September 16, 2021
Marriage is a choice—anyone who has been married for more than a few years can tell you how difficult of a choice it can be. That said, while some people are able to find reasons to keep making that choice, others may find themselves needing to step away from the marriage. Unfortunately, the realization does not make the decision to end the marriage easier.
This is when things can become quite messy. Money, properties, and assets can be difficult subjects to open up even before the end of a relationship. If one person decides that the marriage is over before the other, a likely scenario is that they can start preparing for divorce well ahead of their spouse. This often manifests in hiding assets away for themselves and separate from the marriage. This can ensure that they will have more to keep once the relationship is officially over.
Here are some signs to look out for to know if your spouse is hiding away assets to prepare for divorce:
Overpaying Debts or Paying Unknown Debts
It’s good practice to keep track of all your debts as a couple. This not only helps with your own security and peace of mind but it also helps you understand your finances better.
Noticing the first signs of cracks in your marriage might blind you to looking at other aspects of your life together. But if you’re aware of the damage in your relationship and money is already a big concern, it would be wise to pay attention to your debts.
Pay attention to the amount of money they’re paying for debts or unfamiliar debts. This is one of the most common places your spouse can start hiding away money.
Going on Sudden and Unexplained Trips
Trips, whether it’s one day or several are not taken without discussion, especially when you’re married. Frequent unexplained trips are a big red flag, especially if communication has become a problem in your relationship. When your spouse is frequently gone for days or even just a day, it’s time to start investigating where they’re going and how much they’re spending.
Of course, those trips may or may not be luxury getaways, but that begs the question of what they’re doing and where the money they’re spending is going. This is a common tactic that people often use to hide away assets, either through “travel agencies” or simply putting money in a faraway account.
Making Expensive Purchases without Your Knowledge
Since your assets and accounts are tied together, it’s important that you both inform each other whenever you’re making a big purchase, regardless of your current situation. When your spouse decides to bypass that and go ahead with buying expensive things, it’s already a bad sign. If they go out of their way to hide it from you, it should raise alarms.
There are plenty of expensive items they can purchase now and sell later. There is also a possibility, just like with the frequent unexplained trips that the money is not actually being spent, rather hidden in plain sight by buying expensive things. Be sure to watch out for suspicious or luxury items in your home if you’re currently caught in a situation like this with your spouse.
Conclusion
Finding out that your spouse is not just hiding but actually money and assets away from you can be devastating. In the state of Florida, this act is not without its consequences. That’s why it’s important to look out for the signs and hire professionals to confirm your suspicions. Once you have the necessary information and evidence you need to prove this, it’s best to contact a divorce lawyer immediately, for your safety and security.
If you need professional law advice and services, we are here to help you. Dorsey Law JAX is a law firm that specializes in family law, criminal law, and personal injury. We can help you get what you deserve. Feel free to contact us anytime.
August 26, 2021
During a divorce, there may come the point wherein you and your spouse cannot live together under one roof. Although moving out of a marital home may seem like the best and most logical move one can make, the process may entail consequences in the proceedings of the case. For this reason, it’s best to consider how leaving the property can legally affect the divorce or separation. Doing so will help you plan carefully and make the best decisions.
Will Moving Out of the Home Result in Abandonment Charges?
No, Florida has no fault divorce. There are no grounds for divorce. If one spouse leaves the home and fails to support their child or children, then the Court may consider that circumstances in determining which parent should be awarded the majority of timesharing.
If domestic violence has occurred or is a threat, it may be best to take children from a home. However, the leaving spouse should obtain a court order for temporary custody. Failure to do so, could result in the Court believing that party is not co-parenting the children. It’s best to consult a family attorney if you plan on leaving home with your kids.
If the children remain in the home, the remaining parent may argue that they should receive the majority of timesharing because changing the living arrangements can be challenging for the kids. However, making a written parenting agreement before moving out can establish a parenting schedule.
Will Moving Out of the Property Result in Losing Rights to It?
Moving out of the marital home during a divorce typically does not mean the person will lose rights or interest in the property. The spouse moving out should keep an inventory of the items in the property, photographing important items.
The person who stays within the home will not automatically gain the house when the division of the property happens, as the courts will attempt to divide assets equitably or fairly. One spouse may keep the house, while the other keeps money or other properties of similar value with the home.
Some states may consider “fault” in dividing the property, but Florida is a “no-fault” state wherein a person will not be held responsible for the abandonment or desertion of a marriage. Regardless, whoever leaves or remains in the house during the divorce will not be a significant factor in whoever is entitled to receive the home.
Consult Experienced Family Lawyers in Jacksonville
Dissolution of marriage is always difficult, and some factors can make things even more complicated. Moving out of a home may seem ideal when the situation is abusive, but there are consequences in doing so. To ensure that the process remains fair and lawful, you must always seek the advice of an experienced lawyer before making your move.
If you’re looking for a family law firm in Jacksonville, FL, let Dorsey Law JAX assist you. With experienced attorneys committed to helping you with various family law issues, we can ensure that you’ll get the best legal representation you need. Get in touch with us today.
August 19, 2021
For a parent in Florida seeking a divorce, there are many key processes one must go through to ensure the smoothest transition possible. The parent’s priority is staying in touch with your children and always maintaining your presence in their lives with available means.
Florida has a more liberal approach for those looking to legally separate from their spouses. Thanks to advances in the state’s legislation and guidelines for family law, it’s much easier for parents to protect their children and their parental interests.
As you secure parental rights over your children and protect them and your rights, you will run into various legal terminologies that you need to be especially aware of when seeking legal protections:
- Parenting Plan;
- Timesharing Schedule; and
- Shared Parental Responsibility.
These terms are often mentioned and grouped together in existing reference materials, so you might be wondering what sets them apart from one another. They sound vaguely similar, but they are all different concepts that the state’s laws recognize as individual forms of custodial protections.
To help you tell the difference between these three key terms, Dorsey Law JAX’s professionals have put this guide together on everything you need to know for telling them apart (and later on using them to your advantage):
Parenting Plan
Every final judgment of divorce and paternity that involves children must include a parenting plan. The parenting plan establishes which parent is responsible for certain activities or rights of their children until they are of legal age. Additionally, this concept outlines whether parents can maintain equal or unequal parenting over their children, follow a staggered approach, or have one partner handle all needs and obligations.
Time Sharing
In the context of Florida law, time sharing refers to the plan that parents develop with one another regarding how much time their kids should spend with each of them. Time sharing is a particularly important concept because the courts seek to maintain and enforce the ability of both parents to maintain continuing relationships with their children.
Shared Parental Responsibility
In legal terms, parental responsibility dictates how important decisions will be made on behalf of children. This particular concept refers to choices encompassing a dependent’s educational, medical, and religious needs.
Florida courts most often order shared parental responsibility to both parents for the child’s best interests. But if one parent is unfit to provide for the child’s best interests and welfare due to detrimental circumstances (drug or alcohol addiction, domestic violence, among others), sole parental responsibility may be imposed depending on the circumstances.
To best understand what you can attain through these legal concepts, you must consult with a legal expert like Dorsey Law JAX to map out your options!
Conclusion
As a parent looking to secure the role you have in your child’s life, you must become familiar with the concepts of shared parental responsibility, parenting plan and time sharing in Florida. Once you are more familiar with these law concepts and understand what they entail, you can easily circumvent any problems that may come about during your divorce.
When going through legal disputes, it’s essential to have a respected lawyer stand by your side and give you the best legal advice possible. Finding an experienced and knowledgeable trial attorney will mean that all of your needs are met. Contact our experts at Dorsey Law JAX today!
