Family disputes can affect where you live, how much money you have available, and the time you spend with your children. When a marriage ends or a disagreement arises between parents, the decisions made during the legal process can have lasting consequences.
Reinfeld & Cabrera, P.A. represents clients in Coral Springs and throughout Broward County in divorce proceedings and other family law matters. We help clients understand their legal position, assess their options, and prepare for the decisions ahead.
Family Law Services in Coral Springs and Broward County
1. Divorce and Complex Property Division
Divorce often brings financial questions to the surface that a couple may never have needed to answer during the marriage. Who keeps the house? What happens to retirement savings? If one spouse owns a business, how does the other spouse’s interest get addressed? The answers can shape each person’s financial position long after the divorce becomes final.
Florida follows equitable distribution under Section 61.075 of the Florida Statutes. The court begins by identifying marital assets and liabilities, then determines how to distribute them fairly under the circumstances. An equal division is the starting point, but the law allows departures when the evidence justifies them.
Disputes become harder when spouses disagree about an asset’s value or whether it belongs in the marital estate. A business interest may require professional valuation. Funds held in separate accounts may raise questions about how they were acquired or used during the marriage. These details matter during settlement negotiations and can affect what a judge ultimately decides.
Our attorneys help clients examine their financial circumstances before making decisions that could be difficult to reverse. A proposed settlement deserves a careful review, particularly when substantial assets or disputed ownership interests are involved.
2. Child Custody, Parenting Plans and Time Sharing
When parents separate, their children still need a workable routine. School arrangements continue. Holidays still need planning. Parents may also disagree about medical decisions or where a child should spend the school week. These practical questions can become contentious when communication between the adults has broken down.
Florida uses the term time sharing rather than treating child custody as a simple question of which parent gets the children. Under Section 61.13, courts consider the child’s best interests when deciding parental responsibility and time sharing. The law includes factors relevant to each parent’s circumstances and their ability to meet the child’s needs.
A parenting plan should reflect how a family actually lives. An arrangement that looks fair in a courtroom may prove difficult if it ignores school transportation or a parent’s working hours. Parents should also understand that a court order sets enforceable obligations. Informal agreements can become a source of conflict when one parent later changes their position.
Whether you are negotiating a parenting plan or asking the court to resolve a disagreement, the details deserve attention. The goal is to establish an arrangement that reflects the child’s needs while protecting your parental rights under Florida law.
3. Child Support in Florida
How much child support should a parent pay? The answer depends on the financial information used in the calculation and the circumstances of the family. A number that appears reasonable at first glance may deserve a closer look if one parent’s income has changed or the existing figures no longer reflect the family’s expenses.
Florida’s child support guidelines provide the framework courts use to calculate support. The calculation considers each parent’s income and may account for health insurance costs, childcare expenses and the time sharing arrangement. Courts can also address circumstances that call for a departure from the guideline amount when the law permits it.
Problems often arise when a parent questions the income attributed to the other party. Self employment can make income harder to assess. A recent job change may also complicate the picture. Accurate financial records become especially important when the parties disagree about the numbers.
Parents can seek an appropriate support order during a divorce or a paternity case. An existing order may also be eligible for modification when the legal requirements are met. Before agreeing to a figure or requesting a change, it helps to understand how Florida law applies to your financial circumstances.
4. Alimony and Spousal Support
Alimony can be one of the most contested parts of a Florida divorce. One spouse may have left the workforce to care for the family. The other may have earned most of the household income. After separation, both face a different financial reality, and their expectations about support may not match.
Florida Statute 61.08 governs alimony. A court first considers whether one spouse has a need for support and whether the other has the ability to pay. If those requirements are met, the court evaluates the factors set out in the statute. The law also recognizes different forms of alimony, subject to their applicable requirements.
The financial picture can be more complicated than a comparison of current salaries. Spouses often dispute earning capacity during proceedings. The length of the marriage can matter, as can evidence about the parties’ financial circumstances. Courts evaluate support arrangements using actual financial facts rather than personal assumptions.
For anyone negotiating a divorce settlement, it is important to understand the potential consequences of accepting or waiving alimony. The same applies to someone responding to a request for support. A careful review of the available financial information can help clarify the issues before they reach a judge.
5. Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
Some couples choose to resolve financial questions before getting married. Others decide to put an agreement in place after the wedding, perhaps following a major change in their finances. These documents can address property rights and other financial matters, but their effect depends on what the agreement says and whether it meets Florida’s legal requirements.
Couples draft a prenuptial agreement before marriage. Partners execute a postnuptial agreement after wedding vows. Both can have significant consequences if the relationship ends. Disputes may arise over disclosure of financial information, the circumstances in which a spouse signed, or the meaning of a particular provision.
Attorneys must review an agreement in the context of the couple’s actual circumstances. A vague provision can invite disagreement later. A document that once seemed straightforward may also require closer examination when a divorce puts its terms under scrutiny.
Whether you are considering an agreement or have already signed one, legal advice can clarify your rights and obligations. If your spouse is asking you to sign a new document, take the time to understand its implications before committing to terms that may affect your financial future.
6. Modifying or Enforcing Family Court Orders
A final judgment does not always settle every issue for the rest of a family’s life. Income can change. A parent may need to relocate. An arrangement that worked when a child was younger may become impractical as circumstances evolve. Florida courts modify family orders only when petitions satisfy specific legal standards.
Modification usually requires evidence that satisfies the applicable requirements. A parent who wants to change a parenting plan, for example, must meet a different legal test from someone seeking to modify child support. A change in personal preference alone will not necessarily justify a new order.
Enforcement presents a different problem. Perhaps a parent repeatedly ignores the time sharing schedule, or a former spouse fails to comply with a financial obligation. The available remedies depend on the order and the conduct at issue. Keeping records of missed payments or violations may help establish what happened.
Before taking action, it is worth reviewing the existing order and identifying the specific obligation in dispute. Our attorneys can assess whether modification or enforcement is appropriate and explain the steps involved in asking the court for relief.
7. Paternity and the Rights of Unmarried Parents
Unmarried parents must resolve legal parentage to determine child custody and support rights.
A father may have an established relationship with his child yet still need to resolve legal questions before obtaining a court ordered time sharing arrangement. Mothers may also need a formal order addressing parental responsibilities or support.
Florida law provides procedures for establishing paternity. The appropriate process depends on the circumstances, including whether parentage is disputed or has already been legally established. Once paternity is resolved, the court can address related matters such as parental responsibility, time sharing and child support.
These cases can become emotionally difficult when one parent has had limited contact with the child. Parents often dispute proposed schedules or argue over who takes on additional responsibilities. The court evaluates the relevant evidence under the standards that apply to each issue.
Establishing paternity can provide the legal basis for resolving these questions through the family court system. If you are seeking parental rights or responding to a paternity action, understanding the process early can help you prepare for the decisions ahead.
8. Domestic Violence Injunctions and Defense Against Allegations
An application for a domestic violence injunction can create immediate uncertainty. The court may schedule a hearing quickly, and the allegations can affect personal relationships or existing family court proceedings. Anyone involved should take the matter seriously and understand what the court will consider.
Florida law allows eligible petitioners to seek protection through an injunction. The court reviews the petition and the evidence under the applicable statutory requirements. Depending on the circumstances, judges enter temporary injunctions before holding full hearings.
For someone seeking protection, the preparation of a petition and supporting evidence can be important. For someone responding to allegations, the hearing provides an opportunity to address the claims and present relevant evidence. Statements, messages and other records may become significant when the parties disagree about what occurred.
These proceedings require careful preparation because the court must assess the evidence within a specific legal framework. Whether you are seeking an injunction or defending against one, timely legal advice can help you understand the process and prepare for the hearing.
What to Expect When You Hire a Family Law Attorney
When you contact a family law attorney, the first step is to understand your circumstances and what you want to resolve. In a divorce, that may involve reviewing marital assets, debts, income, and any existing agreements. For parents, the immediate concern may be a parenting schedule or an existing court order.
Your attorney can explain the applicable Florida law and identify the information needed to assess your options. The next steps depend on whether an agreement is possible or a court decision is needed.
Why Work With a Family Law Attorney in Coral Springs?
Florida courts handle family law cases, but local procedures matter. For clients in Coral Springs, family law proceedings generally fall within Florida’s Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, which serves Broward County.
Reinfeld & Cabrera, P.A. helps clients understand the issues that matter in their particular case. Our team helps review financial records before a divorce settlement. We guide you through parenting plan disagreements. R&C attorneys also gather vital evidence to modify existing court orders..
We prepare cases with attention to the legal issues and the evidence available. Where an agreement is possible, negotiation or mediation may help resolve disputes without a trial. If important issues remain contested, we can advise clients about the next steps in court.
Family Law Representation Across Broward County
Reinfeld & Cabrera, P.A. serves clients in Coral Springs and throughout Broward County. Family law matters in the county generally fall under Florida’s Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.
Whether you are preparing for divorce or seeking a change to an existing parenting or support order, our firm can discuss the legal issues involved and explain the options available under Florida law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Family Law
How are assets divided in a Florida divorce?
- Florida follows equitable distribution rules. Courts generally begin with an equal division of marital assets and liabilities, but an unequal division may be appropriate when supported by the statutory factors. Property classified as nonmarital may be treated differently.
Is mediation required in Broward County family law cases?
- Mediation is used in many contested family law cases and may be ordered by the court. The requirement depends on the case and the applicable court procedures. The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit provides a family mediation program for eligible cases referred by a judge. You can review the program through the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit’s mediation page.
Can I move with my child after a divorce?
- It depends on the proposed move and the existing parenting arrangements. Under Florida Statute 61.13001, a relocation generally involves moving a child’s principal residence at least 50 miles from the prior residence for at least 60 consecutive days, subject to statutory exceptions. The law sets out procedures for obtaining consent or court approval when required. A parent should review those requirements before making a move that may qualify as a relocation.
Can child support or alimony be changed after a final judgment?
- A court may modify certain support orders when the applicable legal requirements are met. The evidence must support the requested change. The rules differ for child support and alimony, so an existing order should be reviewed before filing a modification request.
What rights does an unmarried father have in Florida?
- Legal rights and responsibilities depend on the circumstances and whether paternity has been legally established. A father may need to pursue a paternity case before seeking a court ordered parenting plan. The court can address parental responsibility, time sharing, and child support as appropriate.
What should I do if my former spouse violates a court order?
- Keep records of the alleged violation and review the exact terms of the order. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to ask the court to enforce the order. The available remedy depends on the type of order and the nature of the violation.
Speak With a Family Law Attorney in Coral Springs
If you are considering divorce or dealing with a dispute involving your children, understanding your legal options is a useful place to start. Reinfeld & Cabrera, P.A. serves clients in Coral Springs and throughout Broward County.