Family Law Archives - Kalish & Jaggars, PLLC

09 March

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How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer in Florida: A South Florida Attorney’s Guide

A practical, step-by-step resource for anyone considering divorce in Palm Beach County, Broward County, or Miami-Dade County, written by a Florida family law attorney who handles these cases every day. What This Guide Covers How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer in Florida What makes Florida divorce law unique (no-fault, equitable distribution, 2023 alimony reform) How to match your situation to the right kind of attorney Green flags and red flags to watch for when evaluating lawyers The 15 questions to ask in your consultation ...

01 March

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How Long Does Divorce Take in Florida?

Posted by Scott Kalish

in Family Law

Realistic timelines for every type of divorce in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties, from an attorney who handles these cases every day. Quick Answer An uncontested divorce in Florida typically takes 4 to 12 weeks. A contested divorce that settles before trial usually takes 6 to 12 months. High-conflict cases that go to trial can take 12 to 24+ months. Florida's mandatory minimum waiting period is 20 days from filing under Florida Statute § 61.19¹. 📚 In This Guide The 20-Day Waiting Period Timeline at a Glance Uncontested Divorce Timeline Contested Divorce Timeline Simplified Dissolution Step-by-Step Process What Controls Your Timeline County-Specific Timelines When Children...

13 February

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Domestic Violence Injunctions in Florida: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Posted by Scott Kalish

in Family Law

A complete guide to Florida's domestic violence restraining orders: From filing your petition to understanding what happens at the final hearing, by a former Florida state prosecutor who has handled these cases from every angle. By Attorney Scott Kalish · Proudly Serving Palm Beach, Broward & Miami-Dade Counties 🎧 Listen to this topic on the Florida Divorce Podcast ...

24 January

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Florida Child Custody Enforcement

Posted by Scott Kalish

in Family Law

What to Do When Your Co-Parent Violates Your Parenting Plan If your co-parent is refusing to follow your court-ordered time-sharing schedule, you have legal options. Florida law provides specific remedies and consequences for parenting plan violations, including make-up time, attorney's fees, and even contempt of court with possible jail time. ...

20 January

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Keeping Your Home After Divorce in Florida: Refinancing and Mortgage Challenges

Posted by Scott Kalish

in Family Law

Thinking about keeping your home after divorce? Learn exactly what it takes, from qualifying for a new mortgage on your own, to preserving a low interest rate, to avoiding costly tax mistakes that could derail your plans. Find out how to navigate Florida's equitable distribution laws, federal mortgage guidelines, and other tax implications when refinancing your marital home during divorce proceedings. Key Takeaways Deed ≠ Mortgage: Transferring title via quitclaim deed does NOT remove a spouse from mortgage liability. Refinancing is typically required. 6/36 Rule Conflict: Most lenders require 6 months of support income receipt, which often conflicts with standard 90-180 day refinancing deadlines. FHA/VA...

16 November

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Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Florida: What You Need to Know

Posted by Scott Kalish

in Family Law

Quick Summary: When you're facing divorce in Florida, one of the first questions you'll encounter is whether your case will be contested or uncontested. This distinction isn't just legal terminology, it shapes everything from how long your divorce takes to how much it costs and the level of stress you'll experience along the way. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through exactly what these terms mean, how they affect your case, and the strategic approach to getting the best possible outcome for your future. I've guided countless clients through both types of divorce over my years practicing divorce law in Florida,...

06 October

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Filing for Divorce in Florida

Posted by Scott Kalish

in Family Law

Practical guidance for families. Clear, calm, and to the point. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve had a bunch of people ask me whether there is an advantage to filing for divorce first. This is added to my series of blog posts that answer frequently asked questions about the Florida divorce process. In this post, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of being the first to file for divorce. Whether you are considering filing for divorce or simply curious about how the process would start, this will give you a helpful, big-picture view of the pros and cons of taking the...

22 March

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Alimony Obligations during Retirement in Florida

Posted by Scott Kalish

in Family Law

“Am I really expected to work until I’m 82 just to keep paying alimony?” “What happens to my support when my ex retires?” If you’ve asked yourself either of those questions, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re nearing retirement and wondering if you can finally stop making those monthly alimony payments, or you rely on that support and are worried it might suddenly disappear. Florida law has answers. And the good news? It’s more balanced than ever before. This article breaks down how Florida handles alimony when retirement enters the picture. We’ll look at both sides — what it means if you’re...

21 March

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Permanent (Lifetime) Alimony in Florida

Posted by Scott Kalish

in Family Law

Permanent Alimony in Florida: What You Need to Know in 2026 Permanent alimony remains one of the most contested issues in Florida divorce cases. Whether you're seeking financial support or concerned about a lifetime payment obligation, understanding how Florida courts approach permanent alimony is essential for protecting your financial future. ...

28 February

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Visitation Rights and Schedules in Florida

Posted by Scott Kalish

in Family Law

A parenting plan is a document that outlines the schedule each parent gets to see the children for, parental responsibilities, and communication methods for parents who are divorcing or separating in the state of Florida. If violated, the offending parent can face fines, jail time, or be required to make up time sharing. In this article, I’ll answer the following questions about parenting plans in Florida… ...

Family Law

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