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.
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.
A Primer on Communicating Effectively with Your Attorney
An attorney-client relationship can be powerful provided the communication between them is effective. Click on the link below to read an article with seven tips on how to successfully communicate with your attorney. The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on maximizing communication with their clients to provide superior legal services and counseling.
Video Available of AAML Facebook Live video on Alimony with Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske as Co-Presenter
Did you miss the May 25, 2017 AAML Facebook Live presentation on Alimony with Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske as a co-presenter? Not to worry! A video of the presentation is still available for viewing. Click on the link below to watch. The attorneys of Sessums Black practice exclusively in the area of marital and family law to offer clients superior, personalized, and high-quality legal services.
As they Dig Deeper into Parenting, Fathers Seek Community, Support
Part-time or full-time stay-at-home parents can be any gender. Since 1965, fathers have more than doubled their family-involvement and, as such, there is a growing community of stay-at-home dads seeking resources to make the most of their fatherly-role. Click on the link below to read an article about the phenomenon. The attorneys of Sessums Black are experienced in representing clients fulfilling all types of parenting roles.
NY Court Redefines Who is a Parent
New York’s highest court recently redefined parenthood, holding that, going forward, a partner can seek visitation and custody if it is shown “by clear and convincing evidence that the parties agreed to conceive a child and to raise the child together” and also recognized that in certain circumstances a person would be entitled to custody if he/she came into a child’s life after birth. Click on the link below to read an article about the recent decision. As part of their pursuit of legal excellence, the attorneys of Sessums Black PA remain abreast of trends in the law which would affect their clients.
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.
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.
U.S. Supreme Court Reversed State Court Ruling which Refused to Recognize Same-Sex Adoption
On Monday, March 7, 2016, the United States Supreme Court struck down an Alabaman court ruling which did not recognize an adoption of a child to a same-sex couple. Click on the link below to read the six page U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on providing superior, personal service tailored to the unique family law needs of their clients.
Florida marriage license applications changed to incorporate gender-neutral language
Beginning Monday, September 14, 2015, Florida marriage certificates and license applications were changed to read “spouse” and “spouse” instead of “bride” and “groom.” Click on the link below to read more. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA stay abreast of the latest events in marital and family law to provide superior legal services to their clients.
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.
First Florida Same-Sex Divorce Granted by Judge
On December 17, 2014, Broward County Circuit Court Judge Dale Cohen granted the first divorce of a same-sex couple in Florida. Judge Cohen also held Florida’s 2008 ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Click on the link to read more. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are experienced in representing clients with all types of family law issues.
Supreme Court Hands Gay Marriage a Tacit Victory
The United States Supreme Court, on Monday, October 6, 2014, let stand appeals court rulings that permitted same-sex marriages in five states. This decision has cleared the way for same-sex marriages in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Click on the link below to read an article about the decision. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing superior personal service to clients to assist with any number of family law issues.
Florida gay-rights groups push for same-sex marriage on adoption anniversary
Four years ago, Florida’s Third District Court of Appeals overturned Florida’s 33-year old ban on adoption by same-sex couples. On the anniversary of that ruling, gay rights advocates are calling for a recognition of the rights of same-sex couples to marry and divorce in Florida. Click on the link below to read a recent article on the latest events. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on staying abreast of the latest issues in society and the law that may affect its clients.
Tampa Judge Dismisses Same Sex Divorce Case
On May 9, 2014, a Hillsborough County judge dismissed a petition for the dissolution of a same sex marriage holding the court did not have jurisdiction to dissolve the marriage because the marriage was not recognized under Florida law. Click on the link to read a news article about the decision. The case is now on appeal to the Second District Court of Appeals. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA pride themselves on staying abreast of news and events that may affect their clients.
Gay Couples Entitled to Equal Family Health Coverage, Fed Says
The federal government recently stated that insurers must offer same-sex couples the same health benefits offered to heterosexual couples. Click on the link below to read an article about this recent decision. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA represent clients confronting any number of family law issues.
Same Sex Marriage Movement and Debate in the Press
Conflict or uncertainty in the law creates disputes and challenges. The question of same-sex marriage has frequently appeared in the headlines as of late. Click on the links below to read four recent articles about the legal issues and questions same sex marriage has raised. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA stay abreast of current legal issues to provide their clients from all types of relationships with top-quality legal representation.
Read More – Flood of Gay Marriage Cases Releasing Stream of Federal Rulings
Read More – Gay-Marriage Battle Moves South, And Religious Right Fights Back
Read More – Oregon Won’t Defend State’s Ban on Gay Marriage
Read More – Virginia’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban is Ruled Unconstitutional
Same-sex spouses have benefit rights
The U.S. Labor Department recently issued a statement affirming that legally married same-sex couples enjoy the same federal rights as other married couples. This statement was part of a larger governmental effort to answer questions that have arisen since the Supreme Court’s June ruling which struck down part of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. Click on the link below to read an article detailing some of the impact the June ruling has had. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing superior personal legal services to its clients who face all types of family law related issues.
Russian law proposes removing gay parents’ children
A draft law was recently presented in Russia to remove children from homosexual parents. This potential custody measure is among several other measures addressing the rights of homosexual individuals in Russia. Click on the link below to read an article providing more details. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA pride themselves on providing superior legal representation to clients with all types of family law issues.
Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage May Help Resolve Status of Divorce
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the federal Defense of Marriage Act may help individuals in same sex marriages who are encountering difficulties in dissolving their relationships in states like Florida that do not recognize their marriages. Click on the link below to read an article about the legal challenges and the hope the recent ruling is offering people facing the challenges. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing superior legal representation to clients with complexities in the dissolution of their marriages.
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.
Denied divorce, some same-sex couples ‘wed-locked’
Separating from a spouse can be difficult – particularly when the state does not recognize the couple’s marital status. For example, a same-sex couple may marry where their union is permitted but challenges arise if they seek to dissolve their union someplace that do not legally recognize their relationship. Click on the link below to read an article discussing some of the challenges same-sex couples are facing. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing superior legal representation to its clients who come from all types of relationships.
North Carolina Voters Pass Gay Marriage Ban
Changes in the law can affect people’s rights. On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, North Carolina voters approved a constitutional amendment banning marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships between persons of the same gender. Sessums Black, PA strives to provide superior legal representation to its clients who face all types of marital and family law issues due to changes in the law.
Colorado Lesbian Wendy Alfredsen Mom Granted Paternity in Custody Battle
Challenging situations can arise when uncertainty in the law exists. Click on the link below to read about a Colorado mother’s legal battle to enjoy timesharing with one of her daughters from a prior same-sex relationship. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA’s stay abreast of current legal issues to provide their clients from all types of relationships with top-quality legal representation.
Maryland high court to hear same-sex divorce case
Uncertainty in the law can create tricky situations. Click on the link below to read an article discussing the legal challenges facing a same-sex couple who married in California then attempted to dissolve their marriage in Maryland, a state that currently does not recognize their marriage. Sessums Black, PA strives to provide superior legal representation to its clients for all their marital and family law issues.
California Ban on Gay Marriage Ruled Unconstitutional
The topic of same-sex marriages is contentious. A recent ruling by a federal court in California may be bringing the question one step closer to the United States Supreme Court. This article provides a summary of the recent events as well as the full text of the federal court’s ruling. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing superior legal service to its clients who come from all walks of life.
Gay Divorce A Higher Hurdle Than Marriage
Uncertainty in the law creates challenging situations. Click on the link below to read an article about the difficulties same sex couples face given the current uncertainties in the law. Sessums Black, PA strives to provide its clients with superior representation to ensure their rights are protected.
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