Boca Raton Family Lawyer
Boca Raton law firm serving clients throughout South Florida
The Law Offices of Schwartz | White, a leading family law firm in Boca Raton, is dedicated to serving the needs of clients in our South Florida communities. Throughout 50 years of combined practice, our Boca Raton family lawyers have earned a reputation for being aggressive advocates with uncompromising ethics. Like an iron hand in a velvet glove, we firmly stand by our clients’ rights while operating with the professionalism and decorum for which the Law Offices of Schwartz | White is known.
- Cohabitation
- Domestic Violence
- Guardian Ad Litem
- Paternity
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Relocation
- Separation
Advice on a wide range of family law matters
Because we handle a wide spectrum of family law issues, the Law Offices of Schwartz | White can support clients in divorce and post-divorce proceedings. We resolve challenging problems, including:
- Paternity determinations
- Domestic violence, restraining orders and injunctions
- Parental rights
- Cohabitation issues
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Experienced divorce representation
Every family has its particular needs, goals and concerns that must be addressed during a divorce. We work closely with our clients from the outset to determine how we can best accomplish their aims, involving them in the strategizing, preparing and decision-making processes. When appropriate, we are aggressive litigators who demand that our clients get their fair share of the marital property and all of the spousal support to which they are entitled. For our divorcing clients with children, we assertively advocate for their parental rights.
Mediation to reach equitable divorce settlements
Mediation offers an effective and possibly more amicable alternative to divorce litigation. Guided by trained facilitators, the parties are afforded the opportunity to agree on the terms of their divorce settlement. We encourage our clients who might benefit from this dispute resolution method to consider it as an option. Prior to the mediation session, we develop clear, concise strategies for negotiating a favorable outcome.
Guidance for divorcing parents
Our attorneys guide clients through the unique challenges faced by divorcing parents. Knowing they want the best for their children, we provide vital guidance concerning custody, parenting plans and child support. In the years following divorce, we can also handle issues that may arise, such as child relocation considerations and post-judgment modifications and enforcement.
Boca Raton Family Law FAQs
The Law Offices of Schwartz | White is a premier family law firm in Boca Raton serving clients throughout Palm Beach County and all of South Florida. Drawing on our more than 50 years of combined experience, our lawyers answer frequently asked questions about family law matters. Review our responses to these FAQs and then contact the Law Offices of Schwartz | White for more information.
- Do I have to attend divorce mediation or can I go straight to trial?
- Are there advantages to mediating a divorce settlement?
- Once I enter mediation, am I required to settle the terms of my divorce even if my spouse refuses to cooperate?
- What is marital property?
- Are spousal and child support considered taxable income?
- How does the court determine a fair child support award?
- Upon proving paternity, does the court automatically order child support and visitation plans?
- Can my child support payments be reduced if I can no longer afford the amount ordered during my divorce?
- Does my spouse have the right to move my child out of state?
- How can same-sex couples protect themselves during a separation?
- Should we have a prenuptial agreement?
Do I have to attend divorce mediation or can I go straight to trial?
Florida law requires all couples to enter mediation before the court will set a case for trial. Only under exceptional circumstances, such as cases involving domestic violence, can a case go directly to trial.
Are there advantages to mediating a divorce settlement?
Mediation typically offers many benefits, including reducing the costs of divorce, expediting the finalization of the dissolution, maintaining the right to make decisions regarding the terms of the agreement, minimizing stress associated with litigation and promoting cooperation between parents.
Once I enter mediation, am I required to settle the terms of my divorce even if my spouse refuses to cooperate?
If you and your spouse attempt mediation and are unable to reach an equitable settlement, you may proceed with divorce litigation. Communications with the mediator are confidential, and the actions taken in mediation do not affect the litigation process.
Marital property refers to assets acquired or appreciated during the marriage. Each partner may also own individual property that does not belong to the marriage. When the individual property becomes intermingled with the marital property, division can become very complex.
Are spousal and child support considered taxable income?
IRS regulations allow the payor to deduct spousal support from income and require the receiver to include spousal support in taxable income calculations. However, the payor of child support is not permitted to deduct child support from income, nor is the receiver required to count it as income.
How does the court determine a fair child support award?
The courts generally follow Florida child support guidelines within five percent. However, with good cause, judges can deviate from the guideline calculations but must present their reasoning in a written decision.
Upon proving paternity, does the court automatically order child support and visitation plans?
Paternity does not automatically trigger an order of child support or visitation. Once we have legally established paternity through DNA testing, court order or voluntary acknowledgment, the Law Offices of Schwartz | White can pursue financial support and parenting rights in court.
Can my child support payments be reduced if I can no longer afford the amount ordered during my divorce?
To reduce child support payments, you must prove you experienced a change in circumstance, such as a debilitating injury, lost job or failed business investment. You must continue paying the amount ordered in your existing judgment until the court issues a modified order of child support.
Does my spouse have the right to move my child out of state?
Your spouse is required to petition the court for the right to move a child out of state and typically must seek modification of the existing child visitation plan. You can oppose the relocation at a hearing and present evidence that it is not in your child’s best interest to grant the relocation request.
How can same-sex couples protect themselves during a separation?
Because same-sex marriage is not recognized in Florida, couples do not have access to the divorce laws and procedures available to married heterosexual couples. However, cohabitating same-sex couples can engage in mediation to negotiate an equitable property settlement.
Should we have a prenuptial agreement?
A carefully negotiated, well-drafted prenuptial agreement protects both partners should a marriage end in divorce.
Consult dedicated Boca Raton family lawyers
To learn more about how we can help you resolve your family law issues, call the Law Offices of Schwartz | White at 561-391-9943 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. Our Boca Raton family lawyers serve all of South Florida, conveniently located off I-95 in the Bank of America Building. Free parking is available.
