Same Sex Marriage & Divorce – January 6th, 2015

* December 19th, 2014 – well … it looks like this is really going to happen. The US Supreme Court just declined to extend the stay on the already existing Federal Court Order invalidating the Florida ban on same sex marriage. We are waiting on January 5th, 2015.

After that date, it will be legal in Florida to file for divorce for existing same-sex marriages. We would be delighted to extend our services to the LGBT community. Please call us for a free consultation.

* December 17th, 2014- Judge Cohen of Broward County decided to finalize a divorce for Heather Brassner. This would be the first same Continue reading

New Same Sex Marriage Laws in Florida 2014

new same sex marriage laws in florida

An update on our companion website: www.myfloridalaw.com

The Florida Courts have been been busy addressing what seems like an avalanche of same-sex marriage challenges to the present constitutional ban. For some people the ultimate goal is to be able to file Dissolution of Marriage cases in Florida. We have put together a summary of latest court cases and an analysis on same-sex marriage rights as they stand right now.

* July 31st, 2014 – Broward County Circuit Judge Dale Cohen has a request to declare the ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional in Florida for the purpose of granting a divorce to Petitioner Heather Brassner. That situation almost Continue reading

Can I Take My Spouse to the Cleaners for Cheating?

cheating and divorce

 

If you have discovered that your spouse is cheating, you are likely to experience a wealth of emotions like anger, betrayal, sadness and fear. Adultery is one of the most common causes of divorce, but many spouses are appalled when they talk to a Florida divorce attorney about the relevance of infidelity to the issues in a divorce. Television dramas often depict spouses telling their marital partner, “I am going to take you to the cleaners for cheating.” These threats often occur following scenes where a spouse has discovered irrefutable proof of adultery. While a person dealing with the betrayal of a spouse has every reason to be upset, he or she often is dumbfounded Continue reading

Does Filing Bankruptcy Mean Losing My Personal Residence?

can bankruptcy save a home

Television commercials and advertisements inform delinquent borrowers that they can save their homes by filing for personal bankruptcy. But is it true — or just too good to be true? The bankruptcy process is designed to help people keep as much of their property as possible while repaying their debts. An important issue in the bankruptcy process involves what to do with the debtor’s primary residence. In some situations, you can file for bankruptcy and keep your home, especially if it meets the criteria to qualify for “exempt” status. The first step in this process involves deciding whether to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Continue reading

Diffusing Anger in a Rising Argument

anger management

 

The process of divorce isn’t an easy one–obviously there are reasons why this is happening and they’re probably not very pleasant. What you once had faith in is now whittling away and rising are feelings of anger, resentment, and more. Even though you’ve made the right decision it’s easy for more arguments to arise during this transition.

 

There are simple ways to diffuse anger, avoid arguments, and make this process overall much more peaceful. Here are five simple ways Continue reading

Negative Home Equity and Property Division in a Florida Divorce

upside down home in a florida divorce

The housing crisis led to a slew of foreclosures and many more people struggling to make mortgage payments on their home despite being severely upside down.  This is a particular problem here in Florida, which is one of the states that was most effected by the meltdown of the housing market.  Historically, couples involved in a Florida divorce would negotiate over who would get to keep the family home, which often involved one party buying out the equity interest of the other Continue reading

Three Ways To Improve Prospects in a Florida Child Custody Case

 Improve chances in custody case

By Attorney Howard Iken:  While child custody cases can be difficult on both parents and their children, parents who are able to amicably develop a parenting plan with timeshare arrangements that are mutually acceptable can significantly ease the emotional hardships often experienced in custody cases.  While experienced Florida child custody attorneys can often guide parents to such resolutions, there are many situations where such an agreement cannot be reached so the Continue reading

Action News Interviews Attorney Howard Iken

Attorney Howard Iken discusses peak in divorce filings at Valentine’s Day each year. Each year many different effects come together to form a perfect storm of divorce filings.  The holidays always bring high expectations and hard feelings. The winter break is a time of turmoil in custody and choice of school conflicts. And federal tax refunds provide the fuel to fund new divorce filings.

httpv://youtu.be/YYEA6-UnMOM

Ayo & Iken Retained in George Zimmerman Divorce Case

george zimmerman

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 11, 2014 / PRNewswire / — The law firm of Ayo & Iken PLC has been selected by George Zimmerman to represent him in his pending divorce case. The firm has designated a three-person legal team to review the case and address preliminary issues.

Included in the team are the firm’s partners, Attorney Howard Iken and Attorney Alberto Ayo.

“We have begun by requesting that the court set aside the default currently in place against Mr. Zimmerman. That requires a showing of Continue reading