Announcement – Jennifer Ficarrotta Partner

Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that, effective June 1, 2013, Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta has become a partner of the firm.  Sessums Black, PA is excited to have Jennifer’s long-term commitment of her superb intellect, enthusiasm, professionalism, and hard work to the high quality legal services the firm prides itself on offering.  Congratulations, Jennifer!

Japan Votes to Adopt Child Abduction Treaty

Japan recently voted to adopt the 1980 Hague Convention which is a treaty that sets out procedures for handling cross-border child custody disputes.  Click on the link below to read a news report which describes the treaty and the potential significance of Japan’s decision to adopt the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.  Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing superior legal representation to clients facing parenting plan, child custody, and visitation issues.

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Alimony Till Death Do Us Part? Nay, Say Some Ex-Spouses

Discussions continue in Florida and throughout the United States regarding the continued relevance of alimony (also known as spousal support) in contemporary society.  Click on the link below to read a recent news report regarding the ongoing debate.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are skilled at representing clients with concerns about alimony.

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What Divorcing Women Need to Know About Alimony ‘Reform’

Although the 2013 legislative session has ended, discussions and debates continue over alimony reform.  Click on the link below to read one author’s comments and observations about the alimony reform movement and its potential effects.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are skilled at representing clients with spousal support or alimony concerns.

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Announcement – Alex Caballero, Immediate Past Chair of Marital and Family Law Section of HCBA

On May 23, 2013, Attorney Alex Caballero completed his term as Chair of the Marital and Family Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association for 2012-2013.   Congratulations, Alex!

The Bad Business of Marriage: Mergers and Prenups in a Changing World

Marriage not only joins two hearts, it also joins two people’s homes, families, and finances.  Click on the link below to read one author’s observations about the pros and cons to entering into prenuptial agreements (also known as premarital or antenuptial agreements) before saying “I do.”  The attorneys at Sessums Black, PA are experienced at representing clients in the preparation and execution of premarital agreements.

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Minnesota Judge’s Words of Advice to Divorcing Parents

Co-parenting can be challenging, particularly when the parents are experiencing numerous emotions due to changes in their relationship.  Click on the link below to read some co-parenting advice given to divorcing parents by one Minnesota judge.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA pride themselves on providing superior, personal legal service to their clients experiencing co-parenting issues.

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The High Cost of Same-Sex Divorce

Legal costs can increase quickly when laws conflict or other legal uncertainties exist.  Click on the link below to read an article about the difficulties same-sex couples can face when they seek to dissolve their relationships in states that do not recognize their legal unions.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA recognize that each client faces unique legal challenges and our attorneys strive to provide superior personalized legal representation when assisting their clients in resolving personal disputes in an effective and efficient manner.

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Wedding Fever: 6 Tips for a Happy Wedding

With the start of the summer upon us, peak wedding season is about to begin.  Click on the link below to read one author’s suggestions of six things you can do to promote a healthy relationship and happy occasion as you exchange vows.  The attorneys at Sessums Black, PA are skilled at representing clients who have been unable to realize the coveted happily ever after despite their best efforts.

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Announcement – Jennifer Ficarrotta Florida Bar Leadership Academy Fellow

Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta was selected as a 2013-2014 Florida Bar Leadership Academy Fellow.  The mission of the Academy is to enhance the skills of a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers selected from across the state that will enable them to become effective leaders throughout the Bar, the legal profession, and the greater community.  Congratulations, Jennifer!

Happy Mother’s Day!

The celebration of Mother’s Day, a holiday honoring motherhood, began in the United States by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914.  Sessums Black, PA wishes all mothers a joy-filled Mother’s Day!

Announcement – May 2013 TBPA Luncheon

On May 9, 2013, Paralegals Frank Steinbeck and Amy Anderson attended, as a part of their regular membership, the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a continuing legal education component titled “Homeowners Associations’ Law.”  Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard for excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on the issues of regulation, ethics, and education.

Announcement – Sarah E. Kay 2nd Term on HAWL Board of Directors

On May 8, 2013, Attorney Sarah E. Kay was sworn in to serve a second term on the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers Board of Directors.  Congratulations, Sarah!

Love heals!

Love is a strong emotion that can impact not only your emotional health, but your physical health as well.  Click on the link below to read one author’s observations on ways that love promotes healthy living and suggestions on how to incorporate love into your everyday life.  Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing superior legal representation to clients with various family law issues.

Governor Scott Vetoes Family Law Legislation Including Alimony Reform

On May 1, 2013, just four hours short of the midnight deadline, Governor Scott vetoed a family law legislation known as Senate Bill 718 which would have made many changes to Florida law including: changes to alimony, presumptions regarding timesharing schedules, calculations affecting equitable distribution, and retroactive application of certain changes.  Click on the links below to read a news article about the legislation as well as Governor Scott’s letter to the President of the Senate explaining his veto.  The Attorneys of Sessums Black, PA take pride in staying abreast of recent events in marital and family law.

News Article Regarding Veto of Alimony Bill

Governor Rick Scott’s Letter Regarding Veto