Incoming Florida Bar President William J. Schifino, Jr. has appointed Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske as member of the 2016-2017 Florida Bar Rules Committee and committee liaison to The Florida Bar Rules of Judicial Administration Committee. Congratulations, Caroline!
Attorney Alex Caballero of Sessums Black PA thanks all HCBA members who have voted in the 2016-2017 HCBA Board of Directors election and appreciates the support he has received in his candidacy. Voting ends on May 16, 2016!
While at the 38th Annual Institute of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers on May 6, 2016, Attorneys Jennifer Ficarrotta, Andrew Reder, Caroline Black Sikorske, and Alex Caballero pose for a picture with Lanse Scriven, a member of The Florida Bar Board of Governors. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA support Governor Scriven’s candidacy for President of The Florida Bar.
Today is May 6, 2016 and there is one week left to vote for the 2016-2016 HCBA Board of Directors! Sessums Black PA Attorney Alex Caballero, would appreciate your support and vote. If you are an eligible voter and have not yet received your on-line balloting instructions, please contact HCBA at hcbarsvp@hillsbar.com or (813) 221-7777. Voting ends May 16, 2016!
The election for the 2016-2017 HCBA Board of Directors is underway! Attorney Alex Caballero, a Board Certified Marital and Family Law attorney, Fellow of the AAML, and active member of the HCBA and The Florida Bar, is a qualified candidate in this election. Alex would appreciate your support and vote. All eligible voters should have already received an e-mail with instructions for on-line voting. If you are an eligible voter and have not yet received your e-mail, please contact HCBA at hcbarsvp@hillsbar.com or (813) 221-7777. Voting ends May 16, 2016! Thank you for your support and vote!
On May 2, 2016, the election for the 2016-17 HCBA Board of Directors began. Attorney Alex Caballero, a Board Certified Marital and Family Law attorney, Fellow of the AAML, and active member of the HCBA and The Florida Bar, is a qualified candidate in this election. Alex would appreciate your support and vote. All eligible voters will receive an e-mail from intelliscaninc.com with instructions for on-line voting. Eligible voters who do not receive an e-mail, please contact HCBA at hcbarsvp@hillsbar.com or (813) 221-7777. Thank you for your support and vote!
Attorney Alex Caballero has applied to be a Director of the Hillsborough County Bar Association (HCBA). He would appreciate your support and vote. The election will be May 2-16th. In addition to being Board Certified in Marital and Family Law and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Alex is actively involved in state and local professional legal organizations. Alex’s dedication to professionalism within the practice of law includes previously serving as Chair of the Family Law Section of the HCBA and currently serving as Chair of the Florida Bar Family Law Section Certification Committee.. He is also a member of the 13th Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Committee. Thank you for your support and vote!
The United States Supreme Court is considering Howell v. Howell, Docket No. 15-1031 which should addresses whether or not the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act preempts an Arizona state court’s ruling involving a veteran’s retirement pay. Click the links below to see a summary of the case status and updates. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA are experienced in addressing family law matters involving veterans, active duty military, military reservists, military spouses, and former military spouses.
On April 15, 2016, Florida Governor Rick Scott vetoed Senate Bill 668 titled “An act relating to family law.” Had SB 668 become law, it would have made changes to Florida’s laws relating to alimony and timesharing. Click on the link below to read the Governor’s letter regarding his veto. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA stay abreast of the latest changes to laws affecting their clients.
Identity theft can have long-lasting implications. In addition to requesting a fraud alert, concerned consumers can also request a credit freeze. A credit freeze restricts access to the consumer’s credit report which may delay or prevent a thief from opening new accounts since many creditors need the report or information in the report before approving new credit. More information on credit freezes and fraud alerts is available by clicking the link below to the Federal Trade Commission website. Sessums Black PA prides itself on providing personalized representation and resources to its clients.
On March 24, 2016, Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 967 titled “Collaborative Law Process Act” into law, making Florida the 14th state to offer Collaborative Divorce as an alternative to traditional litigation. Collaborative Divorce is a method of reaching a resolution through cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques and court proceedings. Although the attorneys at Sessums Black PA continue to practice and are experienced in the traditional litigation-based dissolution of marriage, they are also trained and experienced in handling matters through Collaborative Law. Florida’s new Collaborative Law Process Act and more about Collaborative Divorce are available by clicking the links below.
March 16-18, 2016, Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske attended the national Mid-Year Meeting of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) in Nassau, the Bahamas. This year’s national conference includes advanced an continuing education component focusing on discovering hidden and off-shore assets in divorce proceedings.
As April 18, 2016 quickly approaches, many people’s focus turns to taxes. For people who have divorced at the start of 2016 or have a divorce proceeding pending, deciding how to handle the filing of 2015 taxes can be daunting if not overwhelming. Click on the link below to read one author’s tips as to how to navigate the tax season as a new or soon-to-be divorcee. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA are skilled at representing clients facing all types of family law-related legal issues.
Attorney Sarah E. Kay’s article “Ten Mobile Apps to Upgrade your Practice” was published in the Winter 2016 edition of the Florida Bar Family Law Section Commentator magazine. Click on the link below to read the article. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA regularly incorporate technology in their practice of law to provide their clients with superior personalized representation.
On March 7, 2016, Sherrie Almand joined the Sessums Black PA team as a Scheduling Assistant. Sherrie brings with her over 10 years of experience providing administrative support within the legal industry. Please join Sessums Black PA in warmly welcoming Sherrie.
On Monday, March 7, 2016, the United States Supreme Court struck down an Alabaman court ruling which did not recognize an adoption of a child to a same-sex couple. Click on the link below to read the six page U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on providing superior, personal service tailored to the unique family law needs of their clients.
Sessums Black PA is thrilled to announce that Caroline Black Sikorske has been voted #1 by her peers in Family Law on Tampa’s Top Lawyer’s list as published in the 2016 Tampa Magazine Top Lawyers Edition. Congratulations, Caroline!
On February 28, 2016, Firm Administrator Bill Murphy celebrated three years of outstanding service with Sessums Black PA. When Bill joined the firm in 2013, he brought with him over 25 years of experience in law office administration. Happy Anniversary, Bill!
Florida House Bill 967 titled “Collaborative Law Process Act”, if enacted, would, among other things, establish a state-wide system for Collaborative Law effective July 1, 2016. Collaborative Law is an alternative dispute resolution process wherein the parties, attorneys, and neutral third-party professionals use cooperative strategies to assist the parties in achieving an amicable resolution to their differences. The House unanimously passed HB 967 on February 24, 2016. The Senate has an identical bill (SB 972) actively pending. To track the progress of HB 967, click here. To track the progress of SB 972, click here. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA track pending legislation which may affect their client’s interests.
The Senate recently passed Senate Bill 250. If enacted in its current form, beginning October 1, 2016, it would create a presumption that “approximately equal time-sharing with a minor child by both parents” is in the child’s best interest. Click on the link below to read an article discussing additional details of the bill and its current status. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA stay abreast of potential changes in the law which may affect their clients’ interests.
Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske invites you to mark your calendars for the 4th Annual American Brain Tumor Association Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k in Tampa Bay on March 26, 2016. The event opens at 7:00 AM and the 5k begins at 8:30 AM . Caroline asks you to consider supporting this event in memory and support of her family member, friend, and all others who have battled a brain tumor. To join Caroline’s 5k team (“For Pete’s Sake”), click on this link. To register for the 5k independently, click on this link. Should you wish to donate to the American Brain Tumor Association, click on this link. Caroline hopes to see you on March 26th!
On February 16, 2016, Paralegal Shannon Morlan celebrated one year of outstanding service with Sessums Black PA. Congratulations, Shannon!
Sessums Black PA is pleased to announce Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta’s selection as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Family lawyers in the State of Florida for 2016 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Her selection was the culmination of a months-long process in which ASLA independently researched information on tens of thousands of lawyers, resulting in Jennifer’s selection for inclusion in a group comprising of less than 1.5% of lawyers overall. Congratulations, Jennifer!
On February 4, 2016, Attorney Alex Caballero co-presented a 2 hour continuing legal education seminar titled “Complex Issues in Equitable Distribution” for the Marital & Family Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Mr. Caballero spoke on the issues of business valuations in equitable distribution and stock options, restricted shares, and other employee benefits. As a board certified attorney in Marital and Family Law and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, he speaks frequently on family law matters and specializes in handling complex family law matters.
Batten down the hatches, Mateys! Sessums Black PA has been invaded by pirates from YMKG!
On January 22, 2016, Receptionist Karina Batista celebrated 9 years of outstanding service with Sessums Black PA. Congratulations, Karina!
On February 4, 2016 starting at 1 PM, Attorney Alex Caballero will be co-presenting a 2 hour continuing legal education seminar titled “Complex Issues in Equitable Distribution” for the Marital & Family Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Mr. Caballero will be specifically speaking on the issues of business valuations in equitable distribution and stock options, restricted shares, and other employee benefits. Mr. Caballero is board certified in Marital and Family Law and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He speaks frequently on family law matters and specializes in handling complex family law matters. To register or for more information, please click here.
On January 14, 2016, Paralegals Carol Dunlap and Michele Tawzer as a part of their regular membership, attended the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a legal education component titled “Court Procedures and Using the Hague Convention to Resolve International Parental Child Abduction”. The Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard of excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
It can be challenging for parents to craft parenting plans that meet the ever-changing developmental and psychological needs of their growing children. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers developed the Child Centered Residential Guidelines as a national model to assist parents, judges, lawyers, mediators, and parent educators in drafting child-centered residential guidelines which focus on the children’s unique best interests, in the hopes of helping to reduce parental conflict relating to timesharing of children. Click on the link below to read the AAML’s Child Centered Residential Guidelines. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA are experienced in representing clients who are seeking to draft or modify parenting plans.
One of the most challenging things to transitioning a relationship can be talking to your children about it. Click on the link below to reach one author’s suggestions on things you can say to your child to help him/her with the transition. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA are experienced in handling family law matters involving children of all ages.
Typically holidays are associated with happiness and fun, but children whose parents are newly separated or in the midst of litigation may be having a vastly different experience. One book with suggestions on how parents can best support their children during what may be a stressful time is Helping your Kids Cope with Divorce the Sandcastles Way by M. Gary Neuman and Patricia Romanowski. Click on the link below for more information. Sessums Black PA believes in individualized representation because we understand that each client has unique needs.
On November 17, 2015, Word Processor Mary Dougherty celebrated 29 years of outstanding service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Mary!
On November 12, 2015, Paralegals Carol Dunlap, Lorri Rowell, and Michele Tawzer, as a part of their regular membership, attended the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a legal education component titled “Ethics” presented by the Hon. Christopher C. Nash of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Hillsborough County, Florida. The Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard of excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta has been appointed to The Florida Bar Grievance Committee 13C from November 1, 2015 through October 31, 2018. Sessums Black, PA believes that a successful combination as attorneys must include one’s public service. Congratulations, Jennifer!
Friends and family are often anxious to help someone experiencing a change in relationship status but they often do not know how to best express their support. Click on the link below to read one author’s ten suggestions on how to best support a loved on during what is likely one of the most difficult times of his/her life. Sessums Black PA provides individualized, understanding, and responsive legal representation to clients facing changes in their relationship statuses.
On November 1, 2015, Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske celebrated 26 years of exceptional service with Sessums Black PA. Congratulations, Caroline!
On October 30, 2015, Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske presented on Children’s Issues and Timesharing at The Florida Bar Basic Family Law seminar in Tampa. Sessums Black PA values giving back to the legal community, supporting legal excellence through providing high-quality continuing legal education.
Sessums Black PA enthusiastically announces that Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske has been elected as a Diplomat of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers (ACFTL). ACFTL is a select group of 100 of the top family law trial lawyers from across the United States. Diplomats are based upon their recognized litigation skills and courtroom abilities. Congratulations, Caroline!
Pursuant to Article XI, Section 2 of the Florida Constitution, the State is creating a Constitution Revision Commission which is a group of 37 individuals tasked with reviewing and recommending changes to the State’s Constitution. Click on the link below to read more. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on staying abreast of possible changes in the law which may affect its clients.
Sessums Black PA is pleased to announce that, on October 14-16, 2015, Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske facilitated a presentation on ethics at the international IACP conference for collaborative professionals in Washington DC. Sessums Black PA strives to maintain excellence in professionalism and ethics in family law.
Whether or not to end a relationship can be a difficult decision, particularly when the relationship has spanned over decades or involves young children. Click on the link below to read one author’s observations of top reasons couples decide to part ways. Sessums Black PA prides itself on providing exceptional legal services to clients whose relationships have become irretrievably broken.
On October 15, 2015, Paralegals Carol Dunlap, Shannon Morlan, and Michele Tawzer, as a part of their regular membership, attended the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a legal education component titled “Branding and Trademark Protection.” The Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard of excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
On October 19, 2015, Advanced Certified Paralegal Carol Dunlap celebrated 8 years of top-quality service at Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Carol!
On October 14, 2015, Paralegal Lorri L. Rowell celebrated two years of exceptional service at Sessums Black PA. Congratulations, Lorri!
Sessums Black PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta has been recognized as one of the 10 Best in Client Satisfaction from the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys in 2015. Congratulations, Jennifer!
On September 30, 2015, Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske spoke at the Hillsborough County Bar Association Marital and Family Law Section Luncheon on “Proactive Management of the Family Law Practice.” Congratulations, Caroline!
Beginning Monday, September 14, 2015, Florida marriage certificates and license applications were changed to read “spouse” and “spouse” instead of “bride” and “groom.” Click on the link below to read more. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA stay abreast of the latest events in marital and family law to provide superior legal services to their clients.
Sessums Black PA is pleased to announce that Attorneys Jennifer Ficarrotta and Sarah E. Kay are investing in the future of Florida’s family law practitioners as Adjunct Professors of Law for the Family Law course during the Fall 2015 semester at Stetson University College of Law. Congratulations, Jennifer & Sarah!
On September 12, 2015, Attorney Sarah E. Kay completed the Introductory Collaborative Family and Civil Practice Training, a two-day intensive introductory training course in Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice which meets or exceeds standards set by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. Congratulations, Sarah!
On September 10, 2015, Paralegals Carol Dunlap, Shannon Morlan, and Michele Tawzer, as a part of their regular membership, attended the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a legal education component titled “In-House Counsel and the Paralegal.” The Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard of excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
On September 13, 2015, Certified Paralegal Michele C. Tawzer celebrated 11 years of top-quality service at Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Michele!
On September 10, 2015, the Florida Supreme Court decided the Hahamovitch v. Hahamovitch case which resolved a conflict between district courts of appeals regarding interpretation of waivers of interest in marital claims and property rights within premarital agreements. Click on the link below to read the opinion. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on staying abreast of the latest developments within Florida marital and family law.
One of the most challenging decisions for separating parents is how their children will share their time with each parent. Click on the link below to read an article published in a recent ABA Family Law Section Family Advocate which includes a list of suggested considerations for developing a parenting plan that fits a family’s unique needs. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA are experienced in advocating for clients facing a variety of parenting issues.
Sessums Black PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Andrew D. Reder has been accepted into the Hillsborough County Bar Association Leadership Institute Class for 2015-2016. The HCBA Bar Leadership Institute aims to identify and develop young attorneys of diverse backgrounds who have the potential to grow into future leaders. Congratulations, Andrew!
On August 27, 2015, Attorney Alex Caballero and CPA Mike Lewis presented a seminar entitled “Using Your Expert’s Advice in Crafting Better Discovery.” The webinar was sponsored by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Florida Chapter. Both Alex and Mike advised on how to properly craft discovery requests, and how to sift through the abundance in responses to hone in on the necessary information needed to best present your case. Congratulations, Alex!
On August 21, 2015, Paralegal Frank J. Steinbeck, Jr. celebrated three years of outstanding service with Sessums Black PA. Congratulations, Frank!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Alex Caballero has been selected for inclusion in the 22nd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America for family law. Congratulations, Alex!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske has been selected for inclusion in the 22nd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America for family law. Congratulations, Caroline!
On July 24, 2015, Sessums Black PA divided into two teams and competed in the Great Escape Room – a team-building scavenger hunt and puzzle game. Pictures from the event are included below.
Attorney Alex Caballero served as a workshop leader at The Florida Bar Family Law Section 2015 Trial Advocacy Workshop that was held August 6-9, 2015. The seminar is intended to improve a family law lawyers’ trial skills in preparing and presenting a family law case from beginning to end.
On August 7, 2015, Attorney Sarah E. Kay celebrated 9 years of superior service with Sessums Black PA. Congratulations, Sarah!
Attorney Alex Caballero and CPA Mike Lewis are presenting a seminar entitled “Using Your Expert’s Advice in Crafting Better Discovery” on August 27, 2015 at 11:45 am. The webinar is sponsored by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Florida Chapter. Both Alex and Mike will advise on how to properly craft discovery requests, and how to sift through the abundance in responses to hone in on the necessary information needed to best present your case.
Attorney Alex Caballero will be a workshop leader at the Florida Bar Family Law Section 2015 Trial Advocacy Workshop that will be held August 6-9, 2015. The seminar is intended to improve a family law lawyers’ trial skills in preparing and presenting a family law case from beginning to end.
On July 1, 2015, Attorney Alex Caballero began his tenure as 2015-2016 Chair of the Family Law Certification Committee. Congratulations, Alex!
On July 20, 2011, Attorney Jennifer A. Ficarrotta celebrated 4 years of outstanding service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Jennifer!
On July 9, 2015, Paralegals Carol Dunlap, Shannon Morlan, Lorri Rowell, and Michele Tawzer, as a part of their regular membership, attended the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a legal education component titled “Elder Law Overview and Representing the Elder Client.” The Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard of excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
On July 1, 2015, House Bill 149 came into effect. This bill, among other things, established grandparent visitation rights under certain enumerated circumstances. Click on the link below to read the Grandparent Visitation Bill which has recently become law. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA pride themselves on staying abreast of new laws which may affect their clients.
On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that states cannot ban same-sex marriage. Click on the link below to read more. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on staying abreast of changes in local, state-wide, and national laws which affect their clients.
On June 24, 2015, Attorney Sarah E. Kay was sworn in as member of the Executive Council of the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar. The Executive Council is responsible to represent the Family Law Section membership, promote the Section’s goals and activities, as well as participate in and lead Section committees and activities. Congratulations, Sarah!
On June 23, 2015, Office Administrator Bill Murphy, as a part of his tenure as a Director and Membership Chair, attended the ALA Suncoast Chapter Business Partner Appreciation event. Click on the link below to see a photo. The Association of Legal Administrators was formed over 30 years ago to enhance the education of legal managers and promote the profession of legal administrators and functional specialists all over the world.
Sessums Black PA is pleased to announce the publication of Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta’s chapter titled “Effective Preparation of Financial affidavits in Florida Family Law Cases” in the 2015 edition of Strategies for Family Law in Florida. Attorney Sarah E. Kay assisted with the research and drafting of the chapter. Congratulations, Jennifer and Sarah!
On June 20, 2015, Administrative Assistant Nelva Aleman celebrated 17 years of outstanding service. Congratulations, Nelva!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske was included in the list of the Top 50 Women attorneys and one of the two marital & family law attorneys listed in the Top 100 attorneys in the 2015 Florida Super Lawyers publication. Congratulations, Caroline!
Sessums Black PA is excited to announce that Andrew D. Reder, Esq. has joined the firm as an Associate Attorney. Andrew is a former Assistant State Attorney from the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office. He earned a Bachelor’s degree cum laude from Auburn University and a Juris Doctorate degree cum laude from Stetson University College of Law. Welcome, Andrew!
On June 11, 2015, Advanced Certified Paralegal Carol Dunlap, as a part of her regular membership, attended the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a legal education component titled “Law of Armed Conflict and War.” The Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard of excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that attorney Sarah E. Kay has been listed as a 2015 Rising Star in family law in the Super Lawyers publication. Congratulations, Sarah!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that attorneys Caroline Black Sikorske, Alex Caballero, and Jennifer Ficarrotta have all been listed as 2015 Superlawyers in family law in the Super Lawyers publication. Congratulations!
On June 7, 2015, Attorney Alex Caballero celebrated 16 years of exceptional service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Alex!
Sessums Black, PA is delighted to announce that Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta has become Board Certified in Marital & Family Law by The Florida Bar. Congratulations, Jennifer!
On May 21, 2015 Attorney Sarah E. Kay was sworn-in as the 2015-16 Vice President of Membership for the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers. Congratulations, Sarah!
On May 14, 2015, Paralegals Lorri Rowell and Michele Tawzer, as a part of their regular membership, attended the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a legal education component titled “An In-Depth Look at the Chapter 13 Trustee Program.” The Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard of excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
May 1, 2015 marked the end of Florida’s 2015 legislative session and the end to two pending family law-related bills: one which proposed major changes to the current alimony laws and the other which would have standardized the practice of collaborative law in Florida. Click on the link below to read an article discussing the bills and their statuses as of May 1st. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on staying abreast of legislation which may impact its clients.
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Office Administrator Bill Murphy has been selected to participate in the practice/finance committee of The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Institute, formerly known as the Law Office Management Assistance Service (LOMAS). The practice/finance committee will provide help and expertise to, among other things, develop answers to common questions from attorneys interested in starting a new practice. Congratulations, Bill!
Bills are pending in Florida’s legislature which, if pass, would establish collaborative divorce throughout Florida. Click on the link below to read an article about the pending legislation. Sessums Black, PA has extensive experience in collaborative divorce.
On April 9, 2015, Paralegals Carol Dunlap, Shannon Morlan, Lorri Rowell, Frank J. Steinbck, Jr., and Michele Tawzer, as a part of their regular membership, attended the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a legal education component titled “Update on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).” The Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard of excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
Use of the internet and social media has changed our world. The most recently, a Manhattan Supreme Court Justice permitted a wife to serve her husband with a divorce summons using a private message through Facebook. Click on the links below to read more about this New York case. If you have any questions regarding proper service of documents in your case, you should consult with a qualified family law attorney. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on staying abreast of unique developments in family law.
New York Wife Can Serve Divorce Papers via Facebook
New York Judge Permits Service of Divorce Papers via Facebook
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta has been appointed to continue serving on The Florida Bar Family Law Rules Committee through June 30, 2017. Congratulations, Jennifer!
Sessums Black, PA is pleased to announce that Office Administrator Bill Murphy has joined the Board of Directors for the Suncoast Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) and has been appointed Membership Chair. The ALA was formed to enhance the education of legal managers and promote the profession of legal administrators and functional specialists all over the world. Congratulations, Bill!
Sessums Black, PA is thrilled to announce that attorney Alex Caballero has been appointed as Chair of the Family Law Certification Committee for the 2015-2016 bar cycle. Congratulations, Alex!
On March 12, 2015, Attorney Sarah E. Kay gave a CLE presentation to the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association titled “The 7 Deadly Sins in a Family Law Case.” Congratulations, Sarah!
On March 12, 2015, Paralegals Carol Dunlap, Shannon Morlan, Lorri Rowell, Frank Steinbeck, and Michele Tawzer, as a part of their regular membership, attended the monthly meeting of the Tampa Bay Paralegal Association which included a legal education component titled “The 7 Deadly Sins in a Family Law Case” presented by Attorney Sarah E. Kay. The Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc.’s mission includes establishing the standard of excellence in the paralegal profession through its work on issues of regulation, ethics, and education.
On February 28, 2015, Office Administrator Bill Murphy celebrated 2 years of outstanding service with Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Bill!
On February 16, 2015, Paralegal Shannon L. Morlan joined Sessums Black, PA. Shannon brings with her almost five years of family law litigation experience. Welcome, Shannon!
A bill modifying Florida’s existing alimony laws is expected to be filed within the next two weeks. Click on the link below to read an article describing the latest events in Florida’s alimony reform movement. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on staying abreast of current events likely to impact its clients.
Valentine’s Day inspires many to travel to indulgent locations to celebrate love and romance. One couple is traveling to a New York Resort & Spa on Valentine’s Day 2015 to finalize their divorce. Click on the link to read more. Sessums Black, PA exclusively focuses its practice on marital and family law which includes assisting clients in dissolving marriages according to their unique circumstances and needs.
On January 22, 2015, Receptionist Karina Batista celebrated 8 years of top-quality service at Sessums Black, PA. Congratulations, Karina!
The Tampa Bay Trust Company is hosting an educational series titled “Women, Opportunity & Wealth” that empowers women to be more informed, confident and prepared to handle their financial future independently and dynamically. Click on the link below to read more details.
Sessums Black, PA is profoundly saddened by the passing of our beloved colleague Alberto Romero, Jr. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm, friendship, kindness, and professionalism. The family law community has lost an outstanding lawyer and the world has lost a vibrant and caring soul. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family.
Many people begin the new year with the tradition of goal-setting, but the biggest challenge lies in turning those goals into reality. Click on the link below to read one expert’s five-step approach to turning resolutions into results. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are experienced in representing clients whose relationships have become irretrievably broken despite their resolutions and best efforts.
Sessums Black, PA wishes you and your family a safe and joy-filled holiday season!