November 4, 2022

What to Do If Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets During the Divorce

Divorce is difficult on everyone involved, but sometimes people don’t handle it as well as they could. It’s understandable if a divorce makes someone act differently, but both parties should still be honest and respectful.

Some people might engage in dishonest conduct during a divorce by hiding or failing to disclose assets. There are reasons why someone might do this, such as wanting to get more out of the divorce or financially harming their ex.

Concealing assets during a divorce is illegal because it goes against the mandatory disclosure requirements. When a divorce begins, both spouses must share financial information, like bank statements, pay stubs, deeds, tax returns, etc. They are also required to file a financial affidavit, which under the penalty of perjury, attests to information such as a spouse’s assets, debts, income, and expenses.

If your spouse is hiding assets during your divorce, it can create serious legal problems. You may not be able to get a fair share of the assets if your spouse is not disclosing everything. It is important to consult with a family attorney if you think your spouse is hiding assets.

Read on to find out more about this complexity during a divorce:

Signs Your Spouse Could Be Hiding Assets from You

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to speak with your attorney about what to do next:

  1. Your spouse is suddenly very protective of their financial information.
  2. Your spouse starts making large, unexplained withdrawals from joint accounts.
  3. Your spouse starts making large purchases without your knowledge.
  4. Your spouse starts transferring assets to a trust.

What You Can Do If You Have Reason to Believe Your Spouse Is Hiding Assets

If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets, there are a few things you can do to investigate. First, check for unusual activity in your joint bank accounts or credit cards. If you see any large withdrawals or transfers, you don’t recognize, this could signify that your spouse is trying to hide money.

Next, take a look at your joint tax returns. If you notice any discrepancies between what you reported and what your spouse reported, this could be another sign that assets are being hidden. Finally, you can ask your spouse about any assets you suspect they are hiding. If your spouse is unwilling to discuss the issue or is evasive in their answers, this could signify that there is something to hide.

If you believe your spouse is hiding assets, it’s vital to take action to protect your interests. You may want to consult with a lawyer to discuss your options and to help you gather evidence to support your case. Taking steps to uncover hidden assets can be complex and time-consuming, but it’s essential to do what you can to protect your financial interests.

Conclusion

Discovering that your spouse is hiding assets during your divorce can be devastating. This can lead to several problems, including a lack of financial stability and a feeling of betrayal. If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets, you must speak to a divorce lawyer who can help you investigate the matter.

Dorsey Law JAX offers you the services of reliable Jacksonville family attorneys who can help you with your divorce, especially if you’re dealing with complications like a spouse hiding assets. Schedule your legal consultation with Dorsey Law JAX today!

October 21, 2022

Who Gets the Custody in an Unmarried Family in Florida

In Florida, unmarried parents have the same custody rights as married parents. However, there are some key differences that unmarried parents should be aware of regarding custody laws in Florida.

First, unmarried parents will need to establish paternity before seeking any custody arrangement. It can be done through a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or DNA testing. Once paternity has been established, the next step is to create a parenting plan.

A parenting plan is a document that outlines how the child will be raised, who will make decisions on behalf of the child, and how parenting time will be divided between the parents. Parenting plans are not legally binding, but they can help establish a custody arrangement that works for both parents.

Once a parenting plan has been created, the next step is to file a petition with the court. The court will then review the parenting plan and decide on custody. If the parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court will decide based on the child’s best interests.

It is important to note that custody laws in Florida are constantly changing. As such, you must consult an experienced attorney to ensure you are up-to-date on the latest changes.

Determining the Custody

While unmarried parents have the same rights and responsibilities as married parents when it comes to child custody and visitation, if the parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will make the decision based on what is in the child’s best interests.

There are a few factors that the court will consider when deciding on child custody, including:

  • The ability of each parent to provide a stable and loving home
  • The child’s relationship with each parent and other family members
  • The child’s preference (if the child is old enough to express a preference)
  • The child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community
  • The mental and physical health of each parent
  • Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
  • The ability of each parent to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent
  • The distance between the homes of the two parents
  • The work schedules of each parent
  • The age and developmental needs of the child and any special needs

The court will also consider other factors relevant to the child’s best interests, such as:

  • The child’s age
  • The child’s health
  • The child’s emotional needs
  • The parents’ drug and alcohol use
  • The parents’ criminal history
  • Any domestic violence or child abuse in the home

Suppose you are an unmarried parent in Florida seeking child custody or visitation. In that case, you must consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.

Conclusion

Unmarried parents in Florida have the same custody rights as married parents. They can have joint legal and physical custody, or one parent can have sole custody. To determine custody, the court will consider what is in the child’s best interests. That includes factors such as the child’s age, health, and relationship with each parent.

If you find yourself in this situation and need to determine child custody in Florida, Dorsey Law JAX can help. Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys will provide you with the best possible representation, ensuring your rights are protected at every step. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

October 21, 2022

Getting a Prenuptial Agreement in Florida

However, Florida is not one of those states. Florida law actually encourages the use of prenuptial agreements. This is because prenuptial agreements can help prevent a lot of the fighting and arguing that often lead to divorce. If you and your future spouse can agree on the terms of your marriage ahead of time, it can make your marriage much more likely to succeed.

A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into by two people before marriage. The agreement typically outlines how assets will be divided in the event of a divorce. Prenuptial agreements can be used to protect both parties’ interests and help prevent arguments and disagreements in the event of a divorce.

What Is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is a contract between two people who are getting ready to enter into marriage with one another. The goal of this agreement is to make it easier if the marriage does not work out. This agreement can outline how assets will be divided in the event of a divorce and determine how alimony will be handled. Prenuptial agreements can also waive a person’s right to spousal support in the event of a divorce.

This agreement is designed to help couples handle several difficult financial issues, such as property division and alimony payments. By creating this contract, the couple only agrees to enter the marriage under the specific financial terms and conditions laid out in the agreement.

Why Get a Prenuptial Agreement

Some couples may use a prenuptial agreement to protect themselves financially in the event of a divorce. In contrast, others may use it to define their roles and responsibilities within the marriage. Some couples use a prenuptial agreement to outline their financial goals and objectives for the marriage.

Some want to ensure that their children, not their spouses, inherit their assets. This could be because they have children from a previous relationship or want to protect their future children’s inheritance.

A prenuptial agreement can be used to protect a business that someone has built before getting married. The business has its own assets, and the business owner wants to ensure that the assets are protected in case of a divorce. They may also want to protect their spouse from the debt incurred by the business.

If a couple believes their financial situation will change significantly soon, they may want to include a provision in their divorce agreement specifying who will pay alimony or spousal support. This can help to avoid potential conflict down the road.

A prenuptial agreement is a contract that two people sign before marriage. This contract outlines what would happen to the couple’s assets and property if they were to divorce. Every couple has different needs and wants, so it is important to talk to an attorney to ensure that the prenuptial agreement is properly structured.

Conclusion

Prenuptial agreements are legally binding contracts between two people who are planning to marry. The agreement typically outlines each person’s financial rights and responsibilities during the marriage and what will happen to their assets if the marriage ends in divorce.

Prenuptial agreements can be a useful tool for protecting your assets and ensuring financial stability in the event of a divorce. However, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney to ensure that your agreement is valid and enforceable under Florida law.

Dorsey Law JAX specializes in a wide range of family law issues. We provide all services under family law, from injunctions against domestic violence to divorce processes. We work to negotiate settlements but will fearlessly take a case to trial when necessary. If you are looking for a family lawyer in Jacksonville, Florida, we are more than willing to help. Get in touch with us today and let’s talk!

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