Deciding whether to end a marriage is personal. But once divorce becomes a real possibility, there are practical steps to take before you have that conversation with your spouse. This isn't about hiding assets or preparing for war. It's about understanding your situation before you make decisions that are hard,...
Back to School After a Florida Divorce: Who Decides Which School, Who Pays for Supplies, and What Happens When Parents Disagree
The school year is starting. For most Florida families, that means supply lists, new schedules, and the usual August scramble. For divorced and separated parents, it can mean something else entirely — a disagreement about which school your child attends, a dispute over who's covering the costs, or a co-parent...
Can You Give Up Your Parental Rights to Avoid Paying Child Support in Florida?
The Short Answer: No. It's one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions we hear from parents facing difficult family situations: "If I sign away my parental rights, do I still have to pay child support?" The answer, in almost every case, is no. Simply giving up your parental rights does...
Summer Vacation and Florida Time-Sharing: Can You Take the Kids Out of State Without Your Ex’s Permission?
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti | Over 40 Years Representing South Florida Families Every June, the same question lands on our desk: "I want to take the kids on vacation this summer — do I need my ex's permission?" The honest answer is the one no one wants to hear: it depends...
When a Child Refuses Time-Sharing in Florida: What Parents Need to Know
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti | Over 40 Years Representing Florida Families When a child refuses to spend time with a parent, it can be one of the most painful and confusing situations a parent faces. Many parents ask: ...
Getting Married with Kids from a Prior Relationship? Why You Need a Prenup and Parenting Plan
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti | Protecting South Florida Families for Over 40 Years Blended families are increasingly common—and while a new marriage is an exciting chapter, it also comes with real legal and financial considerations. If you or your future spouse have children from a prior relationship, it’s not just...
Do Grandparents Have Rights in Florida? What You Need to Know About Today’s Legal Landscape
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti | Protecting Florida Families for Over 40 Years At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we’ve guided Florida families through custody and visitation matters for over four decades—and we’ve seen how emotionally charged grandparent visitation cases can be. In Florida, the law continues to prioritize a parent’s constitutional...
Parental Alienation: What It Is and How Florida Courts View It
Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti | Trusted Family Law Attorneys Serving South Florida for Over 40 Years In Florida, courts increasingly recognize parental alienation as a form of emotional abuse, where one parent’s manipulative behavior damages or destroys the child’s relationship with the other parent. Under Florida Statute §61.13, judges prioritize...
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Florida Divorce (Updated for 2026)
Divorce is never just a legal process — it’s a personal, financial, and emotional turning point. And in Florida, the decisions you make early in your divorce can have long-lasting consequences for your finances, your relationship with your children, and your future. At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we’ve spent more...
Why January Is One of the Busiest Months for Divorce Filings& What You Should Know Before You File
Every January, family law attorneys across Florida see a noticeable increase in divorce inquiries and filings. It’s not a coincidence — and if you’re considering divorce, understanding why this happens (and what steps to take before filing) can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. At Hoffman,...