Author name: Law Office of Erin Morse

Is It Better for Your Estate Go Through Probate or Trust Administration? One of the most important estate planning decisions you will make is whether to opt for probate or trust administration. There are pros and cons for both. Probate may be a better option for a simple estate with few assets and beneficiaries, while […]

What Is Emancipation of a Minor in Florida? Children are treated as minors in Florida until they reach the age of 18. In certain situations, however, minors may become legally emancipated. Emancipation allows a minor to be treated as an adult, either for specific or for all purposes. No child under the age of 16

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida? Parents have a responsibility to support their minor children. In determining whether one parent is required to pay child support to the other parent and how much the payments will be, the court uses specific state child support guidelines. Under the statute, after considering all factors, a court

What Is Temporary Alimony in Florida? Divorcing couples may separate physically and financially before a divorce becomes final. They may live in separate residences and cease sharing income and pooling resources long before the marriage is officially dissolved. This can create a financial crisis for a lower-earning or dependent spouse. Temporary alimony is designed to

What Is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)? Enacted on December 19, 2003, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law that provides members of the military and their families with legal and financial protections during active duty. Its purposes, as stated in the act, are: To strengthen, expedite, and provide for the

When Is Spousal Support Awarded in Florida? When a marriage is dissolved in Florida, the court may grant alimony to either spouse. In a minority of cases, spousal support may be awarded temporarily while divorce proceedings are pending to bridge the gap on a short-term basis, assist a party in gaining capacity for self-support through

What Is Considered Marital Property in a Florida Divorce? State law requires equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities in a divorce. Each spouse’s separate property is set apart and not subject to distribution. Under the statute, marital assets and liabilities include: Any assets acquired during the marriage by either spouse or both; Any liabilities

What Is a Prenuptial Agreement? A prenuptial agreement, also known as a “prenup,” is a legally binding contract entered into between two people before they marry. The purpose of this type of agreement is to specify how assets and debts will be divided in case the couple should divorce or if one spouse should die.

What Is Spousal Support? Spousal support, or alimony, consists of payments one spouse makes to the other during or after a divorce. It is governed by state law. When it is awarded, alimony is given to the lower-income spouse to help them maintain the same standard of living as before the separation. It can help