts, which starts with an accurate assessment of the assets the spouses share. In some situations, one spouse might try to conceal assets from the other spouse... Read more
When you think of child custody cases, you might first think of parents who are getting divorced. However, there are many parents involved in custody matters who were never married. Custody is an important issue for unmarried couples, and there are a few things to consider. When Custody Cases Arise... Read more
There are many different criminal offenses in Florida related to taking property or money from another person or party without the proper authority. While many people closely associate the offenses of robbery, burglary, and theft as similar crimes, they are each distinct offenses with their own elements and penalties. The... Read more
There are many incentives for states to encourage and provide resources for happy and healthy marriages. Not only does a healthy marriage provide children access to both parental relationships, but it also reduces cases in family court, resources needed to enforce child and spousal support orders, and much more. One... Read more
When some married couples are having problems, they might want to spend some time apart. There are many different reasons why couples in this situation might not be ready to completely end their marriage, so they do not file for divorce. Some reasons include the hope of possible reconciliation, health... Read more
When people are getting divorced, they often wonder who will get the family home, business interests, assets, and other property. However, many people fail to consider how they will divide their debts in a divorce. Most married couples have some type of debt, and the debts you will be responsible... Read more
The picture of the “average” American family has changed significantly in recent years, and millions of people are living in family units that involve stepparents and stepchildren. In fact, according to US Census Bureau statistics, 1300 new stepfamilies are formed every day. Stepparents and stepchildren can form bonds that are... Read more
Getting arrested can be stressful for anyone, though you may have additional concerns if you share custody of your children. It is common to wonder whether your arrest will affect your time-sharing rights, and the answer will depend on the specifics of your situation. You should not wait to discuss... Read more
How the Tax Laws for 2019 Could Affect Your Divorce When you’re facing divorce or in the midst of a divorce case, that last thing on your mind is probably your taxes. However, taxes can affect divorce negotiations in many ways, and can often help determine how you and your... Read more
As tax season is upon us, everyone is looking for ways to reduce their tax bill and receive a refund, and claiming one or more dependents on your taxes can significantly limit your tax liability. Only one person can claim each individual child, however, so what happens if the parents... Read more
If You Have Questions About the Divorce Process in Florida, Call Our Tampa Attorney for Answers You can Trust If you are thinking about filing for a divorce in Florida, you may have questions about how the process works. In addition to wondering about things like residency requirements and grounds... Read more
Seeking a Divorce in Tampa? Our Lawyer can Assist You in Creating a Comprehensive Divorce Plan that Protects Your Best Interests Divorces can be complicated, emotional, trying, and downright messy. Through the thick of it all, staying calm and sticking to a plan, if you have one, can help. At... Read more
Is Parental Alienation a Crime in Florida? Going through a divorce or separation can be difficult and emotional. This is often made even more complex if the separating couple has a shared child or children. When children are part of the family, the couple needs to make a decision about... Read more
If My Teenager Gets Charged with a DUI, What are the Consequences in Florida? Drinking and driving is never a good idea, but for those under 21 years of age, the legal age to consume alcohol in Florida and nationwide, the state of Florida maintains a zero-tolerance policy. Under this... Read more
Call Our Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer to Protect Your Right to Drive Being charged or/and convicted of a crime can have serious consequences. Indeed, if you are convicted of a crime, you may face administrative and criminal penalties, like jail time and large fines, and even if you are not... Read more
What Is Aggravated DUI? An Aggravated DUI Conviction Can Mean Harsh Penalties – Contact an Experienced Attorney You Can Trust to Work Hard for You Being arrested, charged, and convicted of a driving under the influence (DUI) offense is very serious, and can carry large penalties, including the revocation of... Read more
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney if Your Teen is Charged with Sexting While sending naked pictures of oneself wasn’t something that the parents of teens ever had to worry about when they themselves were growing up, today, sending naked pictures–often accompanied by sexual speech–is common. In fact, “sexting” is... Read more
What is Probable Cause for a DUI in Florida? If You’re Facing DUI Charges, You Need an Experienced Attorney Who Knows How to Protect Your Constitutional Rights Many people who are facing DUI charges are unaware of their rights. In fact, it is not uncommon for the rights of individuals... Read more
No matter where you live or where you drive, getting charged with driving under the influence (DUI) offense is a big deal. In fact, because the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for operation of a motor vehicle is .08 percent or below in all states (with the exception of... Read more
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious offense in the state of Florida. And if you are arrested, charged, and convicted of a DUI charge, even if it’s a first offense, you may face serious legal consequences. Which is why if you are charged with a DUI, you may... Read more
Holidays and Parenting Plans – ‘Tis the Season to Review Time Sharing Agreements The holiday season is upon us, which means a lot of cheer, delicious food, and time spent with family and friends. But as great as the holidays may be, for separated or divorced parents, figuring out how... Read more
State of Florida Medical Marijuana Law – Amendment 2 On May 5, 2017, the legislative session in the state of Florida came to a close. Legislation regarding the implementation of Amendment 2 – which many proponents of medical marijuana had high hopes for – failed to pass, meaning that the... Read more
Smart Assistant Technology Devices to Testify in Criminal Cases? Be careful what you tell Siri and Alexa. Your Smart Speaker could later testify against you. The ways we use and allow technology into our everyday lives continues to expand. One of the newest popular tech developments, “smart speakers,” allows people... Read more
Sometimes, when a marriage begins to crumble, partners who are invested in that joint union focus their time and energy on taking steps to save the marriage from divorce. Other times, when it appears that a marriage is deteriorating, one partner immediately takes steps to protect their assets. Or, in... Read more
Tampa Family Law Attorney Looks Out for Hidden Tax Implications in Divorce Property Division Settlements Divorce property settlements require the trusted advice and insightful representation of a knowledgeable attorney to identify and address tax considerations. Even so-called “friendly” divorces can give rise to issues that pit the interests of one... Read more
Reasons that couples file for divorce are varied and complex. One contributing factor is a chronic illness. Studies show that when married couples are confronted with a chronic illness, over 75% choose to end the marriage in divorce. Given the correlation between the two, married couples should consider having a... Read more
Social Media Now Frequently Used in Divorce Almost everyone uses social media in one form or another. The information readily available on social media can quickly become evidence when marriages are dissolved. Spouses often turn to social media when things take a turn for the worse in their marriage and... Read more
It is an unwritten rule that, in the workplace, it is best to keep your personal life separate from your professional one. After all, no one wants to stand around the proverbial water cooler hearing the latest details of your personal life. However, in circumstances of divorce, this may be... Read more
Debt & divorce: the great divide Sadly, debt is one of the main reasons couples divorce. Nevertheless, getting divorced does not make those haunting debts disappear. In fact, it is exactly the opposite. What happens to debt during divorce can add significant stress and contention to divorce proceedings. Although different... Read more
A look at child custody and child support Florida Governor Rick Scott’s recent veto of proposed changes to Florida’s alimony and child sharing laws puts to rest the recent legislative battle over Florida family law. Alimony and child custody have been a hot topic in the Florida legislature for years;... Read more
The Florida legislature is preparing to pass a new version of Florida’s child support and alimony laws that will influence more than 80,000 divorces filed every year. The bill, officially known as SB 668, ends permanent alimony and instead, establishes a formula for alimony payments based on the length of... Read more
Most couples enter a marriage with the promise of “happily ever after”. Unfortunately, not every marriage turns out that way. If you find yourself in a situation where you are contemplating ending your marriage, it is important to know the grounds for divorce. In Florida, to obtain a divorce —... Read more
Experienced Tampa divorce attorney helps you understand how infidelity is handled in this “no-fault” state Hackers looking to shut down Ashley Madison, the popular site that helps married people seek out affairs, released 37 million email addresses to the public in August — and a whole lot of people were... Read more
If you are convicted of driving under the influence in Florida, you can face serious consequences that may include fines, jail time, community service and the revocation of your license. If you are convicted of a DUI a second, third or even fourth time, those consequences will only be compounded.... Read more
No one gets married with the intention of getting divorced. Most people enter into a marriage expecting the marriage to last. They don’t think about what they will do in case the marriage ends, but they should. If you wait until you are faced with divorce, you may be too... Read more
Current technology provides spouses with sneaky new ways to hide marital assets State laws dictate how courts will divide marital assets, but generally, states are either community property states or equitable distribution states. Florida is an equitable distribution state, meaning courts consider multiple factors when they divide marital property. The... Read more
The task of creating a practical and mutually beneficial child custody arrangement, parenting plan or visitation schedule can be quite daunting. Once a valid order is in place, it is vital that each parent puts in the effort to communicate and cooperate with each other to ensure that the child’s... Read more
Divorce law is a common yet complex area of practice that demands significant attention to detail and extensive legal knowledge. Over the last few decades, the divorce rate has steadily increased and now hovers around 50% nationwide. According to the United States Census Bureau, Florida has one of the highest... Read more