A Partner At Mclaughlin & Stern, LLP – Naples, Florida
Attorney & Counselor At Law
Beverly L. Brennan Attorney & Counsellor at Law Naples Florida
Attorney & Counselor At Law
When the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) opens a dependency case, parents have limited time to prepare. Florida dependency proceedings follow specific rules under Chapter 39 of Florida Statutes. Caseworkers and courts both apply judgment when...
The weeks and months before a divorce is filed are often the most financially consequential period of the entire process. For LGBTQ couples in Florida with significant shared assets, decisions made before you file can affect how property is divided and how long the...
A last-minute cancellation does not automatically violate a Florida parenting plan. The legal effect depends on the reason for the missed time-sharing and whether the conduct continues. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.13, Florida courts can enforce parenting plans and...
A Florida DCF investigation can move quickly, and the wrong response early on can make the case harder to defend. Parents often hurt their position by reacting out of fear, speaking too loosely or failing to take the investigation seriously from the start. 1. Talking...
When dissolving a marriage involving substantial assets, privacy often becomes as valuable as the assets themselves. LGBTQ couples in Florida who have worked hard to build their lives and wealth together may wish to protect personal and financial information during...
As children get older, they may develop strong opinions about where they want to spend their time. A teenager might prefer living closer to friends and school, while a younger child may want to stay with the parent who has fewer rules. But does Florida law let a child...
When parents separate, decisions about their children can become harder to handle. A disagreement over pickup, a tense exchange at school or an angry message to the other parent may seem like a private family matter. During a custody case, though, those moments can...
Many unmarried fathers want to take part in their child's education. They may ask if they can help choose a school, approve special services or stay informed about school activities. In Florida, the answer depends on legal parentage and any court orders or parenting...
A child being removed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) does not always mean a parent will permanently lose custody. Florida’s dependency system focuses on protecting children while also working toward reunification when it is safe and possible....
Nothing can turn an otherwise-amicable divorce into a battlefield like a fight over the family pet. Given that more than 42% of households in this country have one or more dogs (and more than 32% have cats), this can be a common concern. While people often think of...
