Orlando Family Law Blog

You deserve fair treatment during your same-sex divorce

On behalf of Almeida & Gordy, P.A. posted in divorce on November 9, 2015

As someone who is in a same-sex relationship, you know that many things have changed since the Supreme Court made same-sex marriages legal. While marriage is fairly easy to navigate, divorce can be more difficult. For some time, Florida, as a state, even questioned if it would recognize divorces for people who had been in a same-sex marriage.

When that much pressure is on you, you may feel that a divorce is even more difficult than just deciding how to split your assets. What do you do in custody issues when a child isn’t yours but has been raised as such? What can you do if your divorce is coming under fire and you’re being asked to annul it instead?

Florida has always been a difficult state for same-sex relationships, but you are entitled to

Continue reading You deserve fair treatment during your same-sex divorce…

Tweet

What are some benefits that come with adoption?

On behalf of Almeida & Gordy, P.A. posted in adoption on October 27, 2015

Although the main benefit of adoption for you may be the addition of a child into your life, there are many others that your attorney will need to discuss with you, so you get everything you’re entitled to. Some benefits are provided by the state and federal government, so the child doesn’t have any unexpected needs unmet. For instance, if you request the monthly adoption maintenance subsidy, your adopted child may be entitled to $417 per month in both Flagler or Volusia Counties.

If your adopted child used to receive Social Security Income and your financial situation allowed this to continue, then the SSI will be deducted from the $417 subsidy paid.

If you’re interested in participating in an adoption home study to help with the costs of adop

Continue reading What are some benefits that come with adoption?…

Tweet

The 4 kinds of adoption allowed in Florida

On behalf of Almeida & Gordy, P.A. posted in adoption on October 13, 2015

If you’re thinking about adding a member to your growing family, it’s important to consider adoption. Adoption is a way to take in a child who has been less fortunate, to grow your family, and to experience parenthood. Adoption can be an exciting and happy experience, but there are many legal challenges your attorney may need to help you through.

For example, did you know that there is a ban on homosexuals adopting in Florida? Despite this, same-sex couples can adopt, thanks to the federal laws that have recently changed marriage laws. The Florida Bar has stated that even with the statute in place banning same-sex adoption, same-sex adoptions are legal, but if you plan to do so, legal assistance may be important.

There are four types of adoptio

Continue reading The 4 kinds of adoption allowed in Florida…

Tweet

Can I adopt a child as a military family member?

On behalf of Almeida & Gordy, P.A. posted in family law on October 1, 2015

If you are in a military family, you may be concerned that you can’t adopt. That’s not true, though, and there are special regulations that make sure you can still adopt. You’re not prohibited from doing so, whether you want to adopt or foster a child.

Bringing a child into your family can have a major impact. You may have always wanted to have a child but were unable to, or maybe you simply decided to add to your own growing family. Whatever the reason is, it’s important that you know that you have the same rights as any other potential adoptive parent in the United States, and your service record doesn’t need to hold you back from having the family you want.

If you are stationed within the United States, you can foster or adopt a child by fol

Continue reading Can I adopt a child as a military family member?…

Tweet

Reasonable visitation: What’s best for your child?

On behalf of Almeida & Gordy, P.A. posted in custody & visitaion on September 14, 2015

When you go to court to have child custody determined, you may be assigned parental visitation. Visitation is the time you’re awarded to see your child when your child is not living in your home. If you and your ex-spouse can agree on a schedule to see the child, then you may be able to work out reasonable visitation times without the assistance of a court. If you can’t, then a judge may have to decide on a visitation schedule for you.

Determining your own schedule has its benefits. The schedule conforms to your work and activities, and you can decide on how much time is acceptable. If this is left to be determined by a judge, you may not feel as comfortable with the solution, which is why it’s potentially better to work with your attorney or a me

Continue reading Reasonable visitation: What’s best for your child?…

Tweet

Florida claims it shouldn’t pay for same-sex marriage appeal

On behalf of Almeida & Gordy, P.A. posted in same-sex partners on September 1, 2015

Florida had been arguing against same-sex marriage, but now that it is accepted under law in the United States, those who have been accused of discrimination have to pay for those acts. In one case out of Florida, it was argued that because the state dropped its appeal against same-sex marriage, it shouldn’t have to pay the cost of the appeals process.

As someone who may have had to fight to get married in Florida, this should be upsetting to you. By not paying the legal fees associated with losing a case, that means your attorney could go without being paid. On top of that, you could miss out on compensation that you deserve to receive from the state in a settlement.

If the state is excused from paying, attorneys, and potentially victims of th

Continue reading Florida claims it shouldn’t pay for same-sex marriage appeal…

Tweet

Same-sex adoption still not straightforward despite marriages

On behalf of Almeida & Gordy, P.A. posted in same-sex partners on August 19, 2015

Despite an historic ruling in favor of same-sex marriage, it’s important to remember that not all aspects of the law have necessarily been made equal for gay and lesbian couples. For instance, two men wanting to adopt a children have brought their story to the media, because even with the changes that have been made, adoption itself hasn’t been made much easier for same-sex couples. The struggle to adopt has been highlighted to hopefully address the issue for these, now legally married, individuals.

While same-sex couples can now legally marry under federal law, same-sex couples still struggle to adopt children. They may be able to from private or so-called gay-friendly agencies, but trying to adopt from foster care or from agencies that pre

Continue reading Same-sex adoption still not straightforward despite marriages…

Tweet

What are the steps to divorce in Florida?

On behalf of Almeida & Gordy, P.A. posted in divorce on August 4, 2015

Divorce is a serious step to take in a relationship. Before you decide to take it, it’s wise to ask yourself if your marriage can be saved. Sometimes, couples benefit from marriage counseling or working with a psychologist. If these options aren’t for you and you’re sure you want to proceed, then you need to know about how to dissolve your marriage.

Today, there are no rules determining the reasons people can divorce. In the past, individuals could usually only get a divorce if things like abuse, adultery, or other serious problems took place during the marriage. Now, you can get a divorce regardless of your reasons as long as you can prove that your marriage is irretrievably broken.

To get a divorce, you need to be able to prove that you’re ma

Continue reading What are the steps to divorce in Florida?…

Tweet

Same-sex fathers first to adopt in Florida

On behalf of Almeida & Gordy, P.A. posted in adoption on July 23, 2015

As someone who wants to adopt children but is part of a same-sex relationship, you may have thought it would be very difficult to adopt in the past. Now that the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that same-sex marriages are legal throughout the nation, there have been several changes in family law. Prior to the change, it could be difficult for the second parent of a child to claim legal responsibility for a child, because adoption would only allow for a father and mother or other such arrangements.

Previous laws prevented same-sex couples from adopting, and even now, there can be some hesitation before allowing same-sex couples to foster or adopt children. There’s no reason, though, because one same-sex couple has already fought for th

Continue reading Same-sex fathers first to adopt in Florida…

Tweet

You have equal rights as a same-sex couple in Florida

On behalf of Almeida & Gordy, P.A. posted in same-sex partners on July 10, 2015

Recently and over the last several years, the United States has made major strides in equality for same-sex couples along with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. With the recent ruling of the Supreme Court that all same-sex marriages are legal and should be granted by the states, the rights of the LGBT community have become even stronger and more defined.

As someone living the LGBT lifestyle, you deserve to be treated like anyone else. You have the same rights at work and the same rights under the law when it comes to marriage, divorce and family law. With the fluidity of these changes at present, it’s wise to take steps to protect yourself and your partner.

You can create an estate plan, will or adoption paperwork to h

Continue reading You have equal rights as a same-sex couple in Florida…

Tweet