Jason Collins and Family

jasoncollinsJason Collins came out as the first openly gay player in the NBA. Every family is unique but all families have certain common components that make a family and the Collins family is no different. As the times change and people are feeling more comfortable to be themselves, we as a society can only improve. Remember you should never judge a person until you walk a mile in that person’s shoes. Imagine the life that Jason had to lead while hiding who he is and hiding a part of what makes him Jason Collins?

Lil Wayne not a Unique Situation…

lil-wayne-gq-2As a Lil Wayne fan, I am saddened by the alleged reports that have come out over the past years about him being addicted to Sizzurp (codeine). Whether or not these allegations are true, I am also saddened by the amount of young individuals who are addicted to legal or illegal substances. It has been reported tonight through many sources that Lil Wayne is back in the hospital (http://www.tmz.com/2013/03/15/lil-wayne-seizures-hospitalized-drugs-sizzurp-critical-condition-icu/). Unfortunately, as a Family Law practitioner I have seen my fair share of young adults involved with their own substance abuse issues. As a result, the issues Lil Wayne is facing are not unique to just him, but to many adults. Ultimately, this substance abuse hurts not just the user but the extended family. Recognizing you have an issue is a big part of moving forward in your life. Family Law and Rehabilitation are both about moving forward with your life in the best possible manner.

Judge Judy Being Sued for China?

platesJudge Judy is allegedly being sued because she bought china from one of her producers. Generally, this would not be an issue, however, when there is a divorce and the china is in dispute it should be sold, let alone allegedly sold at an undervalued price. (http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/03/12/report-judge-judy-sued-over-expensive-dishes/)

According to TMZ, a producer of the Judge Judy show (which I love watching), sold to the Honorable Judge Sheindlin china plates and other accessories at a bargain price, while the producer was going through a divorce.

Whether or not this is a frivolous lawsuit, it is important to remember that if you are involved in a divorce matter you have to make sure you do not sell marital property without the consent of the other spouse. Divorce can be a contentious and bitter experience for some and sometimes third parties may be dragged into the divorce for one reason or another.

Department of Revenue: Say goodbye to your Tax Return!!!

This is the time of year I get calls from potential clients irate at the Department of Revenue because their tax return has been intercepted by the Department of Revenue. Sometimes the Department of Revenue may have the right to take the money but sometimes a party may be up to date with child support and the Department may have made a mistake. Ultimately, if your tax return is taken you may want to speak to a family law attorney, who may be able to give you insight into of the Department of Revenue.

Department of Revenue: Suspension of License

If you do not pay child support the State of Florida, through the Department of Revenue, can suspend your license. If you are having a hard time keeping up with your child support because your income has gone down or you lost your job, the first thing you should do is modify your child support, either through the family court system or through the department of revenue. Also, pay what you can but as time passes the department of revenue may intercede and direct the State of Florida to suspend your license. Ultimately, you never want to disregard any letters from the department of revenue and you need to be proactive in order to protect your license. Finally, speaking to a family law attorney may help to give you insight into the Department of Revenue.

Michael Jordan and Paternity Suit: Oh My!!!

So one of my favorite basketball players of all time, MJ, has been hit with a paternity suit in the state of Georgia by Pamela Smith. According to TMZ, (http://www.tmz.com/2013/02/28/michael-jordan-sued-lawsuit-alleged-baby-mama-child-support/) Pamela Smith alleges that MJ had a relationship with her, which resulted in a son being born in June of 1996. If the facts are true, MJ has a financially responsibility to assist this child and may need to begin developing a relationship. Generally, in the state of Florida, the most a parent can generally receive is 2 years of back child support. Also, in the state of Florida, the courts or the parties can agree when the parents will see the child and all of the other child raising issues.

I guess we will see how this plays out in the court or we may never know if it is done confidentially.

How Do I Report Abuse in the State of Florida?

There are many ways to report suspected abuse in the State of Florida. You can report abuse in the following ways: 1. By Telephone: 1-800-96ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) 2. By Fax: 1-800-914-0004s 3. By TDD: 1-800-453-5145 4. Web Reporting: https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us

If you believe a child is endangered you should make a report because you never know if that contact with the department may save a child’s life. If you need more information on reporting abuse and what is considered abuse you may to visit http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline and/or http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/howtoreport.

“Teen Mom Star Jenelle Files Charges Against Husband”

Although the MTV hit show Teen Mom has had its fair share of criticism, I do believe that at times the show shows a real life example of possible issues young parents can face. Not only are the teen mothers stressed about life, but it shows the fathers that are present dealing with life as a teen dad, as well. I know many have stated it makes it seem like teen pregnancy is acceptable, however I believe that teen pregnancy is a reality and this show at least shows some of the struggles that may occur. Jenelle, a star of Teen Mom who has faced her share of legal, financial, family and life issues, is now back in the spotlight. Apparently, she has gotten married and is on her way out of the marriage bliss. (http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2013/01/23/16663477-teen-mom-2-star-jenelle-files-assault-charges-against-husband) These issues that Jenelle is facing are not novel issues but issues that the average person can face.

Ultimately, regardless of your position on the show, these are real life events that teenagers and adults face, except these “teen moms” are having their issues played out in the public spotlight. One can only hope that all of the teen parents in our world, those on television and those in our everyday neighborhoods, find the strengthen to grow up quicker than the average teenager in order to continue to be productive members of society.

Will the Court Grant my Divorce?

Will the court grant my divorce if my spouse does not want to get a divorce? This is a question I often hear from potential clients. The general answer is yes, so long as the court has jurisdiction to grant a divorce and the parties mee the requirements of Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes. Under chapter 61.052, there are two reasons why a person can file for divorce. The first is if the marriage is irretrievably broken. Irretrievably Broken means that the marriage cannot be saved and the “Petitioner” no longer wants to be married.

The second reason a person can file for divorce is one party is mentally incapacitated. However, if a person is mentally incapacitated there are steps that need to be followed, but ultimately, the divorce may still be granted.

New York Times: The End of Courtship?

A couple of weeks ago I read an article in the New York Times titled “The End of Courtship “(http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/fashion/the-end-of-courtship.html?pagewanted=all). Essentially, the article discusses how dating norms have changed due to the social norms and economic uncertainty. I think the economic strife facing many single adults play a much more critical role in the courtship process than social norms. Now, I am no expert on courtship because I have not been in the “Courtship” game for sometime because I am married. In my opinion the art of seduction is a timeless ritual that may change overtime, but I am firm believer that courtship is an essential part of the relationship and even though it may change the opposite sex still wants to be romanced.

However, I understand that money may be tight for many 20 and 30 year olds and you have to be creative and use the times to come up with cost effective dates. I think sites such as living social (http://www.livingsocial.com/) and Groupon (http://www.groupon.com/) can assist in the courtship process for young adults strapped for cash.