To Love and to Envy
Human emotions play a large role in intimate relationships. What happens when a romantic partner becomes envious of the other? Click on the link below to read an article that explores the role of envy in romantic relationships. The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on providing top-quality legal counsel and representation to clients whose romantic relationships have become irreparably damaged for any reason.
Digital Spying and Divorce in the Smartphone Age
With the advances of technology, changes in how people use technology and, consequently, changes in evidence in court cases. Click on the links below to read an article about how technology is being used by divorcing or separated couples and an article about what to do if spyware comes up in your relationship. The attorneys of Sessums Black provide high quality legal services by staying abreast of changes in the law and technology which may affect their clients or cases.
App Available to Assist pro se litigants in Florida Family Law Cases
Navigating Florida’s court system without the guidance of a qualified Florida Family Law Attorney can be daunting. The Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice has created a Florida Courts Help App for pro se litigants which, among other things, allows users to complete Florida Supreme Court-approved family law forms, provides links and contact information to help centers for pro se litigants throughout Florida, and has user-friendly instructions on family law procedures in Florida courts. The App is available at the Apple Store, Google Play, and Amazon App store. Click on the link below to read an article from The Florida Bar News about the App. The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on providing superior, personal service to assist their clients in helping them reach their goals by providing high quality legal services.
What makes families resilient?
It can be easier to thrive in good times, but how do families thrive when things are not going as planned? Click on the link below to read about how some families not only bounce back from adversity but also grow from it. The attorneys of Sessums Black focus exclusively on marital and family law so they can help parents work towards resiliency during major family transitions.
How to Co-Parent with a Narcissist
Raising children is a joy as well as a challenge. Child-rearing challenges can be amplified when one or both of the parents face mental health issues; however, they are not insurmountable when adaptations and support mechanisms are in place. Click on the link below to read one psychologist’s suggestions on effective co-parenting with someone diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. The attorneys of Sessums Black are experienced in providing high quality legal services to clients facing all types of co-parenting challenges.
A Primer on Communicating Effectively with Your Attorney
An attorney-client relationship can be powerful provided the communication between them is effective. Click on the link below to read an article with seven tips on how to successfully communicate with your attorney. The attorneys of Sessums Black pride themselves on maximizing communication with their clients to provide superior legal services and counseling.
At the End of Your Case: How to Save Time, Money, and Future Litigation
The entry of a final judgment in a case may give a sense of conclusion, but typically there is additional work to be done to wrap up loose ends. Click on the link below to read an article with things you should consider as your divorce case comes to an end. The Attorneys of Sessums Black are experienced in providing high quality legal assistance in post-judgment matters.
As they Dig Deeper into Parenting, Fathers Seek Community, Support
Part-time or full-time stay-at-home parents can be any gender. Since 1965, fathers have more than doubled their family-involvement and, as such, there is a growing community of stay-at-home dads seeking resources to make the most of their fatherly-role. Click on the link below to read an article about the phenomenon. The attorneys of Sessums Black are experienced in representing clients fulfilling all types of parenting roles.
Parenthood for Working Parents
Becoming a parent is among the largest of life changes which can be further complicated when one or both of the parents work outside the home. Click on the links below to read articles about family leave and other challenges new working-parents face. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on providing superior, personalized service to assist their clients’ unique family law needs.
The Hague Convention on International recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance
On August 30, 2016, President Obama signed a ratification of the Hague Convention on International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance which will establish uniform procedures for the processing of international child support cases. Click on the link below to read the White House Press Release regarding the treaty. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on providing top quality legal services to clients with all forms of family law issues.
Apps that Aim to Give Parents ‘Superpowers’
Devices like smartphones and tablets are becoming commonplace in everyday activities. This now includes helping parents improve their parenting skills. Click on the link below to read an article about apps that are being developed to help families bond and children grow. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA pride themselves on providing superior legal representation and counseling to clients experiencing all types of co-parenting issues.
Florida will list both names of same-sex couples on birth certificates
On May 5, 2016, Florida’s Department of Health began instructing hospitals, birth centers and midwives to recognize both parents, regardless of their gender, on birth certificates. Currently birth certificates still offer only the option of “mother” and “father”, however state officials state they expect a revised birth certificate to become available sometime in July. Click on the link to read more. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA practice exclusively in the area of marital and family law, representing clients in a wide range of family law matters.
Fathers’ Reflections on Great Britain’s Paternity Allowance Rules
On April 5, 2015, Great Britain changed its laws to allow fathers an equal opportunity to take an extended leave of absence from employment following the birth of a child. Click on the link below to read the reflections of two fathers who took advantage of the extended leave and one who did not. The attorneys of Sessums Black PA provide qualified and personalized representation to clients involved in all aspects of the establishment, enforcement, or modification of a parenting plan.
U.S. Supreme Court Reversed State Court Ruling which Refused to Recognize Same-Sex Adoption
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.
Is a presumption of equal timesharing in Florida’s future?
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.
Announcement – Attorney Caroline Black Sikorske Presentation on Children’s Issues
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.
Announcement – Alex Caballero Presentation on Use of Expert Advice
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!
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Same-Sex Marriage Nationwide
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.
Law may ease divorce proceedings
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.
Pro Bono and Reduced-Fee Legal Resources and Opportunities
Financial circumstances can limit an individual’s ability to secure private legal assistance. Numerous pro bono (free) or reduced-fee legal organizations and opportunities exist throughout the Tampa Bay Area to help members of the local community with various legal issues. Click here for a list. Sessums Black, PA is proud to support and promote programs and projects that assist to the poor and disadvantaged of Tampa Bay.
Co-Parenting through the Holidays
Holidays are exciting and busy times, and things can become even more complicated when a child’s parents are living in separate households. Click on the link below to read some suggestions on how to help children enjoy the best holiday celebration possible when celebrating in two homes. Sessums Black, PA offers top-quality legal assistance to clients experiencing all types of co-parenting challenges.
Updated List of Approved Parenting Class Providers
Section 61.21, Florida Statutes, requires all parents of minor children involved in a divorce or paternity proceeding to attend a state-approved course to help them focus on what is in their children’s best interest before, during, and after resolution of their court case. There is no restriction on who may attend these classes – so individuals contemplating marriage or divorce or simply interested in learning how to support their friends and loved ones involved in a court proceeding may attend as well. Click on the link below to see a list of approved course providers (updated as of October 23, 2014). As Sessums Black, PA’s focus is exclusively marital and family law, we pride ourselves on staying abreast of all types of resources available to assist our clients and their families before, during, and after resolution of their family law issues.
New Rules for Qualified and Court-Appointed Parenting Coordinators
The Florida Supreme Court recently adopted “Rules for Qualified and Court-Appointed Parenting Coordinators.” You should speak with a qualified Florida family law attorney if you have questions about whether parent coordination may be beneficial to you or your case. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA take pride in staying abreast of changes in rules, laws, and trends that may affect their clients.
Click here to read the rules.
Click here to read more about parent coordination.
Co-parenting After Separation
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.
Is a Presumption of Equal Time Sharing in the Best Interests of Children? A Child Centered Developmental Perspective
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.
Contemplating Divorce: Break Ups are Harder and Easier Today Thanks to Social Media
Social media, such as websites like Facebook and Twitter, provide an almost constant connection to others which can both simplify and complicate the end to a relationship. Click on the link below to read one other’s observations on how social media can help and hurt break ups. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are skilled in representing individuals whose relationships have ended due to social media or any other number of reasons.
Who’s Your Daddy? Mobile Truck Offers DNA Tests to Go
When couples seek to eliminate any doubts regarding paternity, DNA tests may assist. Florida law permits courts to require a child, mother, and an alleged father to submit to scientific tests to determine a probability of paternity. Click on the link below to read Florida Statute Section 742.12 which addresses scientific testing to establish paternity. One company in New York City has begun offering DNA testing “on the go.” Click on the link below to read more. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing exceptional legal representation to clients facing family law issues due to scientific testing results.
Disestablishment of paternity or termination of child support obligation
There are times when a man is erroneously established as father of a child. Florida law permits the disestablishment of paternity or termination of child support obligation under certain circumstances. Click on the link below to read the statute. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA pride themselves on providing professional and high quality legal services to their clients facing a wide range of paternity-related family law issues.
Paternity Proceedings
Some people begin a family without marrying their partner. When those relationships dissolve, the parties may choose to begin a paternity proceeding to establish a parenting plan, child support obligations, and resolve other issues that have arisen from the birth of their child or children. Click on the link to read a portion of the Florida Statutes governing paternity proceedings. The attorneys of Sessums Black, PA are experienced in assisting clients facing paternity issues.
For Paternity Leave, Sweden asks if Two Months is Enough
A newborn baby and his/her parents have a special bond which can be strengthened through increased time together. Sweden currently permits fathers to take at least two months and up to 240 days of government-paid paternity leave to bond with their children and the government is considering extending those benefits even further. Click on the link below to read more. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing superior legal representation to parents with paternity related family law issues.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Parenting Plan Forms
Parents living in separate households experience many challenging situations. The Florida Supreme Court has approved three generic parenting plan forms (12.995 Forms (A)-(C)) to help separated parents think through the issues they face: (A) A general Parenting Plan for when the parents live close to each other; (B) A Supervised/Safety-Focused Parenting Plan for when the child’s safety is a concern; and (C) A Relocation/Long Distance Parenting Plan for when the parents live a long distance from each other. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing parents facing the complexities of co-parenting with top-quality legal representation.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Parenting Plan Form
Florida Supreme Court Approved Safety-Focused Parenting Plan Form
Florida Supreme Court Approved Relocation/Long-Distance Parenting Plan Form
Florida Supreme Court Family Law Forms Website
Who’s Your Baby Daddy? New Paternity Test Can Tell at 12 Weeks
Barring amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, until now, couples had to wait until a baby was born for DNA testing to confirm paternity. A new paternity test using the pregnant mother and father’s blood is allowing couples to confirm paternity as early as 12 weeks. Sessums Black, PA prides itself on providing exceptional legal representation to its clients facing paternity issues.