If your legal problems involve familial relationships, resolving them often comes with extra difficulty. Family law issues, such as divorce, child custody, asset division, and domestic violence, involve sensitive information and can somehow compromise a family member’s mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
That is why The Law Office of Verna Popo is passionate about offering exceptional legal services that aim to resolve all family law issues in the least time-consuming and stressful way possible. Our experience and knowledge allow us to provide legal solutions tailored to each of our client’s situations, guaranteeing a favorable case resolution.
From handling all necessary paperwork to representing you during negotiations and court hearings, our West Palm Beach family lawyers are fully equipped to address your legal problems with effective solutions. We will proactively defend and exercise your rights while also securing the welfare of the children and any family members involved.
Whether you need legal representation during a divorce hearing or you need protection against domestic violence, don’t hesitate to contact us for an efficient and worthwhile service.
Call The Law Office of Verna Popo today at (561) 475-1103 for your Free Consultation with a West Palm Beach Family Lawyer!
Experienced Family Attorneys
Trained and extensively experienced, our West Palm Beach family lawyers at The Law Office of Verna Popo are one of the most respected lawyers in the field. We are known to provide comprehensive legal services that protect families through expertly navigating Florida family law.
Divorce Attorney: Even if your breakup was amicable, you need an expert legal representative during a divorce proceeding to ensure that any agreement will have terms that are good for you. Our lawyers will make sure that not only will the process finish early, but also that all legal issues related to your divorce will be resolved in the best way possible. From parental rights to property shares, we can help ensure that the final terms will be favorable for you.
Property & Asset Division: Dividing assets between the former couple is one of the most potentially complicated aspects of divorce. Either party may have a property that they want all to themselves, or they may not agree on whether a property should be sold or not. Moreover, high-value domestic and foreign assets may be involved, making the discussion more heated and complicated. Regardless, our family lawyers will strike well-thought negotiation bargains to have a middle ground that benefits both parties.
Child Custody Lawyer: Since this issue mainly concerns the wellbeing of the child or children, our lawyers will work toward a resolution that not only honors the parents’ rights but, more importantly, reaches for the children’s best interests. We can help you establish fair physical custody or time-sharing, as well as legal custody or the decision-making for your child’s welfare. Our lawyers can also help you modify any child custody arrangement if necessary and to enforce all the agreed-upon terms.
Child Support Attorney:Like with child custody cases, it is the child that should be primarily considered in determining child support. The amount given should be appropriate for the child’s needs and based on the providing parent’s financial capacity. In Florida, the time-sharing agreement can affect the demanded amount for child support. Additionally, if circumstances change for either parent as time goes by, we can also help in filing for a petition to modify the child support arrangements.
Spousal Support: Whether you are the spouse needing the support or the one required to pay it, we can represent you before the court to ensure that the right amount will be given or received. We will take care of the necessary documents to be submitted and ensure that your need for financial assistance or capacity to provide it is properly established. We’ll also present your case in the most convincing way so the right type and appropriate duration of support will be awarded.
Father’s Rights Lawyer:Our lawyers can also address any issue involving fathers’ rights in Florida. We can establish your paternity, contest your paternity, or protect and enforce your rights as a father after a divorce. We will ensure that you have enough time with your child and provide them with the emotional and financial support they deserve.
Domestic Violence: One of perhaps the most complicated or messy family law cases involve domestic violence. The Law Office of Verna Popo has seen so many victims who have hesitated many times before they come forward and ask for help, whether due to shame or fear. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse from a spouse, household member, or even dating partner, please don’t think twice about calling. Our West Palm Beach family lawyer can give you protection and help properly punish your abuser.
In Florida, to file for divorce, at least one spouse must be a resident of the state for six months. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, and divorce is granted when the marriage is deemed "irretrievably broken." The petitioner initiates the process by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, and there is a 20-day waiting period after service. Marital property is divided equitably, alimony may be awarded if necessary, and child custody, support, and a parenting plan are determined in the best interests of the children. Mediation is often encouraged, and a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage officially ends the marriage. Consulting with a West Palm Beach divorce attorney is advisable for personalized guidance through these legal requirements.
Turn on screen reader support
To enable screen reader support, press Ctrl+Alt+Z To learn about keyboard shortcuts, press Ctrl+slashRandy Batiquin has joined the document.
Child custody in Florida is determined based on the best interests of the child, with a focus on two main types: legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (timesharing). The court considers factors such as each parent's ability to provide stability and the child's relationship with both parents. Florida encourages shared parenting and the creation of a parenting plan. If parents agree, the plan is approved, but if not, the court may order mediation or make a decision based on the child's best interests, emphasizing the importance of both parents' involvement in the child's life. Consulting with a West Palm Beach family law attorney is advisable for personalized guidance in child custody matters.
Child support payments in Florida are determined based on several factors, including both parents' incomes, the number of children involved, and the child's specific needs, such as healthcare and education costs. The court considers the child's standard of living before the divorce and strives to maintain that standard to the best extent possible. Additionally, factors like childcare expenses and health insurance premiums may also be factored into the child support calculation. Florida has established child support guidelines that help determine the appropriate amount of support, ensuring that both parents contribute to the child's financial well-being.
Yes, in West Palm Beach, I can assist with paternity cases and establishing parental rights. Paternity cases involve determining the legal father of a child, which can be important for issues such as child custody, visitation, and child support. Establishing parental rights is crucial for both the father's involvement in the child's life and the child's access to financial support. This process often involves genetic testing, court orders, and legal proceedings to formalize the father's rights and responsibilities. Consulting with an attorney experienced in West Palm Beach family law is advisable for guidance in paternity and parental rights matters.
The process for adopting a child in West Palm Beach generally involves the following steps: 1) Choose an adoption agency or attorney to guide you through the process. 2) Complete required background checks and home studies to assess your suitability as an adoptive parent. 3) Attend adoption education and counseling sessions. 4) Select an adoption placement, either through an agency, private adoption, or through the state's foster care system. 5) Obtain consent from the child's biological parents or have their rights terminated by the court if necessary. 6) Attend court hearings to finalize the adoption. 7) Obtain a new birth certificate for the adopted child with your name listed as the parent. The process may vary based on the type of adoption (e.g., domestic, international, relative, step-parent), so consulting with an adoption attorney or agency in West Palm Beach is advisable to navigate the specific requirements and legalities.
To modify existing family court orders in West Palm Beach, such as child custody or support, you generally need to follow these steps: 1) Show a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued, such as a significant change in income or the child's needs. 2) File a Petition for Modification with the family court. 3) Provide notice to the other party and attend a hearing where you can present evidence supporting the requested modification. The court will assess whether the modification is in the best interests of the child. It's crucial to consult with a family law attorney in West Palm Beach to navigate the legal process and ensure your case meets the necessary criteria for modification.
Mediation and litigation are two distinct approaches in family law cases. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the parties reach a mutually agreeable resolution through communication and negotiation. It's often less adversarial, more cost-effective, and allows the parties to have more control over the outcome. In contrast, litigation involves going to court and having a judge make decisions on family law matters, which can be more contentious, time-consuming, and costly. While mediation promotes cooperation and compromise, litigation is typically pursued when parties cannot reach an agreement and require a court's intervention to resolve their disputes.
The costs and fees associated with family law cases in West Palm Beach can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, whether it's resolved through mediation or litigation, and attorney fees. Common expenses may include attorney fees, court filing fees, process server fees, and costs for expert witnesses, if needed. In addition, there may be expenses related to mediation or counseling services, as well as fees for documents, such as court transcripts. It's crucial to discuss potential costs with your attorney and explore options for managing expenses, such as fee structures, payment plans, or potential court-awarded attorney's fees, depending on the outcome of the case.
The timeline for resolving a divorce or family law case in West Palm Beach can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, court availability, and whether the parties can reach agreements outside of court. In uncontested cases with minimal issues to resolve, it can take several months, often around six months, from filing to finalization. However, contested cases, particularly those involving child custody or significant asset division, may take a year or more to reach resolution, especially if they go to trial. Mediation can expedite the process by facilitating agreements. It's essential to consult with a family law attorney in West Palm Beach for a more accurate assessment of the timeline based on your specific circumstances.
A mediator in family law cases plays a neutral role, helping parties in dispute reach mutually acceptable agreements outside of court. Mediators facilitate communication, promote understanding, and guide negotiations to find common ground. They do not provide legal advice or make decisions but rather empower the parties to make their own informed choices. Mediation is recommended in family law cases when parties are willing to collaborate and prefer a less adversarial approach. It's particularly useful for resolving issues like child custody, visitation, and property division. Mediation can save time, reduce costs, and promote a more amicable resolution, making it a favorable option when both parties are open to it.
If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets during divorce proceedings in West Palm Beach, it's essential to take the following steps: 1) Consult with an experienced divorce attorney to guide you through the process. 2) Gather financial documents and evidence of your suspicions, such as bank statements, tax returns, and any communication that suggests concealment. 3) Request formal discovery, which includes depositions, interrogatories, and requests for documents, to uncover hidden assets through legal means. 4) Seek the assistance of financial professionals, such as forensic accountants, if necessary. 5) Notify the court of your concerns and present evidence during hearings. The court can take appropriate actions to address asset concealment, including sanctions against the dishonest party.
In Florida, alimony, or spousal support, is determined based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the financial resources and needs of each spouse, and their respective contributions to the marriage. Factors influencing alimony decisions include the standard of living established during the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, the earning capacity of each spouse, and any sacrifices or career opportunities forgone for the sake of the marriage. Florida courts may award various types of alimony, such as temporary, rehabilitative, bridge-the-gap, or permanent alimony, depending on the circumstances. The goal is to provide financial support that is fair and equitable under the specific circumstances of the divorce.
As a non-custodial parent in West Palm Beach, you have the right to scheduled visitation or timesharing with your child, access to information about their well-being, and involvement in significant decisions if you share joint legal custody. Your responsibilities include complying with court orders for child support, visitation, and timesharing, maintaining a positive relationship with your child, and cooperating with the other parent for the child's benefit. Specific rights and obligations can vary depending on court orders and individual circumstances, making it advisable to consult with a West Palm Beach family law attorney for personalized guidance.
To protect your assets and interests when entering into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in West Palm Beach, consider the following steps: 1) Consult with separate attorneys for each party to ensure legal representation and fairness in the negotiation. 2) Fully disclose all assets, debts, and financial information to avoid challenges based on non-disclosure. 3) Clearly define the terms, including property division, alimony, and financial responsibilities in the agreement. 4) Ensure the agreement is voluntarily entered into without coercion or duress. 5) Sign the agreement well in advance of the wedding or any significant changes in circumstances. 6) Review and update the agreement as needed over time to reflect changing circumstances. These precautions can help create a legally sound and enforceable prenuptial or postnuptial agreement that protects your assets and interests.
To minimize the emotional impact of divorce or custody disputes on your children, consider the following steps in West Palm Beach or elsewhere: 1) Maintain open, honest, and age-appropriate communication with your children about the situation. 2) Encourage a healthy relationship with the other parent and avoid speaking negatively about them in front of the children. 3) Keep routines and familiar schedules as consistent as possible to provide stability. 4) Seek professional counseling or therapy for your children if needed to help them cope with the emotional challenges. 5) Work with your ex-spouse to create a parenting plan that prioritizes the children's best interests and minimizes conflicts. 6) Focus on co-parenting cooperatively and amicably. These steps can help mitigate the emotional impact and provide support to your children during a challenging time.
Cases involving domestic violence or restraining orders in West Palm Beach, FL, are taken seriously and typically handled through the following steps: 1) The victim can seek a restraining order or injunction for protection from the court, which may include immediate temporary orders. 2) A hearing is scheduled, allowing both parties to present their evidence and testimony. 3) If the court grants the order, it may include provisions such as maintaining a certain distance, no-contact orders, or custody arrangements if children are involved. 4) Violations of restraining orders can result in legal consequences. West Palm Beach has resources and support services available for victims of domestic violence, and it's crucial to consult with an attorney and local authorities for guidance on protective measures.
In West Palm Beach, cases involving grandparents' rights to visitation or custody are typically handled by the courts with a focus on the child's best interests. Florida law allows grandparents to seek visitation or custody in certain situations, such as when it is deemed to be in the child's best interests or when the parents are deceased, missing, or have had their parental rights terminated. The court will consider factors like the grandparent's relationship with the child, the child's preferences (if age-appropriate), and the impact on the child's well-being. The process involves filing a petition, participating in legal proceedings, and providing evidence to support the request. Consulting with a family law attorney in West Palm Beach is advisable to navigate these cases effectively.
Let’s Talk – Compassionate Legal Advice
Issues concerning family may be controversial or complicated. But they are also the most important cases to be efficiently resolved since a favorable settlement means a better life for the whole family.
If you want to ensure that your children are taken care of after a divorce; assets are appropriately divided between you and your ex-spouse, or that you won’t be subject to any more abuse in your own home, act swiftly and acquire the legal services of The Law Office of Verna Popo now.
From advocating for your rights to protecting your family member, we have the right blend of aggressive legal work and deep care for our clients. Don’t hesitate and talk to our West Palm Beach, FL family lawyers today during our initial consultation—free of charge!
Call The Law Office of Verna Popo today at (561) 475-1103 for your Free Consultation with a West Palm Beach Family Lawyer!
Client Review
Very highly recommended and five stars.
The lawyer was very professional and good at his work. Moreover, he is very compassionate, flexible, and understanding as a person. In fact, the entire team and staff is built with... read more
Child Support Attorney: Like with child custody cases, it is the child that should be primarily considered in determining child support. The amount given should be appropriate for the child’s needs and based on the providing parent’s financial capacity. In Florida, the time-sharing agreement can affect the demanded amount for child support. Additionally, if circumstances change for either parent as time goes by, we can also help in filing for a petition to modify the child support arrangements.