AREAS OF PRACTICE

South Florida family law attorney Suzanne E. Williams has a wide-range of marital and family law specialties and many years of experience and will help guide you and your family through the emotional process of a divorce . Marital & Family Law specialist, Ms. Williams, provides comprehensive, aggressive, but caring legal support to help you through the trying times and realities of divorce, and obtain a positive outcome that protects your rights. At the Law Offices of Suzanne E. Williams, P.A., we understand that divorce can be a traumatic and emotionally difficult event, and are dedicated to providing you with the legal services you need.

FLORIDA DIVORCE
Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means that divorce can proceed without a focus on blaming either party for the dissolution of the marriage. As a result, the requirements for filing for divorce are relatively straightforward. Either spouse can file for divorce and must only show that (1) there was a legal marriage, (2) at least one spouse has been a Florida resident for six months immediately preceding the divorce filing, and (3) either the marriage was "irretrievably broken" or one of the spouses was found to be mentally incapacitated.

If these requirements are met, the parties may choose from one of two processes for obtaining a divorce in Florida, (1) regular dissolution of marriage, or (2) simplified dissolution of marriage.

Ms. Williams, a qualified Florida divorce lawyer can help you to navigate these potential options.

If you are considering filing for a divorce, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS
Like many other states, Florida Law requires "EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION" of marital property during a divorce. Florida Statute 61.075 governs equitable distribution. The objective of this statute is to ensure a fair distribution of all marital property, and the initial presumption is that each party will receive half of all assets and debts, unless there is justification for unequal distribution based on other factors the Court may consider.

Because every marriage and divorce is unique, Florida Statute 61.075 also allows courts to consider any other factor necessary to ensure that distribution of property is equal and just. However, this generally is limited to factors that affect the marital property itself, and does not include unrelated issues of fault such as adultery.

If you are considering filing for a divorce, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

ALIMONY
Alimony is monetary support paid from one spouse to another, either during or after divorce proceedings. While there are several different kinds of alimony, in the most general sense alimony is paid from one party to another to maintain the standard of living the receiving spouse had become accustomed to during the marriage.

Alimony payments are not a part of every divorce decree. In order for a judge to award alimony payments to a spouse, that spouse must show that there is need for alimony and that the paying spouse has the ability to make the alimony payments. A spouse can prove there is a need by showing that he or she will not be able to achieve his or her former standard of living after considering income, as well as any proceeds from the equitable distribution of the marital assets.

If you are considering filing for a divorce, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATING YOUR DIVORCE:
At the law offices of Suzanne E. Williams, P.A., we are dedicated to making your legal experience a positive one. We understand the emotional, financial and legal issues involved in the divorce process, and the emotional and financial strain it can have on any family. We are here to support you through the legal aspects of this process, and will work with you towards a settlement or outcome that best meets your needs. When a divorce involves children, years of assets, or the prospect of significant debt, it can quickly become adversarial, and it is important to find an experienced advocate dedicated to representing your interests. If you are considering divorce, or your spouse has recently filed a petition for divorce, contact the Law Offices of Suzanne E. Williams for a confidential consultation at (954) 765-1200.

PATERNITY/CHILD CUSTODY/TIMESHARING/CHILD SUPPORT/RELOCATION/MODIFICATION FLORIDA PATERNITY
Under Florida law, paternity may be determined in two ways: (1) marriage - a child born during a marriage is presumed to be the child of the husband; or (2) establishment through the Florida courts in the form of an Establishment of Paternity case. Paternity provides rights to both a child and the parents of the child. Through paternity, a child is entitled to information on family medical history, support and health insurance, if available, from the parent, and certain relational benefits such as military allowance or social security.

Similarly, a parent receives certain legal rights and is entitled to be involved in legal decisions regarding the child, to obtain child support, and to receive visitation or custody.

In contrast to establishing paternity, a paternity petition may also be used to contest an allegation of paternity when a male believes that he is not the father of a child. This petition must be served on any current legal guardian of the child and must include an affidavit from the father alleging that he is not the biological father of the child and that new evidence supports his contention. As with establishing paternity, a disestablishment of paternity will typically rely on the results of genetic testing.

If you are considering filing for paternity or other child related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

ESTABLISHING CHILD SUPPORT
If you are currently going through a divorce or paternity determination for your minor child, the awarding of child support is an integral part of these processes. Under Florida law, both parents are required to provide support for their children. This is done to ensure that a child's basic needs are met and to allow the child to benefit from the monetary resources of the parent and for these reasons, child support is the right of the child, not the parents.

In Florida, any parent who resides in the state may petition the courts for child support and the amount of child support to be received is based on child support guidelines provided within the Florida Statutes. These guidelines consider numerous factors in calculating child support, including, number of children, combined net monthly income of the parents, cost of daycare, health insurance requirements for the child, number of nights each parent spends with the child based on the parenting plan.

When one parent fails to make required child support payments, there are several options available for enforcement of a child support award. A court may hold the parent in contempt, suspend the parent's driver's license, or place a lien on the parent's property. The Court may also empower the Florida Department of Revenue to take action.

If you are considering filing for paternity or other child related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

FLORIDA CHILD CUSTODY
Under Florida law, child custody is decided by the courts based on the best interests of the child under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, a national set of laws governing child custody throughout the country. Child custody includes both legal and physical custody. Parents with legal custody of their child are allowed to make decisions regarding education, religion, medical care, and discipline. Physical custody involves the actual location where the child will reside.

Child custody may be either shared or sole custody. The Florida courts have a strong preference for shared custody arrangements, also known as "time-sharing" unless there is evidence to suggest that shared custody would not be in the best interests of the child. PARENTING PLANS

In Florida, parents have the option to agree on a parenting plan outside the courtroom, which establishes the timesharing schedule for the parent's ad addresses how parental responsibilities, including legal decisions, will be handled between the two parties. The time-sharing schedule sets forth the time that each parent will spend with their children during the week and during the weekends, as well as where they will sleep each night. These schedules also address where children will spend their time during school breaks, long weekends and on holidays.

If parents are able to agree on a parenting plan through negotiation, they can submit the plan to the court, where it will be approved as long as both legal and physical custody have been adequately addressed.

If you are considering filing for paternity or other child related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

CHILD RELOCATION
The laws surrounding relocation, child custody and child support can be difficult to understand at times, especially if you or a co-parent is considering relocating. There will often be many factors to consider, and it is important that all necessary procedures and requirements are followed so as not to jeopardize your rights or the welfare of your child. Under Florida law, a parent may not permanently relocate with a child to a location that is more than 50 miles from his or her original principal residence unless either (1) the other parent consents in writing to the relocation or (2) the Court officially allows the relocation. A permanent move is one that lasts more than 60 days, thus a long vacation or short-term arrangement may not be considered a permanent relocation.

South Florida marital and family law attorney Suzanne E. Williams has the experience and knowledge to represent you in all these matters.

If you are considering filing for paternity or other child related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

MODIFICATION OF FINAL JUDGMENT
When a court determines one party's responsibility to another-whether it be for alimony, child support, or in a parenting plan-that decision is generally binding on that party. However, under certain circumstances, a judge may order a modification of a final judgment. If you believe that there is a need to modify a final judgment in your case, contact Suzanne E. Williams, an experienced South Florida marital and family law attorney.

If you are considering filing for modification or other family related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE FACING CUSTODY/CHILD CONCERNS
No matter what your child issues are, South Florida marital and family law attorney Suzanne E. Williams has the knowledge and experience to assist you. South Florida Marital & Family Law attorney Ms. Williams knows and understands the issues you face in bringing or defending these types of cases involving children, and can provide you with the aggressive representation you deserve in order to protect your rights. If you have questions about child custody issues in Florida, contact the Law Offices of Suzanne E. Williams, P.A., for a confidential consultation at (954) 765-1200.

CONTEMPT AND ENFORCEMENT/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/NAME CHANGES/ATTORNEYS FEES CONTEMPT AND ENFORCEMENT
When a judge makes a legal ruling, it binds all of the parties involved. On occasion, however, one or the parties disregards the court's orders. In these cases, Florida law gives the judge the power to enforce his or her legal ruling. Two of the methods that can be used to enforce a legal ruling are "contempt" and "enforcement." When a party in your case fails to comply with a legal order, such as payment of support, South Florida Marital and Family Law attorney Suzanne E. Williams can petition the court on your behalf to use one of these measures to enforce the judgment already entered.

Just because an order is entered by a judge, does mean the party ordered will comply with it. For this reason, Florida law gives the judge entering an order continued jurisdiction over these cases in order to ensure that the parties comply with all rulings. When required, Florida judges have the ability to enter monetary judgments, garnish wages, place liens on property, and suspend professional and/or driver's licenses.

If you are considering filing for contempt or other family related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
In Florida, domestic violence is taken seriously by both the criminal courts as well as the civil courts. A victim of domestic abuse can petition the court the create a legal document that requires the person perpetrating the domestic violence to stay away from the victim. If you are in need of protection, contact Suzanne E. Williams, an experienced South Florida Marital and Family Law Attorney.

Domestic violence in Florida has two basic elements. There must be some act whether an overt act or merely a threat-and that act must be committed against a person with whom the actor has a familial relationship.

Many acts, even if they are not necessarily violent in nature, can be considered acts of domestic violence. For example, the State of Florida considers the following to be acts of domestic violence: Battery, aggravated battery, assault, aggravated assault, sexual battery, sexual assault, stalking, aggravated stalking, false imprisonment, kidnapping, or any other criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death.

Restraining orders are legally binding documents that require one party to stay a certain distance away from the party applying for the restraining order. Victims of domestic violence, or those in fear of imminent domestic violence, can petition the court for a restraining order. Restraining orders can give victims of domestic violence the peace of mind that the force of the law is behind them and their safety.

If you are considering filing for domestic violence or other family related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

NAME CHANGES
Since 1996, South Florida marital and family law attorney Suzanne E. Williams has provided Florida residents with legal advise and assistance for their family law needs. Suzanne E. Williams has the experience to guide you through obtaining a name change.

Florida residents may seek to have their name changed for legal reasons, such as marriage or a divorce, or for more personal reasons such as a significant life event. In Florida, any individual is entitled to a name change as long as they (1) have never been arrested or found guilty of a crime; (2) have never been declared bankrupt; (3) do not have any money judgments against them; and (4) are not seeking to change their name for an ulterior or illegal purpose. All name changes must be filed in the county where the individual resides.

In Florida, changing your name because of a recent marriage or divorce is a much simpler process than attempting a name change for another reason. After an individual is married, they will receive a certified marriage certificate. Similarly, after a divorce, one can obtain an official divorce decree. These two documents serve as legal justification for a name change and can be used to notify the appropriate Florida government agencies of your new name, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Office.

Obtaining a name change for a purpose other than marriage or divorce requires the filing of a Florida Petition for Change of Name of an Adult. Additionally, the petitioner must obtain state and federal background checks to accompany the petition and fingerprints from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. All of this paperwork must be filed with the Florida courts.

The Florida courts may hold a name change hearing to consider a name change petition after all paperwork has been received. However, if there are no objections to the name change prior to the court date, a judge may grant the petition without a final hearing. Once the petition is granted, the petitioner will receive a Florida Name Change Judgment, which acts as legal documentation of the official name change and can be used to change a name with any of Florida's administrative agencies.

If you are considering filing for name change or other family related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS
Hiring a lawyer to handle a legal issue can be very costly. South Florida marital and family law attorney Suzanne E. Williams is dedicated to providing you with honest and accurate information about the nature of your legal fees.

ATTORNEY'S FEES IN FAMILY AND MARITAL LAW CASES
Under Florida law, attorneys who file cases in the Florida family courts must have a fixed hourly rate fee. Generally, Suzanne E. Williams, P.A. will provide you with a retainer agreement that explains our hourly rate and other issues. We will discuss the issues and hourly rate with you, as well as the legal language of our fee agreements, and we can answer any questions you may have regarding the arrangement.

AWARD OF ATTORNEY'S FEES & COSTS IN FAMILY LAW CASES
Under Florida law, the courts may award attorney's fees and costs in marital dissolution, child custody and support, and enforcement or modification proceedings. Specifically, the court may order one party to pay these amounts on behalf of the other where the parties are in unequal financial positions. The purpose behind this rule is to ensure that both sides have equal access to competent counsel to represent them in divorce or other family law proceedings. Such an award may be made at the end of the proceedings, or even on a temporary or interim basis so that the less financially secure party can be ensured full access to representation throughout the litigation.

In determining whether the attorney's fees of one party should be "shifted" to the other, the court will consider a variety of factors including: (1) the parties' respective needs and ability to pay; (2) the relative financial circumstances of the parties; and (3) whether the awarding of fees and costs is reasonable.

Costs are separate from attorney's fees, and are comprised of the expenses the parties incur in bringing or opposing a lawsuit. Under Florida law, these amounts may be awarded to the prevailing party, and can include: filing fees for briefs, motions, and other documents submitted to the court; expenses incurred in relation to depositions of parties or other witnesses; court reporter fees; and other court costs.

Call us to schedule an attorney consultation for further information.

INFORMED REPRESENTATION
At the Law Offices of Suzanne E. Williams, P.A., South Florida marital and family law attorney Suzanne E. Williams is committed to providing you aggressive, yet compassionate representation at reasonable hourly rates. We will work with you to request an award of attorney's fees when you are in need of help with these fees. Contact the Law Offices of Suzanne E. Williams, P.A., for a confidential consultation at (954) 765-1200.

PRENUPTIAL AND POSTNUPTAIL AGREEMENT/DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS/WILLS/PET TRUSTS
Florida marital and family law attorney Suzanne E. Williams is an experienced attorney on legal issues regarding marriage, divorce and many other related issues. She recognizes the importance of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, domestic partnership agreements, wills, and pet trusts, and is there to assist and advise with the planning, preparation and protection that may be needed.

FLORIDA PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
Under Florida law, a prenuptial agreement is a contract signed between two parties who intend to get married, which defines their respective rights and obligations during the marriage or at a later time if the marriage is dissolved. Prenuptial agreements can be used to attempt to avoid expensive and lengthy legal battles that sometimes occur when a marriage ends. They can also be used to avoid equitable distribution of their assets by a court during a divorce, by instead instructing the court on how assets should be divided between the parties.

Prenuptial agreements can address a variety of issues such as distribution of assets, promises made between parties, how each party will be supported after a divorce, and child support and parenting responsibilities.

However, a prenuptial agreement may not include waivers of provisions regarding parental responsibility, parental support, or time-sharing rights.

Prenuptial agreements must be in writing in order to be enforced by a Florida court. Because it is important to take all necessary steps to ensure the validity of a prenuptial agreement and avoid later claims of fraud or coercion, it is important for each party entering into a prenuptial agreement to have an attorney who can inform them of their rights and review any agreement that is drafted. Additionally, prenuptial agreements are often non-modifiable and will not be invalidated simply because they are a "bad deal," thus it is very important to seek the advice of a qualified divorce attorney before signing a prenuptial agreement.

If you are considering a prenuptial agreement or other family related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENT
A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement except that parties sign it after they are already married. Postnuptial agreements may be created without anticipation of divorce and are used to set forth the rights of parties during the marriage or in the event of death. They can also be created when a married couple anticipates divorce and wishes to amicably distribute their assets - this type of agreement is also called a separation agreement. As with prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements must be in writing and should be reviewed by a qualified divorce attorney in order to ensure that all rights are adequately protected.

If you are considering a postnuptial agreement or other family related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS
It's important for some couples to document their relationship in a domestic partnership agreement (also known as joint property agreements).

Domestic partnership contracts are basically property agreements. They say who owns what and how property the couple gets in the future will be treated. The most common piece of property warranting a domestic partnership agreement is a house. The agreements are particularly important if domestic partners have unequal ownership in property. Other than down payments, make sure you say who paid for what in closing costs, improvements, and repairs. The agreement can then reimburse the party who paid for these things.

Hiring a lawyer to help with drafting a domestic partnership agreement is a small cost compared to the immense savings in avoiding going to court about these issues should the couple separate.

These kinds of agreements are upheld in court and they are like an instructional manual for a judge to easily divide property.

If you are considering a domestic partnership agreement or other family related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.

PET TRUSTS
Pets are an important part of the lives of many individuals and many treat their pets as a member of their immediate family. Considering the close bond between pet owners and their pets, it is not surprising that a substantial number of clients want to make provisions for the care of their pets should they be unable to do so themselves. A trust may now be established for the pet's lifetime to provide for the care and maintenance of the animal. If more than one animal is being cared for out of the trust, the trust does not cease to exist until the last animal is deceased. The trustee can either be designated in the instrument creating the trust, or a fiduciary may be appointed by the court. Additionally, the settlor of the trust can also appoint a trust protector who has the power to enforce the trust, and thereby ensure that the funds are spent for the pet and invested properly.

The trustee should be required to inspect the pet on a regular basis to ensure the pet is being cared for properly and to verify that the pet is still alive.

As with all estate planning documents, the trust document should be reviewed periodically to ensure that the appropriate pets are cared for (i.e., add new pets acquired after the documents were executed and remove pets that may have passed away).

If you are considering a pet trust or other related matters, contact Suzanne E. Williams, a South Florida Marital and Family law attorney, for assistance.