Digital Spying and Divorce in the Smartphone Age

With the advances of technology, changes in how people use technology and, consequently, changes in evidence in court cases. Click on the links below to read an article about how technology is being used by divorcing or separated couples and an article about what to do if spyware comes up in your relationship. The attorneys of Sessums Black provide high quality legal services by staying abreast of changes in the law and technology which may affect their clients or cases.

Digital Spying and Divorce in the Smartphone Age

What to do if Spyware Comes Up In Your Relationship

App Available to Assist pro se litigants in Florida Family Law Cases

Navigating Florida’s court system without the guidance of a qualified Florida Family Law Attorney can be daunting.  The Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice has created a Florida Courts Help App for pro se litigants which, among other things, allows users to complete Florida Supreme Court-approved family law forms, provides links and contact information to help centers for pro se litigants throughout Florida, and has user-friendly instructions on family law procedures in Florida courts.  The App is available at the Apple Store, Google Play, and Amazon App store.  Click on the link below to read an article from The Florida Bar News about the App.  The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on providing superior, personal service to assist their clients in helping them reach their goals by providing high quality legal services.

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At the End of Your Case: How to Save Time, Money, and Future Litigation

The entry of a final judgment in a case may give a sense of conclusion, but typically there is additional work to be done to wrap up loose ends.  Click on the link below to read an article with things you should consider as your divorce case comes to an end.  The Attorneys of Sessums Black are experienced in providing high quality legal assistance in post-judgment matters.

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Governor Rick Scott Signs Senate Bill 590 Into Law

On June 16, 2017, Governor Rick Scott signed into law Senate Bill 590 which changes aspects of administrative child support proceedings effective January 1, 2018. The changes include the creation of a Title IV-D Standard Parenting Time Plan. Click on the link below to read the full text of the SB 590. As part of their dedication to legal excellence, the attorneys of Sessums Black remain informed about legislation which may affect their clients.

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Supreme Court Amends the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar to accommodate the Collaborative Law Process

On May 18, 2017, the Florida Supreme Court issued an opinion amending the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar effective July 1, 2017 to accommodate the collaborative law process.  Click on the link below to read the Florida Supreme Court opinion.  Collaborative law is an alternative dispute resolution process which normally costs less time, money, and stress and affords participants increased opportunities to creatively resolve their differences.  Click here to read more about collaborative law.  Although the attorneys of Sessums Black continue to practice and are experienced in traditional litigation, they recognize the benefits, both financial and emotional, of not going to court.

Read The Supreme Court Opinion

Read More about Collaborative Law

The Hague Convention on International recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance

On August 30, 2016, President Obama signed a ratification of the Hague Convention on International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance which will establish uniform procedures for the processing of international child support cases.  Click on the link below to read the White House Press Release regarding the treaty.  The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on providing top quality legal services to clients with all forms of family law issues.

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Florida will list both names of same-sex couples on birth certificates

On May 5, 2016, Florida’s Department of Health began instructing hospitals, birth centers and midwives to recognize both parents, regardless of their gender, on birth certificates.  Currently birth certificates still offer only the option of “mother” and “father”, however state officials state they expect a revised birth certificate to become available sometime in July.  Click on the link to read more.  The attorneys of Sessums Black PA practice exclusively in the area of marital and family law, representing clients in a wide range of family law matters.

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Woman in her 70s may be oldest ever to give birth

On April 19, 2016, a woman in India believed to be at least 70 years old gave birth to a son after two years of IVF treatment.  Click on the link below to read more.  Sessums Black, PA provides experienced legal representation and advice to clients in all areas of marital and family law.

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Florida adopts new Collaborative Law

On March 24, 2016, Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 967 titled “Collaborative Law Process Act” into law, making Florida the 14th state to offer Collaborative Divorce as an alternative to traditional litigation.  Collaborative Divorce is a method of reaching a resolution through cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques and court proceedings.  Although the attorneys at Sessums Black PA continue to practice and are experienced in the traditional litigation-based dissolution of marriage, they are also trained and experienced in handling matters through Collaborative Law. Florida’s new Collaborative Law Process Act and more about Collaborative Divorce are available by clicking the links below.

Collaborative Law Process Act (HB 967)

Collaborative Divorce

Announcement – Alex Caballero Presentation on Use of Expert Advice

On August 27, 2015, Attorney Alex Caballero and CPA Mike Lewis presented a seminar entitled “Using Your Expert’s Advice in Crafting Better Discovery.”  The webinar was sponsored by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Florida Chapter.  Both Alex and Mike advised on how to properly craft discovery requests, and how to sift through the abundance in responses to hone in on the necessary information needed to best present your case.  Congratulations, Alex!

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Same-Sex Marriage Nationwide

On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that states cannot ban same-sex marriage.  Click on the link below to read more.  The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on staying abreast of changes in local, state-wide, and national laws which affect their clients.

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Law may ease divorce proceedings

Bills are pending in Florida’s legislature which, if pass, would establish collaborative divorce throughout Florida.  Click on the link below to read an article about the pending legislation.  Sessums Black, PA has extensive experience in collaborative divorce

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How to Plan Your Divorce

While it is common to spend months – or longer – planning a wedding, it is generally uncommon to spend any time planning a divorce.  Nevertheless, a little planning can help ease the transition from married to unmarried life.  Click on the link below to read six suggestions on how to plan for a divorce.  Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing personalized legal advice and representation to clients anticipating or facing all types of family law issues.

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California man who hid assets to avoid paying support gets 17 year prison term

A man in Sacramento County, California who declared bankruptcy and hid his assets to avoid paying child support and alimony, was recently sentenced to a prison term of over 17 years.  Click on the link below to read the article.  Sessums Black, PA’s attorneys are skilled at representing clients with support-related issues.

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Temporary Timesharing And Child Support Modifications Due To Military Service

Co-parenting a child is challenging when the child’s parents live separately, even more so when one parent is in the military and has been activated, deployed, or temporarily assigned to military service and his/her orders materially affect his/her ability to comply with the established timesharing schedule.  Florida Statute Section 61.13002 was enacted to address such situations including, in some cases, permitting the military parent to designate a person or persons to exercise timesharing with the child on the parent’s behalf.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are experienced in assisting clients who face family law issues relating to military service.

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House acts on international child support treaty

The ability to enforce child support orders across international boundaries has become of increasing importance as economies become global.  The United States legislature has recently taken steps to better empower states to collect child support payments from parents living outside United States boarders.  Click on the link below to read more about it.  Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing first rate legal representation to clients with all forms of child support issues.

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