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(321) 567-3477
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Family law issues are among the most personal and sensitive matters within our legal system. The outcomes can profoundly affect you and your loved ones. If you’re looking for a family attorney to address a specific concern, it’s crucial to choose someone who will support you through every legal challenge.
At Meulke Family Law, we aim to empower our clients by providing guidance on the most effective and cost-efficient ways to resolve their cases. You remain in control, and we customize our approach to fit your needs.
Our legal team can assist you in these areas:
Divorce
Division of Assets / Property Division
Marital Settlement Agreement
Domestic Violence & Protective Order
Paternity & Parental Rights
Parenting Plan Modification
Child Support Modification
​Post-Judgement Modification
Child Custody Agreement
Modification of Custody
Timesharing
Visitation Plan
Prenuptial Agreement
Postnuptial Agreement
Guardian Ad Litem
Attorney Ad Litem
DIVORCE
Divorce involves several factors, depending on your situation. The primary element is the legal dissolution of your marriage, which also separates you from your spouse’s future financial obligations. In Florida, the court must determine that the marriage is irretrievably broken, which is often straightforward when both parties agree.
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Common issues that arise include:
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Parenting plans and timesharing for children
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Division of marital assets and debts
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Alimony and child support
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At Meulke Family Law, we provide personalized guidance to address your specific needs. With our support, your divorce can be the start of a new chapter in your life.
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CHILD CUSTODY AND PARENTING PLANS
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In Florida, the traditional terms “custody” and “visitation” have been replaced by “parenting plans” and “timesharing.” These plans are designed to be a collaborative effort between both parents, encouraging a healthy relationship with the children. Governed by Florida Statute Sec. 61.13, a Parenting Plan addresses key aspects related to raising a minor child, such as:
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Daily responsibilities of child-rearing
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Timesharing schedules, including holidays and special occasions
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Decisions about healthcare
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School-related matters, like extracurricular activities and sports
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Methods of communication between parents and the child
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The court’s primary focus when establishing a parenting plan is the best interests of the child. Florida courts generally encourage both parents to remain actively involved in their child’s life through regular, meaningful contact. As a result, shared parental responsibility is typically awarded unless there are serious concerns that would harm the child. Both parents have the opportunity to present evidence on these matters.
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At Meulke Family Law, we assist in creating a balanced parenting plan that serves the needs of you, your ex-spouse, and most importantly, your child. Our aim is to help you achieve a fair timesharing arrangement and establish a solid foundation for moving forward. If life events necessitate changes, we can also facilitate modifications to an existing parenting plan to reflect your current circumstances.​​
PARENTING PLAN MODIFICATION
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To modify a parenting plan or time-sharing schedule, two conditions must be met: 1) there has been an unanticipated, significant change in circumstances since the original judgment, and 2) the modification will serve the child’s best interests. The change must be substantial and unforeseen at the time of the initial decision, requiring new evidence of the current circumstances that was not previously considered.
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When determining what is in the best interest of the child, the court will evaluate several factors as outlined in Florida Statutes Sec. 61.13(3). These factors include:
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Each parent’s ability and willingness to foster a close and ongoing parent-child relationship, adhere to the time-sharing schedule, and be flexible with necessary changes.
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The extent to which parental responsibilities are delegated to third parties.
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The mental and physical health of the parents.
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Each parent’s capacity to maintain a consistent routine for the child, including discipline, homework, meals, and bedtime.
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Each parent’s ability to communicate effectively and keep the other informed about the child's issues and activities, and their willingness to present a united front on major decisions.
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Adjusting a parenting plan to reflect current realities is a significant matter that requires careful consideration. Contact Meulke Family Law to assist you with making these important changes.
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PRENUPTIAL & POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
Even when a couple is deeply in love and committed to their relationship, financial issues can sometimes lead to stress and disagreements. A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can alleviate these concerns by addressing financial matters in advance, thus reducing uncertainty. These agreements not only help clarify how assets will be divided if a divorce occurs but also can streamline the divorce process, making it quicker and less contentious.
A prenuptial agreement is a legally binding contract that couples sign before getting married. This agreement specifies how assets will be divided in the event of a divorce, providing a clear framework that helps both parties leave the marriage with their original assets under agreed-upon terms, free from the influence of divorce-related emotions. Additionally, prenuptial agreements can safeguard the interests of children from previous marriages, ensuring they are protected in the event of a parent's death.
Similarly, a postnuptial agreement outlines the division of assets if a couple decides to divorce. The primary distinction is that a postnuptial agreement is signed after the wedding. Despite the timing, it holds the same legal weight as a prenuptial agreement.
To ensure that your prenup or postnup is properly drafted and enforceable, it is crucial to work with an experienced attorney. At Meulke Family Law, we can help you draft or review these agreements, ensuring they contain favorable provisions and are protected against any potential challenges to their validity.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
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