Family | Divorce Attorney Jacksonville, FL

Navigating the Waves of Change: Florida Alimony Reform in 2023 and its Impact on Your Future

Wendy Norman — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 16:02:03 +0000

Navigating the Waves of Change: Florida Alimony Reform in 2023 and its Impact on Your Future

Divorce is undoubtedly one of life’s most challenging experiences, marked by emotional turbulence and legal complexities. For decades, alimony, or spousal support, has been a cornerstone of divorce settlements, providing financial stability for the lesser-earning spouse after the divorce. After years of alimony reform proposals, Florida alimony law changed as of July 1, 2023. The changes are significant and have reshaped the alimony landscape in the Sunshine State, ushering in a new era for divorcing couples and alimony recipients alike. As divorce attorneys focusing on your well-being, both during and after a divorce, we at Norman Law are ready to explain these changes and their implications for your future.

Understanding the Alimony Reforms:

Florida’s alimony reform in 2023 brought about substantial modifications to existing laws. One of the most significant changes is the end of permanent alimony. Permanent alimony resulted in long-term financial obligations for the paying spouse. However, under the new law, the duration of alimony is now capped based on the length of the marriage, providing clearer guidelines for both parties.

Additionally, the reform introduced guidelines for the calculation of the monthly amount of alimony payments, taking into account each spouse’s income and their individual financial needs. This standardized approach aims to ensure consistency and fairness in alimony awards, reducing the ambiguity that often characterizes divorce proceedings.

The new alimony law also addresses the issue of retirement and its impact on alimony payments. Previously, the party paying alimony faced challenges in modifying or terminating alimony upon reaching retirement age, even if their financial circumstances had significantly changed. However, the reformed law now provides clearer mechanisms for modifying alimony payments upon retirement, acknowledging the shifting financial realities that come with aging.

Implications for Divorcing Couples:

For divorcing couples in Florida, these alimony reforms have far-reaching implications that must be carefully considered. Firstly, the cap on the duration of alimony payments means that both parties need to plan for their financial futures accordingly. Whether you are the paying or receiving spouse, understanding the duration of your alimony obligation is crucial for financial planning and stability.

Moreover, the introduction of standardized guidelines for calculating alimony payments brings a level of predictability to divorce proceedings. While every case is unique and there may be factors that allow the court to deviate from the guidelines, having a clear framework can facilitate more efficient and amicable negotiations between spouses.

The reforms surrounding retirement and alimony underscore the importance of proactive planning. If you are approaching retirement age or foresee significant changes in your financial circumstances, it is essential to seek legal guidance to explore your options regarding alimony modification or termination.

Navigating the Future with Norman Law:

As seasoned divorce attorneys, we at Norman Law understand the intricacies of Florida’s alimony laws and how they impact divorcing couples. Our mission is to provide compassionate guidance and unwavering support to clients as they navigate the complexities of divorce and alimony.

Whether you are contemplating divorce, in the midst of negotiations, or seeking post-divorce modifications, Norman Law is here to advocate for your best interests every step of the way. With a deep commitment to achieving fair and equitable outcomes, we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure your financial future.

Conclusion:

The landscape of alimony in Florida underwent significant transformation with the reforms implemented in 2023. While change can be daunting, it also presents an opportunity for divorcing couples to navigate their futures with greater clarity and confidence.

As you embark on this journey, remember that you do not have to navigate it alone. With the guidance of the knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys at Norman Law, you can face the challenges of divorce with resilience and determination, emerging stronger and more empowered on the other side.

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8 Tips for Co-Parenting Success: Summer Vacation with Kids After Separation

Wendy Norman — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 20:39:47 +0000

Navigating Summer Vacation with Kids After Separation: 8 Tips for Co-Parenting Success

Summer vacation is a time for children to relax, explore, and create lasting memories. However, for parents who are separated or divorced, managing summer vacation can present unique challenges. Coordinating schedules, dealing with potential conflicts, and ensuring that the children have a fulfilling experience can be overwhelming. But with effective communication, planning, and making sure to focus on the children, co-parents can navigate summer vacation successfully.

1. Prioritize Communication:
Effective communication is key to successful co-parenting, especially during the summer months. Start by establishing a communication plan with your ex-partner to coordinate schedules, activities, and any other important details. Utilize various communication channels such as email, text messages, or co-parenting apps to stay connected and informed.

2. Create a Detailed Schedule:
Developing a detailed summer schedule can help alleviate confusion and reduce potential conflicts. Sit down with your ex-partner to create a comprehensive calendar that outlines the timesharing schedule, vacation plans, and any special events. Be flexible and willing to compromise to accommodate each other’s needs and preferences.

3. Focus on the Children:
When planning summer activities, keep the children’s best interests at the forefront. Consider their preferences, interests, and developmental stages when selecting camps, outings, or vacations. Encourage open communication with your children to ensure that they feel heard and valued during this time of transition.

4. Maintain Consistency:
Consistency is crucial for children, especially during periods of change. Try to maintain consistency in routines, rules, and expectations between households to provide stability and security. Coordinate bedtime routines, meal schedules, and screen time limits to create a sense of continuity for the children.

5. Be Flexible and Cooperative:
Flexibility is essential when navigating co-parenting arrangements, particularly during summer vacation. Be willing to adjust schedules, accommodate last-minute changes, and make compromises when necessary. Practice empathy and understanding towards your ex-partner’s perspective, and work together to find solutions that benefit the children.

6. Encourage Quality Time:
Summer vacation provides an excellent opportunity for children to bond with both parents and create lasting memories. Encourage quality time with each parent by planning fun activities, outings, or mini-vacations. Focus on creating positive experiences that strengthen the parent-child relationship and foster a sense of connection and belonging.

7. Manage Expectations:
It’s essential to manage both your own and your children’s expectations during summer vacation. Understand that not every moment will be perfect, and there may be challenges along the way. Be patient, and focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

8. Seek Support When Needed:
Navigating summer vacation as a separated or divorced parent can be emotionally taxing at times. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family members, or a therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Surround yourself with a supportive network that can offer guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear when needed.

Conclusion:
Managing summer vacation with children after separation requires patience, communication, and a commitment to prioritizing the children’s well-being above all else. By maintaining open communication, creating a detailed schedule, and focusing on the children’s needs, co-parents can navigate this challenging time successfully. Remember to be flexible, cooperative, and proactive in addressing any issues that may arise, and above all, cherish the moments spent with your children as they create memories that will last a lifetime.

The post 8 Tips for Co-Parenting Success: Summer Vacation with Kids After Separation first appeared on Divorce Attorney Jacksonville, FL.

Navigating the Holidays During Divorce: A Divorce Attorney’s Guide

Wendy Norman — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 13:46:14 +0000

7 Steps For Surviving The Holidays After Separation

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, love, and togetherness. However, for those going through a divorce, it can be an emotional minefield. As divorce attorneys, we understand the challenges that arise during this time, and we are here to offer some valuable tips on navigating the holidays during a divorce.

1. Communication is Key:

Open and honest communication is crucial, especially during the holiday season. If you share children, discuss plans in advance with your ex-spouse. If there is not a Parenting Plan already in place, establish a clear schedule for holiday celebrations, ensuring both parties have ample time with the children. Being transparent and cooperative can help avoid unnecessary tension.

2. Create New Traditions:

Traditions may have played a significant role in past holiday celebrations, but now is the perfect time to start fresh. Establish new traditions for yourself and your children. Whether it’s a special meal, a movie night, or a weekend getaway, creating new memories can help shift the focus away from the challenges of the divorce process.

3. Be Flexible and Realistic:

Flexibility is key when navigating the holidays during a divorce. Understand that plans may need to adapt, and unexpected emotions may arise. Be realistic about what you can handle emotionally and physically, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments to your plans as needed.

4. Self-Care Matters:

During a divorce, taking care of yourself is paramount. The holidays can be emotionally draining, so make sure to prioritize self-care. Whether it’s a spa day, a quiet evening with a good book, or spending time with supportive friends and family, taking care of your well-being will help you navigate the season with less stress.

5. Set Boundaries:

Establishing clear boundaries is essential during the holiday season. If certain events or gatherings are too emotionally charged, it’s okay to politely decline invitations. Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being, and communicate your boundaries to others involved.

6. Celebrate Separately, if Necessary:

While the ideal situation would be a harmonious celebration together, it’s not always possible. If emotions are too raw or conflicts are likely to arise, consider celebrating separately. This can provide a sense of stability and allow each party to enjoy the festivities without tension.

7. Seek Professional Support:

If the emotional weight of the holidays becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Whether it’s through therapy, counseling, or support groups, having a safe space to express your feelings can make a significant difference during this challenging time.

Navigating the holidays during a divorce requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to your well-being and that of your loved ones. As divorce attorneys, we encourage our clients to approach this season with a proactive mindset, embracing the opportunity for growth and the creation of new, positive memories. By implementing these tips, you can navigate the holidays with grace and resilience, paving the way for a healthier and happier future.

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How A Florida Judge Determines Best Interest Of The Child

Wendy Norman — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 16:29:01 +0000

How Does A Court Determine The Best Interest of the Child?

In previous posts, we talked about how a Judge crafts a parenting plan. Judges look at Florida law, under which there are factors used to determine a child’s best interest. Florida Statute 61.13(3)(a-l) were discussed in detail. In this post, the next factors, more specifically Florida Statute 61.13 (m-t), are listed below and discussed:

(m) Evidence of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect, regardless of whether a prior or pending action relating to those issues has been brought. If the court accepts evidence of prior or pending actions regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect, the court must specifically acknowledge in writing that such evidence was considered when evaluating the best interests of the child.

(n) Evidence that either parent has knowingly provided false information to the court regarding any prior or pending action regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect.

(o) The particular parenting tasks customarily performed by each parent and the division of parental responsibilities before the institution of litigation and during the pending litigation, including the extent to which parenting responsibilities were undertaken by third parties.

(p) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to participate and be involved in the child’s school and extracurricular activities.

(q) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to maintain an environment for the child which is free from substance abuse.

(r) The capacity and disposition of each parent to protect the child from the ongoing litigation as demonstrated by not discussing the litigation with the child, not sharing documents or electronic media related to the litigation with the child, and refraining from disparaging comments about the other parent to the child.

(s) The developmental stages and needs of the child and the demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to meet the child’s developmental needs.

(t) Any other factor that is relevant to the determination of a specific parenting plan, including the time-sharing schedule.

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Subsection (m) requires the Court to look at evidence of domestic violence and/or sexual violence such as injunctions or arrests; child abuse, child abandonment, and/or child neglect such as Department of Children and Families reports; or any witness testimony of such evidence such as testimony from children’s therapists or teachers.

Subsection (n) examines evidence where a parent has provided false information to the Court about any of these issues.

Subsection (o) is a chance for parents to show who normally cared for the minor children before a divorce or custody case and what parenting tasks they did. If third parties such as daycare or family members cared for the children, then the Court wants to know that.

Subsection (p) requires parents to present evidence of the children’s school and extracurricular activities and who is involved in those activities. Who primarily talks to the children’s teachers and takes an active role in the children’s activities?

Subsection (q) requires parents to be free from substance abuse and keep the children sheltered from any substance abuse issues. This subsection can refer to legal prescription drugs or illegal drugs, as well as alcohol. Drug screens, breathalyzers, and substance abuse evaluations may be potential evidence regarding this factor.

Subsection (r) means that the Court wants to see that the parents are not trying to discuss the case with the children and “turn” the children against the other parent. Sharing Court documents or social media with a child is very detrimental to the child’s well-being. Disparaging a parent to a child is strongly discouraged and judges do not like to see that taking place.

Subsection (s) is all about what the needs of the child are such as tutoring, IEP or 504 plans, special education, etc. The Court wants to see which parent is most capable to meet those needs.

Subsection (t) is any other factor that is relevant to a parenting plan and to the children. Are there any reasons why a particular schedule would not work?

Taken altogether, these factors help the Court decide what is in a child’s best interest and how to craft a time-sharing schedule and parenting plan that works for the individual needs of that family.

Wendy Norman is a family law and divorce attorney in Jacksonville, FL.

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What A Judge Looks For When Determining a Parenting Plan

Wendy Norman — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 13:35:14 +0000

What Does A Judge Look For When Determining A Parenting Plan?

In a previous post, it was discussed general rules for crafting a parenting plan after divorce. Let’s look at how a Judge crafts a parenting plan. A Judge looks at Florida law which sets out the factors to consider to determine a child’s best interest. The factors in Florida Statute 61.13(3)(a-e) were discussed in detail.

In this post, the next few factors, more specifically Florida Statute 61.13 (f-l), are listed below and discussed:

(f) The moral fitness of the parents.
(g) The mental and physical health of the parents.
(h) The home, school, and community record of the child.
(i) The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to express a preference.
(j) The demonstrated knowledge, capacity, and disposition of each parent to be informed of the circumstances of the minor child, including, but not limited to, the child’s friends, teachers, medical care providers, daily activities, and favorite things.
(k) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to provide a consistent routine for the child, such as discipline, and daily schedules for homework, meals, and bedtime.
(l) The demonstrated capacity of each parent to communicate with and keep the other parent informed of issues and activities regarding the minor child, and the willingness of each parent to adopt a unified front on all major issues when dealing with the child.

Subsection (f) means the Court wants to hear about the any negative behavior by either parent that directly impacts the minor child. Some examples might be drug abuse or other illegal behavior, and arrests. Exposing the child to inappropriate behavior will be considered by a Judge under with this factor.

Subsection (g) is exactly what you would imagine – a Judge wants to know about the mental health of the parents and the physical health of the parents. A long history of mental health issues that directly affects the minor child is important for a Judge to know about and consider. The physical health of the parent is also important; a Judge wants to know which parent is better physically able to take care of the children.

Subsection (h) means the Court wants to know how the child is doing in school, what activities the child is involved in, and how the child functions at home. A Judge will review consider if the child has had discipline issues at school or has been in trouble with law enforcement.

With Subsection (i), the Court does not want a young child to be asked which parent he or she wants to live with if the child is not emotionally developed enough to do so. There is no “magic age” in Florida at which a child gets to decide which parent he or she will spend wants to live with; this is decided on a case-by-case basis and Judges prefer to keep children of all ages, even older teenagers, out of the courtroom unless absolutely necessary.

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When reviewing Subsection (j), a Judge wants to hear about each parent’s involvement with the child. Does the parent know the child’s doctor and attend medical appointments? Does the parent know who the child’s friends are? Does the parent know who the child’s teachers are? Is the parent involved in the child’s extracurricular activities? If a parent does not know those types of things, chances are he or she is not very involved in the child’s life.

Section (k) gives a parent the opportunity to tell the Judge what the child’s routine is while the child is with that parent. What is the child’s bedtime? How does the parent ensure that homework is done? When is dinner time? A parent should be able to describe a typical day in the life of the child to the Judge. A parent should also be able to explain their style of discipline for the child.

Section (l) focuses on which parent is best at working with the other parent the best interest of the child. It is important to keep the other parent informed of appointments and issues with the child. When the child misbehaves, are both parents supportive of each other and unified? Or does one parent try to be the “fun” parent, undermining the other parent’s discipline efforts? The Court wants to see the parents trying to cooperate with each other and co-parenting.

Please look for an analysis of the final best interest factors to come. You can also contact our Jacksonville divorce attorney office at: 904.306.9926 to request a consultation.

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Parenting Plan After Divorce In Florida

Wendy Norman — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 14:54:25 +0000

Agreeing On A Parenting Plan After A Divorce In Florida & The Best Interest Of The Child

One of the most important things for parents to agree on in a divorce is the parenting plan. The parenting plan is a roadmap for how parental responsibility, timesharing, holidays, exchanges of the child or children and other issues will be handled. Sometimes it is very difficult to agree to terms in a parenting plan and a Judge will have to craft a parenting plan for the parents. How does a Judge decide?

Florida law requires the Court to consider the child’s best interest from a list factors you can find in Florida Statute 61.13(3)(a-t). The first few factors are listed below:

(a) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship, to honor the time-sharing schedule, and to be reasonable when changes are required.
(b) The anticipated division of parental responsibilities after the litigation, including the extent to which parental responsibilities will be delegated to third parties.
(c) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to determine, consider, and act upon the needs of the child as opposed to the needs or desires of the parent.
(d) The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
(e) The geographic viability of the parenting plan, with special attention paid to the needs of school-age children and the amount of time to be spent traveling to effectuate the parenting plan. This factor does not create a presumption for or against relocation of either parent with a child.

Subsection (a) means that the Court wants to hear that a parent will encourage the child to have a relationship with the other parent and take steps to make that happen. The Court also wants to know that the parents will honor the schedule or order regarding timesharing and the parents are reasonable if changes in the schedule are needed. For example, if a child were sick and could not travel, the parents would think about the child’s needs before their own and adjust the schedule. Subsection (c) is very similar to this, in that the parents act for the best interests of the child rather than themselves when making decisions for the child.

When reviewing Subsection (b), the Court wants to know which parent will be spending the most time with the child. If a child is at daycare 40 hours a week due to one parent’s work schedule, it may be better for the child to be with the other parent during the week because they work from home and can take care of the child daily.

Subsection (d) means that the Court will review where the child has lived the majority of his or her life and who was the primary caretaker and will try to maintain that stability for the child as much as possible. The key to the parenting plan for the child or children is to have minimal disruption in their lives due to the divorce.

Subsection (e) requires the Court to consider at how practical travel for timesharing will be. Geographically, what type of schedule will ensure that the children spend the least amount of time and discomfort traveling? The Court also takes into account where the child’s school is and how far it is from each parent, among other things. If a parent needs to relocate, the parent can do so, but the parenting plan will have to take into account the travel needs of the child or children.

Please look for more analysis of best interest factors to come.

Considering a Divorce Attorney in Jacksonville? We’ve been serving family law clients for nearly 20 years. We’re committed to timely, cost-effective separation representation and you always have direct access to your attorney throughout the divorce process. For more information, please Call 904.306.9926 or Contact Us online today.

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Dissipation of Marital Assets to Pay Marital Expenses During the Divorce

Wendy Norman — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:18:05 +0000

What Happens With Finances While Your Divorce Is Pending?

The time it takes to finalize a divorce in Florida can vary greatly. During that time, household debts must still be paid while the divorce is proceeding through the courts. Divorce can be costly, and sometimes marital assets may need to be liquidated to pay for the bills and support of the other spouse and/or the minor children. How the final judgment of equitable distribution is determined at the end of the case depends on the reasons for the dissipation of a marital asset.

In general, assets that have been diminished or dissipated during the divorce proceedings should not be included in an equitable distribution calculation. See Winder v. Winder, 152 So. 3d 836, 838 (Fla. 1st DCA 2014). For example, if a spouse withdraws all the funds from a marital retirement account to pay marital expenses and/or temporary support for the other spouse pending resolution of the divorce, that retirement account cannot be used as a marital asset in equitable distribution calculations.

However, if there is evidence of intentional misconduct on the part of a spouse where the money was used for the offending spouse’s own benefit and for a purpose unrelated to the marriage (like an extramarital affair), then the Court may include that asset in the equitable distribution scheme. See Winder v. Winder at 839. The dissipated asset could be assigned to the offending spouse when determining equitable distribution. Misconduct does not include “mismanagement or simple squandering of marital assets in a manner of which the other spouse disapproves,” but must be intentional. See id.

Therefore, while a divorce is pending, as long as money from a marital asset is being spent in good faith to help both the parties and is related to the marriage, it will not later be considered in equitable distribution calculations.

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How Can I Force My Ex To Pay Child Support Payments?

Wendy Norman — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 21:22:52 +0000

Using Income Withholding Orders to Secure Child Support and Alimony Payments in Florida

You may be tired of receiving child support or alimony payments late or not at all, and you would like to be paid directly from the employer of your ex-spouse or child’s father/mother. Florida Statutes 61.1301 provides that an income withholding order (IWO) can be entered once there is an order of alimony or child support by the court. The IWO must be issued by separate order.

Get Help Filling Your Income Withholding For Support Form (IWO)

There is a federally approved and required IWO that allows you to garnish income for child support and alimony. See 42 U.S.C. 666, Social Security Act. Child support arrearages can be withheld also, and the employer/income withholder is given instructions on how much to withhold until full payment is made.

There are very clear rules about the IWO, and an IWO may be rejected, and payment delayed if not completed properly. An IWO will be rejected if the form does not contain all the necessary information. In addition, the correct form must be used, or it will be rejected.

In Florida, you must also submit the Florida Addendum form to the court for signature with the IWO. The Florida Addendum must be used when child support for multiple children has been ordered. The Florida Addendum must be attached because the IWO form does not contain information that is statutorily required in Florida to be included in all withholding orders. Because the IWO cannot be altered, the Florida Addendum was created and is used in conjunction with the IWO.

Income Withholding Orders can be complex and difficult to complete properly. You need an experienced Jacksonville family law attorney to assist you with garnishing wages for child support and alimony payments.

Call Jacksonville Divorce Attorney Wendy Norman today to request a consultation: 904.306.9926

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What Can I Do When Timesharing Isn’t Honored?

Wendy Norman — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 16:24:37 +0000

Requesting An Emergency Child Pick Up Order In Jacksonville

When can you ask the Court for an emergency child pick-up order? If the other parent takes your child for timesharing and does not return the child, what can you do? What are your options if the child is taken out of the State of Florida?

An emergency pick-up order is an order signed by the Court that directs law enforcement to take your child from the person who has physical possession of the child and deliver the child to your custody. The process is started by filing a sworn motion and you must attach a certified birth certificate. If you have a judgment establishing paternity or a court order showing you have legal custody, you attach a certified copy to your motion.

Florida Attorneys That Help With Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction

Compliance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is a key to ensuring that Florida has jurisdiction. See Section 61.514, Fla. Stat. Florida must be the child’s home state for at least 6 months before the commencement of the proceeding, but there is an exception for emergencies. In Perez v. Giledes, 912 So.2d 32 (4th DCA 2005), the Court ruled that Florida could take jurisdiction to grant a mother an emergency child pick-up order allowing her to retrieve an out of wedlock child living with the father in Georgia. The mother was a Florida resident when the child was born, the child was born in Florida, and the mother returned to Florida after living in Georgia for a year or more between the birth of the child and the time of the order being entered. The father argued that the child had lived in Georgia for over 6 months because he had moved with the child and concealed his address. Because the mother had significant ties to Florida, she was allowed to have the child back and Florida had jurisdiction.

Navigating the rules and law surrounding jurisdiction and emergency pick-up orders can be complicated. You need an experienced Jacksonville divorce attorney to assist you. Contact the Norman Law, P.A. for a consultation.

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Who Gets The Pet After A Florida Divorce?

Wendy Norman — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 15:46:40 +0000

Pets are an integral part of our families. We invest time, energy, and love in caring for our dogs and cats. The love and companionship they provide is consistent and without condition.

How Does Florida Law Decide Who Keeps The Puppy?

When pet owners are involved in a divorce, who gets custody of the family pet? Though we view pets as part of the family, Florida law is clear – your pet is considered a piece of personal property, similar to a piece of furniture or other household items. Florida law, and the law of most states, does not provide for the concept of pet custody, nor does it provide for pet visitation or timesharing. This is a tough concept to grasp and another reason to work on an amicable separation and mediation to come to an agreement regarding your pet, rather than go to court.

A Marital Asset and Subject To Equitable Distribution

If the pet was acquired during the marriage, the pet is a marital asset and is subject to equitable distribution. Obviously, a pet cannot be divided up like a bank account; however, a pet can be assigned a value like any other piece of personal property, and arguments can be made as to why the pet should go with one spouse or the other. If the pet is non-marital, “custody” goes to the spouse who acquired the pet.

For questions concerning modification enforcement or dividing property during or after a separation, contact Norman Law to setup a consultation.

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