Announcement – Katie Tawzer in Disney’s High School Musical

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Katie Tawzer, daughter of Certified Paralegal Michele Tawzer, and her youth theatre group were featured in the Pasco Tribune section of the Tampa Tribune on Friday, May 16, 2014.  Katie performs with Arts in Motion (AIM) community youth theatre group, and played the role of Kelsi Nielsen in Disney’s High School Musical.  Click on the links below to read a news article about the performance and see a picture of Katie in the performance.  Well done, Katie!

Read the News Article

See the Picture (Katie is in the red hat and grey shirt in the center)

Announcement – Clearwater Oyster Roast Best Decor Award

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On May 16, 2014, the Clearwater Bar Association announced that Sessums Black, PA’s booth The Sweet Taste of Freedom at the 75th annual Oyster Roast won Best Décor.  Click here to see a picture of Attorney Jennifer Ficarrotta and Scheduling Assistant Nelva Aleman with the award. 

Tampa Judge Dismisses Same Sex Divorce Case

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On May 9, 2014, a Hillsborough County judge dismissed a petition for the dissolution of a same sex marriage holding the court did not have jurisdiction to dissolve the marriage because the marriage was not recognized under Florida law.  Click on the link to read a news article about the decision.  The case is now on appeal to the Second District Court of Appeals.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA pride themselves on staying abreast of news and events that may affect their clients.

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Announcement – Law & Liberty Dinner

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On May 15, 2014, Attorneys Caroline Black Sikorske, Jennifer Ficarrotta, and Sarah E. Kay attended the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation 6th annual Law & Liberty Dinner the proceeds of which support and promote programs and projects that encourage assistance to the poor and disadvantaged, primarily with regard to their legal needs, and to educate the public about the legal system.  Award-winning commentator, actor, and economist Ben Stein was the key note speaker at the dinner.  Sessums Black, PA is proud to support the philanthropic efforts of the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation.

Announcement – Sarah E. Kay sworn in as HAWL Vice President of Programs

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On May 14, 2014, Attorney Sarah E. Kay was sworn in as the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers’ Vice President of Programs.  Congratulations, Sarah!

Gay Couples Entitled to Equal Family Health Coverage, Fed Says

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The federal government recently stated that insurers must offer same-sex couples the same health benefits offered to heterosexual couples.  Click on the link below to read an article about this recent decision.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA represent clients confronting any number of family law issues.

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Florida Supreme Court issues advisory opinion on eligibility of undocumented immigrants for admission to the Florida Bar

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On March 6, 2014, the Supreme Court of Florida responded to a petition from the Florida Board of Bar Examiners advising that undocumented immigrants are ineligible for admission to the Florida Bar.  Click on the link below to read the Supreme Court’s full advisory opinion.

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California man who hid assets to avoid paying support gets 17 year prison term

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A man in Sacramento County, California who declared bankruptcy and hid his assets to avoid paying child support and alimony, was recently sentenced to a prison term of over 17 years.  Click on the link below to read the article.  Sessums Black, PA’s attorneys are skilled at representing clients with support-related issues.

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A Strong Sex Life Helps Couples Cope with the Trials of Aging

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As people age, chronic illnesses can make it tough to keep the romantic spark alive.  One study has revealed that people can reduce the stress of illness and aging through increased physical intimacy.  Click on the link below to read the article.  Sessums Black, PA takes pride in offering superior, personal service to clients whose relationships have become irreversibly broken despite their best efforts.

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When an Ex-Spouse Attempts to Get Your Credit Report

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People typically share confidential and sensitive information with spouses and paramours.  When couples separate or divorce, that personal information may be misused.  Click on the link below to read an article by the Experian credit reporting agency about what can be done if a former confidant, like a former spouse, attempts to retrieve your credit report.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA strive to be responsive to their clients and sensitive to the clients’ unique needs.

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Same Sex Marriage Movement and Debate in the Press

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Conflict or uncertainty in the law creates disputes and challenges.  The question of same-sex marriage has frequently appeared in the headlines as of late.  Click on the links below to read four recent articles about the legal issues and questions same sex marriage has raised.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA stay abreast of current legal issues to provide their clients from all types of relationships with top-quality legal representation.

Read More – Flood of Gay Marriage Cases Releasing Stream of Federal Rulings

Read More – Gay-Marriage Battle Moves South, And Religious Right Fights Back

Read More – Oregon Won’t Defend State’s Ban on Gay Marriage

Read More – Virginia’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban is Ruled Unconstitutional

Worsening U.S. Divorce Rate Points to Improving Economy

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Recent trends are showing birth rates and divorce rates on the rise which are indicative if an improving economy.  Click on the link below to read an article about the phenomenon.  Sessums Black, PA dedicates itself to professional and high quality legal services for clients facing all types of family law issues.

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Removing ex-spouse’s name from your credit report

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It is not uncommon for there to be follow-up tasks to be completed after a divorce is finalized.  One of those items may be to update a credit report to reflect the change in marital status.  Click on the link below to read an article by the Experian credit reporting agency about how to remove a former spouse’s name from your credit report.  Sessums Black, PA strives to be worthy of its clients complete confidence by staying abreast of issues relevant to their unique situations.

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Walking Down The Widening Aisle Of Interracial Marriages

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The 2010 census reveals that one in ten marriages between opposite-sex couples is between a husband and wife of differing races or ethnicities.  This represents a 28% increase since 2000.  Click on the link below to read a report about the growing trend of interracial marriages.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA strive to stay abreast of all types of trends that may affect, influence, or involve their clients.

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Divorce and Credit

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Obtaining a divorce oftentimes does not affect contractual agreements for loans, credit cards, lines of credit, or other liabilities.  Click on the link below to read two articles published by the Experian credit reporting agency about some credit-related challenges divorce may present.  Sessums Black, PA believes in individualized representation because each client’s situation is unique.

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Four steps you can take if you think your credit or debit card data was hacked

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Unfortunately, credit troubles are not unheard of in today’s society.  Click on the link below to read a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau article with four suggestions on steps you can take if you think your credit or debit card information has been compromised.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA pride themselves on staying abreast of issues that may arise in family law proceedings.

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Credit Reports and Divorce

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It is not unusual for a couple’s finances to become intertwined during a marriage often resulting in challenges while untangling those finances during a divorce.  A divorced or divorcing person may want to consider ordering his or her credit report(s) to ensure all liabilities or debts have been appropriately divided or otherwise addressed.  Click on the link below to read more about credit reports, their importance, and how to order them.  Sessums Black, PA prides itself on offering personalized and high-quality legal services to its clients to help them address their various family law issues.

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Co-parenting After Separation

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Florida law presumes that, regardless of the timesharing or “visitation” schedule, parents are going to “co-parent” or, in other words, jointly make all non-emergency major decisions involving their children.  Click on the link below to read one author’s six suggestions for how to make co-parenting work.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are skilled at representing clients who have co-parenting issues.

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Is a Presumption of Equal Time Sharing in the Best Interests of Children? A Child Centered Developmental Perspective

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A bill was introduced during the 2013 legislative session that would changed Florida law to create a presumption in favor of equal timesharing between parents and children.  The law did not pass; nevertheless, a similar bill may be proposed in upcoming 2014 legislative session.  Is it in the best interest of a child for judges to presume that the child should spend equal time with his/her parents?  Click on the link to read an article in which three psychologists’ answer to that question based on a child-centered developmental perspective.  The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA take pride in staying abreast of changes and potential changes to marital and family laws.

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Happy Holidays!

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Sessums Black, PA wishes you and your family a safe and joy-filled holiday season!

Announcement – Congratulations to Sarah Kay

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The Sessums Black family has a new addition. Jonathan David was born on Monday, July 29th to attorney Sarah Kay and her husband Chris Horn. Jonathan weighted 8 lbs. 8oz. and was 20.5 inches long. Congratulations to Sarah and her family.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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The celebration of Mother’s Day, a holiday honoring motherhood, began in the United States by Anna Jarvis in 1908 and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914.  Sessums Black, PA wishes all mothers a joy-filled Mother’s Day!

Breakdown of Florida’s 2012 Proposed Constitutional Amendments

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There are 12 proposed changes to Florida’s Constitution that will be decided on the November 6, 2012 ballot.  Click on the link below to learn more about each proposed constitutional amendment.  Sessums Black, PA supports informed voting.

Security Restrictions and Transportation Plan for the 2012 Republican National Convention

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On July 23, 2012, Law enforcement and public safety agencies announced security restrictions and a transportation plan for the 2012 Republican National Convention.  The plan provides for road closures, vehicle and pedestrian restricted zones and public transportation during the convention.  Click on the link below to read the announcement.  Sessums Black, PA will continue to watch for additional announcements relating to the Republican National Convention.

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Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Operations during Republican National Convention

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The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit has implemented a plan to ensure critical court functions continue in operation during the Republican National Convention (August 22, 2012 through September 3, 2012).  Please click on the link below to see a PDF of the announcement listing proceedings, locations, contact information, and scheduled hearing times.  Sessums Black, PA will continue to watch for additional announcements relating to the Republican National Convention. 

 View PDF

Tampa Domestic Partnership Registry to Begin June 25, 2012

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As of 9:00 AM on June 25, 2012, Tampa will offer a domestic partner registry for unmarried persons over the age of 18 who are cohabiting and consider their partner immediate family. Click on the link below to read the news article about the registry which includes a list of the rights registrants may be granted. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are skilled in drafting cohabitation agreements for persons of the same or different genders.

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Legislative Update

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Florida’s 2012 legislative session has come to an end. The House and Senate bills proposing changes to, among other things, Florida’s laws governing alimony and equitable distribution did not pass. This means that there are currently no legislative changes to alimony or equitable distribution. Sessums Black, PA will continue to monitor all efforts to change laws affecting all aspects of marital and family law.

Celebrity Weddings – And Divorces – of 2011

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2011 has been a year of change.  The link below provides a slideshow of high profile weddings and divorces over the past 12 months.  Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing superior legal services for all of its clients before and after they say “I do.”

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