News
Fall 2011
Bubba the Love Sponge Ends Five Year Marriage
by Eric Deggans
"...Bubba Clem made his split with wife Heather Clem official on Friday, filing papers requesting a divorce less than five years after the two married..."
Chris Ragano Guest Panelist on WFTS-28's
Domestic Violence Awareness Special
Taking Action Against Domestic Violence Primetime Special will air on WFTS-TV 28 on October 14th at 8pm
Summer 2011
Article: Nominal Alimony in a Long Term Marriage by Pamela S. Wynn
Nominal alimony can be a confusing concept in Florida divorces. Alimony of $1 per year or other similar amount is referred to as nominal alimony. An award of nominal alimony can be entered when the receiving spouse has demonstrated a need for alimony but the paying spouse does not have the current ability to pay. It preserves the right to ask for an increased amount when the paying spouse’s financial situation improves.
In a case from the Second District Court of Appeal earlier this year, the appeals court reversed the judge’s decision after a long-term marriage not to award nominal alimony. The husband had previously high earnings as a financial planner, but the economic downturn severely affected his earnings. At the time of the divorce he had no ability to pay alimony.
Because this was a long-term marriage, there was a presumption that permanent alimony was appropriate. In addition, the wife in the case had demonstrated her need for alimony. In this situation, it is typical for a court to award nominal alimony. This permits the receiving spouse to petition for an increase when the paying spouse regains the ability to pay.
Nominal alimony should have been awarded by the trial judge, according to the Second District. The court found that the wife was entitled to it, even though the husband did not have the current ability to pay. The door stays open for future changes should the parties’ financial situation change with an award of nominal alimony.
Also be aware that the Florida legislature made additional changes to the Florida alimony law that take effect on July 1, 2011. It is always important to stay current with the law changes when you represent yourself in a Florida divorce.
June 2011-Seminar | What Family Court Judges Want You to Know
Thursday, June 09, 2011 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Tampa Westshore Marriott
1001 N Westshore Blvd
Tampa, FL
How often have you wished you had a legal news filter that only let in relevant and significant legislative and procedural updates? Our panel of local family court judges have done precisely that. They've distilled the latest case law and current procedure information into a day of insightful discussion and in-depth analysis of recent and future family law trends. Hear the judges' preferences and pet peeves and get answers to the questions you've always wanted to ask – register today!
- Help your clients survive the custody evaluation and find out how much weight the
evaluation report holds in determining child placement. - Explore the role of parenting coordinators in creating parenting plans that
work best for the children. - Find out how the judges feel about the recent increase in support modification
requests based on decrease in income. - Discover what support enforcement options exist for your clients when the
ex-spouse doesn't pay. - Understand how the issues of equitable distribution of assets have changed
in the recent economic history and what that means to your ongoing cases. - Get an update on the evolving realm of divorce discovery and guard
your clients from unwanted exposure online. - Review the latest in mediation and collaborative law techniques that have your
judges' approval. - Discuss the recent increase in domestic abuse and get simple tips for
proper response. - Take advantage of the unique opportunity to ask your local family court judges
questions.
Who Should Attend: This basic-to-intermediate level course will benefit:
- Attorneys
- Paralegals
- Family Mediators
- Parenting Coordinators
- Social Workers
- Guardians Ad Litem
AM Session: 9:00-12:00
- Psychological and Custody Evaluations: How They Relate to Custody and Visitation
- Custody Determinants, Relocation and Parental Kidnapping Prevention
- Child and Spousal Support: Factors in Determination, Modification, Termination and
Enforcement - Dealing With the Assets and Debts
PM Session: 1:00-4:30
- Legal Ethics - The Judicial View
- Discovery
- Mediation and Collaborative Law
- Domestic Violence
Fall 2010
New Child Support & Alimony Laws Going into Effect for 2011 & Their Impact
Article: Your Ex is Residing with Someone.
Do You Still Have to Pay Alimony?
Well, it depends on the facts of your case. Specifically, the “nature and extent of the relationship in question” as statutorily defined by eleven (11) factors. In determining whether a “supportive relationship” exists, this non-exclusive list includes such circumstances as “holding themselves out as a married couple”, “whether the parties have pooled their assets or income”, “jointly purchased real or personal property”, and “payment of child support (regardless of whether arrearages exist (See §61.14(4), Fla. Stat.)).”
ABC Action 10 News and Ragano Law partner
to Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence
"WFTS-TV ABC Action News will launch the Emmy Award winning Taking Action Against Domestic Violence Campaign on Monday, March 22nd. In 2010, the 6-week campaign will include a one-hour primetime special on Friday, April 23, 2010 at 8pm, special reports airing on ABC Action News March 22 - April 30th."
