Family Law is a very broad term that encompasses areas of divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution. It also includes modifications and enforcement to such orders of the court. Additionally, family law relates to issues involving paternity, domestic violence, relocation, adoption, and legal guardianship. Most areas of family law can be stressful and emotional for the parties involved. Everyone reacts differently to these difficult circumstances. Karen Persis understands this, and will serve as a compassionate advocate for you during this transitional time in your life.
In Florida, a divorce is either contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce might be an option for you if the parties are in agreement as to the terms of the dissolution. In addition to representing a party in a contested divorce, Karen Persis also provides uncontested divorce services for a reasonable, flat fee arrangement.
In Florida, “child custody” is referred to as timesharing, and Karen understands that the time you have with your children is of the utmost importance. Timesharing is governed by Section 61.13, Florida Statutes. Ideally, the parents should work together to develop a parenting plan, which will outline how the parents will share and be responsible for the daily tasks associated with the upbringing of the child, as well as the timesharing schedule that specifies the time that the minor child will spend with each parent.
It is the public policy of Florida that each minor child has frequent and continuing contact with both parents after the parents separate or the marriage of the parties is dissolved. There is no presumption for or against the father or mother of the child or for or against any specific timesharing schedule when creating or modifying the parenting plan of the child.
Child support guidelines are governed by Section 61.30, Florida Statutes. Determining child support is largely formulaic, so it is critical that child support be properly calculated in accord with Florida law.
Alimony is governed by Section 61.08, Florida Statutes. There are different types of alimony that could be awarded by the Court: bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, durational, permanent, or a combination of these types of alimony. There are many factors the Court uses to determine the amount of the alimony award, including, but not limited to: the duration of the marriage; the standard of living established during the marriage; the age and the physical and emotional condition of each party; financial resources, earning capacities educational skills employability of each party; and the contribution of each party to the marriage.
The equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities is governed by Section 61.075, Florida Statutes. There are many factors the Court considers when dividing the assets and liabilities, including, but not limited to: the contribution to the marriage by each spouse; economic circumstances of the parties; duration of the marriage; and the interruption of personal careers or educational opportunities by a party.
Attorney Karen Persis represents clients throughout the State of Florida, including the cities of Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg and more.
