Video: Uninterrupted Divorce- Savannah

Parents going through divorce should keep in mind the effect that their actions and words have on their children.  In this episode of Uninterrupted Divorce, teen Savannah discusses her experiences:

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Video: Uninterrupted Divorce- J. Anthony

The powerful series Uninterrupted Divorce by Uninterrupted.tv continues with comments from teen “J. Anthony.”

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Video: Uninterrupted Divorce

I just came across a series of fantastic short videos entitled Divorce Uninterrupted that provides teens a platform to express their views and give advice to parents and other teens who are experiencing a divorce in their family.  The series is produced by Uninterrupted.tv, whose mission statement is as follows:

We believe that media can empower youth, showcase their brilliance and individuality, and extend a positive message to teens and adults alike. Uninterrupted.tv is dedicated to teens and parents and provides a safe space for communication, daily inspiration, and overall support.

Feel free to view the first episode after the jump.

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Co-Parenting Tips

Dr. Jennifer Hartstein, a child and adolescent psychologist, provides the following tips for co-parenting after divorce (from CBS News):

1. Be respectful: Don’t disparage one another: treat one another with respect and demonstrate positive conflict resolution. Don’t act out your hurt and anger on your children, or talk about your negative feelings toward the other parent around your children. It could promote resentment within your child.

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Local Judge Recipient of “Making A Difference” Award

The Honorable Emily A. Peacock

The Honorable Emily A. Peacock of Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit (Hillsborough County) has been selected by The Florida Bar’s Family Law Section to receive its “Making a Difference” Award for January 2011:

The Family Law Section of the Florida Bar is pleased to congratulate Judge Peacock, and it thanks her for her past and continued efforts on behalf of the children and families of Florida.

Emily A. Peacock has been admitted to practice law in Florida for approximately 30 years. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Judge Peacock attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the school in 1978.  While she was a student at the University, in addition to her various student activities and employment, she volunteered at the Nashville Veterans Administration Hospital.  She then went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in 1980.

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Special Issues in Military Divorce

If you are in a family law matter involving a servicemember, you will encounter some unique issues to which you must pay special attention.

Residency Requirement

Generally, one party to a divorce must have been a resident of Florida for at least six months prior to filing.  However, there is an exception for servicemembers.  A servicemember (or his or her spouse) who is not currently in Florida may petition for divorce in Florida if he or she (i) was a Florida resident prior to entering the military and (ii) never established a permanent residence elsewhere.  Even if the military member had not lived in Florida prior to entering the service, he or she may still be able to file for divorce in Florida if he or she is deployed but has an intent to remain a permanent Florida resident.  Such intent may be evidenced by the following: (i) Florida voter registration; (ii) ownership of a Florida home; or (iii) registration of a vehicle in Florida.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

Many of the military issues in a divorce stem from the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (the “SCRA”).  The SCRA was signed into law in 2003 and updated and replaced the Soldiers and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940.  Most provisions of the SCRA apply to the following people on active duty:  (i) members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guards; (ii) members of the National Guard; and (iii) commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Reminder: Pasco County Offering Complimentary Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony

As I reported in an earlier post, the Pasco County Clerk is offering a complimentary wedding ceremony tomorrow for those who have already purchased a marriage license and made reservations.

Complimentary Valentine's Day Group Wedding Ceremony in Pasco County

Pasco County offers free wedding ceremony on Valentine's Day

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Modification of Child Support: Don’t Avoid Paying

It’s human nature to want to avoid unpleasant experiences.  That’s why there are so many cavities and income tax extension requests.  However, one thing that people should not avoid is paying court-ordered child support.

Not everyone follows this advice.  According to the Trumball Patch, one man faces two years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine, on top of the $175,000.00 he owes in back child support.  Apparently, his aversion to paying child support persisted since 1993.

If you have been ordered to pay child support, and there has been a substantial change in circumstances that has affected your ability to pay, in Florida you may have the option of seeking a modification of your child support order.

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Can’t Find Your Spouse? Check For Mug Shots.

One of the first steps in initiating a divorce or other proceeding is to have a petition and other papers served on the other party (the “Respondent”).  Sometimes the Respondent does not want to be found.  Other times, the Respondent is, well, in the slammer.  So how do you find out whether he or she is behind bars?

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Video: Professor Atwood Discusses Changes in Family Law Part 3

Barbara Atwood of the University of Arizona discusses how family law has changed in this video from Divorce TV: