Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Child Support Facts on Equal Timesharing or Visitation

It is a very common misconception among the general public that an equal timesharing or visitation schedule between divorced parents means that there is no child support exchanged between parents. However, this is not the case.

In fact, most of the time one parent owes the other parent child support even when the parents spend an equal amount of time with the children. This is because the number of overnights the children spend with each respective parent is just one factor that is considered in the calculation of child support.

Other important factors include each parent’s income and other child-related expenses paid by each parent, including health insurance premiums, among other expenses. Waiving child support, which is technically disallowed in Florida, could significantly impact a parent’s financial future.

It is important to consult with an attorney specializing in marital and family law before signing any agreement regarding child support.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Recovering Fees Pursuant to Administrative Order S-2013-075


by Michelle Ralat Brinner

A great deal of confusion exists among practitioners regarding the recovery of an award of attorneys’ fees, particularly regarding compliance with local Administrative Order S-2013-075 (the “AO”). Compliance with the Family Law Rules of Procedure and the AO is critical to recovering attorneys’ fees and costs for your client.

To comply with the AO, you must initially determine the nature and amount of the fees that you are seeking. Although it sounds simple, the requirements necessary to comply with the AO vary based upon these key facts. If you are seeking an award of temporary attorneys’ fees in an amount less than $50,000.00, the requirements and deadlines are different than if you are seeking an award of fees in an amount greater than $50,000.00. Currently the AO does not specifically address the requirements to recover fees in an amount less than $50,000.00 after a final hearing, but it is generally good practice to comply with the requirements of the AO as much as possible to assist the court in making its necessary findings to award your client fees.

To view chart click here

Monday, March 23, 2015

10th Annual Taste of South Tampa to take place April 12th

TAMPA, FL - The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that tickets for the 10th Annual Taste of South Tampa are now on sale, with a portion of the ticket sales benefiting Metropolitan Ministries. The Chamber’s signature annual event, to take place on Sunday, April 12, 2015, will feature live music, family friendly activities and an array of delicious food and drink samples from South Tampa’s best local restaurants. Older, Lundy & Alvarez law firm will return as the title sponsor of the Taste of South Tampa for the 6th year.



The chamber’s president, Kelly Flannery, said, “We anticipate the 10th annual event to be our largest yet with more food and beverage options than ever before and an increased interest in the event from the community. An added bonus for this year is that we are hosting the event at George M. Steinbrenner Field and each attendee will also receive a ticket to that evening’s Tampa Yankees game against the Lakeland Flying Tigers.”

The ticket price is all inclusive and includes: Unlimited food and beverage samples, live entertainment, access to activities in the Kid Zone, sponsored by Florida Hospital Centra Care, give-aways from sponsors and voting for the “Best of South Tampa” awards. New sponsor, Anheuser-Busch will also be providing various beer tents throughout the event.

Early bird discounted ticket prices are available online at www.TasteofSouthTampa.com until April 10th. Tickets may be available for purchase at the door if they do not sell out during pre-sale. The event will also feature a food drive for Metropolitan Ministries. For each non-perishable food item donated, attendees will receive an entry into a drawing for prizes from participating sponsors and restaurants.

Samantha Dammer, the Chamber’s board chair added, “With over 40 food and beverage options expected to be at the event, there will truly be something for everyone and the inclusive price gives attendees the opportunity to try a little bit of everything. We will also be bringing back the indoor, air-conditioned, VIP area this year which was a popular request from last year’s attendees.”

For tickets and to see a list of participating sponsors and restaurants, please visit www.TasteofSouthTampa.com.

ABOUT THE SOUTH TAMPA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Established in 1926, the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce is an association of over 500 businesses and organizations. The chamber has strived to make the South Tampa community a better place in which to live, work, and play. Its active membership consists of local businesses, professionals, non-profits and government representatives who enjoy social activities and community involvement. For more information, contact the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce at 813.637.0156, or visit www.southtampachamber.org.

MEMBER DISCOUNT CODES:
General Admission @ $27 – Stcoc2015 (Pre-sale only)
VIP @ $60 – StcocVIP2015 (Pre-sale only)
Kids Under 10 @ FREE

SAVE THE DATE: April 12th – Tickets for the 10th Annual Taste of South Tampa are on sale now at www.TasteofSouthTampa.com!