As a result, alimony payers will often find themselves trapped in very costly payments for the rest of their life, or other drastic situations.  Therefore, two new bills have been proposed and are being pushed through the Florida government to revise out of date alimony laws.

Current Alimony Structure

Currently, in the state of Florida alimony is left to the sole discretion of the judge seeing the case.  This means is that alimony has the potential to vary widely from case to case.  Some variables include the duration of alimony payments, which in some cases is for life, tax treatments and consequences of alimony, the proportion of the person’s net income which alimony can be, cohabitation rules, and more.  As a result, some men (and women) can pay alimony that is a major portion of their net income until the day they die, placing a significant financial and emotional strain on the person that may not always be proportional to the duration of the marriage.

Alimony Revisions

In 2011 two bills were introduced into Florida legislature to revise alimony laws and practices.  These are similar to an alimony reform bill recently passed in the state of Massachusetts to prevent abuse of the system.  The actual bills are House Bill 549 and Senate Bill 748.  Unfortunately, misconceptions about the Florida reforms are resulting in some backlash from groups such as NOW (the National Organization for Women) and headlines in the Orlando Sentinel such as “In new alimony bill, wealthy, cheating men could pay less.”  In this article Scott Maxwell attacks the bill, saying that it is “radical,” “unconstitutional,” and “anti-woman.”

The bill, however, is not aimed to do any of the aforementioned things.  The bill’s sponsor, Ritch Workman, says he is working alongside the group Florida Alimony Reform to make the state of alimony in Florida fair.  The bill seeks to end long-term alimony which prevents payers from retiring at a normal age due to their steep lifetime alimony payments.

Some of the provisions within the bill which will aim do this include, but are not limited to:

• Allow existing alimony payers to modify their judgments through the new law.
• Cap the alimony payment at a certain percentage of the net income of the payer.
• Base the maximum duration of alimony around the length of the marriage.
• Prohibit the use of a payer’s current spouse’s income or assets in a modification.
• Termination of alimony upon full retirement age, barring extreme circumstances.

While some claim that the bills favor men, and it is true that traditionally more men pay alimony than women, the bill will be implemented equally across all alimony payers, men and women.

Other states such as West Virginia and California are considering revising their alimony laws, following suit of Florida and Massachusetts.  Other resources for more information include Alimony Reform websites and websites of the Florida Government.

If you have questions about the reforms, how they can affect you, or anything else relating to alimony now or in the future Managing Attorney Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm are here to help.  We aggressively represent husbands and fathers in family law cases, including alimony, and are poised to represent you.  Contact our client relations manager today to schedule a consultation.

Carina M. Leeson graduated from Rollins College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1999. Before joining the Men’s Divorce Law Firm, Ms. Leeson was previously associated with several law firms in Palm Beach County, including the national law firm Fox Rothschild, LLP. Ms. Leeson formerly served as a Staff Attorney at the Palm Beach County Courthouse, where she assisted the Judiciary with all aspects of litigation.

Ms. Leeson has been an active member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, including the Young Lawyers and Family Law Sections, and recently served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, Palm Beach County Chapter. Ms. Leeson has also served on the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s Judicial Relations Committee.

Ms. Leeson is currently a member of the Marital & Family Law Sections of the Florida Bar, the Orange County Bar Association, and the Seminole County Bar Association. She is also a member of the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers.

Most recently, Ms. Leeson was selected for inclusion in the 2011 Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in the area of family law. Only two and a half percent of lawyers in the state were selected.

Carina M. Leeson

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“Family courts generally allow fit loving fathers only a few days a month with their children. This is not only harmful to children since it’s so important level of involvement by both parents in their lives, but it’s also a terrible civil rights violation when the government dictates how much time a father or mother can spend with his or her children. What are your thoughts on family court reform?”

Gingrich was not shy about his response, openly criticizing the system for it’s “Extreme Anti-Male Bias.” He explained that he was, “in favor of fathers having rights…We live in an age that is very different than 50 years ago and I think that it is very often very important…that we have a much greater sensitivity that both sides, both parents, both have rights and have responsibilities…”

However, the legal system surrounding family law is not one which can be changed across the board so easily.  Family law is determined on a state by state basis so a fair question to ask would be, what can the federal government do to promote shared parenting?

The federal government helps shape states’ policies in many areas by the payment or withholding of federal reimbursement funds. It works the same way with family law—the federal government reimburses the states billions of dollars each year in child support collection funds.

One of the things a pro-shared parenting administration could do to greatly encourage shared parenting, and in turn promote fathers’ rights, is to tie those funds to progress in enacting shared parenting laws, implementing and encouraging shared parenting arrangements, and enforcing visitation orders.

If you’re interested in campaigns promoting father’s rights this upcoming election you may want to keep an eye on the Fathers and Families’ Election 2012 Campaign.  It is a nonpartisan grassroots campaign with the goal of injecting family court reform into the 2012 election.  Or, to find out more information on Newt Gingrich specifically you should  visit his website directly.

It is the hope of Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm that any necessary revisions be made to the legal system in order to modernize and promote fairness for both parents.

Fathers, Families, Fairness. (SM)

The U.S. Census Bureau says that there are presently 158-thousand stay at home dads, and that number is growing.  CBS News also reports on the growing numbers of stay at home dads.

It’s clear that traditional gender roles within the household are shifting with the modern day family.  But, are perceptions within the law also shifting to meet these new family dynamics?  For example if you have one spouse who is a high-powered executive and primary bread-winner of the family making $400,000 a year does it matter if that spouse is the man, or the woman?

Family Law attorney Jonathan Fogel seems to think that old perceptions still weigh more heavily than income or status.  “I see this type of situation all the time with women who are successful business owners, CEOs and executives. They’ve been the top, or only earner in the family. Then, all of a sudden, they’re getting a divorce and are expected to support their husbands with what’s now being dubbed as manimony. Let’s just say my clients that fall into this category aren’t too pleased about supporting their exes.”

Women argue even if they are the CEO of their own company, for example, they are still often the CEO of the house as well. The school calls them when the kids are sick. These moms still take the kids to the dentist, doctor and extracurricular activities and often wake up in the middle of the night when the child is sick. These high-powered female executives argue because they are moms, by definition, the bulk of the care seems to rest on their shoulders. They’re doing double-duty, so to speak, and don’t want to send a check to their ex every month because they don’t believe he bares the brunt of the single parent job.

But, for years men have been paying support to ex-wives who have been staying home to raise the children and manage the house.  The argument is that these moms have sacrificed income and a career for their families and they deserve a compensation for that sacrifice.  However the goal of spousal maintenance is to financially support someone who cannot support himself or herself after the marriage ends.  So should the rules change if this spouse is the man or the woman in the relationship?

Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm are knowledgeable in alimony law and are here to answer your legal questions.  Aggressively representing husbands and fathers we believe in fairness for all parties at all points in the marriage or divorce process.

Spurred by the outcry from foreign parents separated from their children due to divorce 32 countries have been imploring Japan to join the treaty for some time. Included among these countries are the United States, Britain, and France. Last year, the U.S. House of Representatives turned up the pressure on Japan by voting overwhelmingly for a nonbinding resolution that “condemns the abduction and retention” of children held in Japan “in violation of their human rights and United States and international law.”

Currently, Japanese law allows for only one parent to have custody of the children in divorce cases and that is nearly always the mother. This keeps some foreign fathers from seeing their children until they are grown. Activists of Japan joining the treaty say that this system has been positioned against fathers and foreigners for too long. The treaty will also protect custody decisions and ensure that the rights of access of both parents are protected.

The issue of Japan joining The Hague Convention is nothing new. It gained attention in 2009, when American Christopher Savoie was arrested in Japan after his Japanese ex-wife accused him of abducting their two children as they walked to school. His ex-wife Noriko Savoie had violated a U.S. court custody decision by kidnapping the children from Savoie, the primary residential parent, to live with her in Japan. The case against the father was eventually dropped in Japan.The Tennessean Paper has released an update, now two years later, on what has been done for Chris to bring his two children home. Click here to view the full article.

Christopher Savoie’s ex-wife has been ordered to pay the alienated father$6.1 million for damages. Obviously the father says that no money in the world can replace his close relationship with his children, but believes this recent judgment may open a door for his kids to be returned to him. His attorney, Joseph A. Woodruff said that while Japan won’t enforce U.S. judgments that pertain to custody or otherwise order Japanese citizens to “do the right thing,” they will enforce money judgments. “They will enforce orders that assess damages for breach of contract and civil wrongs,” Woodruff said. “This is a tool we’re going to try to use to convince Noriko Savoie she needs to do the right thing.”

While there are a number of other concerns surrounding the issue, such as how incidents of domestic abuse within the family will be handled with regards to custody, Japan seems to be poised to make strides toward promoting equal rights for both parents.

Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm believe that both parents should have equal opportunities within the law to see their children. If you’re concerned about your current custody arrangement contact us today to see how we can help defend your rights as a father.

Roland Warren of the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) sat down with CNN to discuss the issue of absent fathers in today’s society.  He connects the lack of a fatherly presence to a number of social issue statics for young adults such as crime, low academic performance, and poverty.  While he explains that public awareness of the problem is important the real deciding factor comes down to fathers making the decision to spend time with their kids.

The National Fatherhood Initiative is not the only one talking about this key issue for today’s youth.  The Administration for Children and Families of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services talks about the importance of a father’s presence to a child’s development as well.  They reference the NFI with an appendix of ten tips to becoming a better father with specific emphasis on time together.  How a father spends his time tells his children what’s important to him. Treasuring your children often means sacrificing other things, but kids grow up quickly. Missed opportunities are lost forever!  Also making the top-ten list were other ways to be involved such as eating dinner with your children or reading to them.  See the full list here.

The National Fatherhood Initiative offers a number of other resources to enhance a man’s skills to become an active father.  These include work family balance, father-child activities, and tips for being a great father.

Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm agree that an active fatherly presence is central to the development and growth of a healthy and happy child.  It is our goal to assist men in becoming happier and more stable fathers for their children.  Contact us today to learn more about how our services help fathers.

According to a recent article by Sports Illustrated, the wife of Brandon Marshall, stabbed him in the abdomen with a kitchen knife, sheriff’s deputies said this past Saturday.

Michi Nogami-Marshall, 26, was arrested Friday evening and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. According to a Broward County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Nogami-Marshall told officers she was defending herself. The Miami Dolphins receiver had told officers he slipped and fell onto a broken glass vase, but the officers noted that evidence at the couple’s home didn’t substantiate that claim.

Nogami-Marshall was released from jail Saturday on $7,500 bail. It was unclear if she had an attorney. The Miami Dolphins receiver has been released from the hospital and is expected to fully recover from his domestic injury.

Marshall married Michi Nogami in Miami last July. They met while both were students at Central Florida. They live in Southwest Ranches, which is near the Dolphins’ complex in Davie.

A year ago last week, Marshall, 27, was traded to the Dolphins by the Denver Broncos for two second-round draft picks. In Denver, he caught at least 100 passes three consecutive years and twice made the Pro Bowl. Yet he wore out his welcome, in part because of a long legal record.

For all his talents on the field, Marshall has had several run-ins with the law and visits to commissioner Roger Goodell’s office to discuss his off-the-field behavior (ESPN). He was suspended for the 2008 opener following a series of domestic disputes involving his girlfriend. According to People Magazine, in March 2009, a fight between the couple, who were engaged at the time, resulted in Marshall’s arrest for misdemeanor battery. Charges were dropped when neither party agreed to testify.

Less than a week after Marshall’s stabbing, today’s news broadcasts that another player has been stabbed in an alleged domestic dispute.

Jason Hunter, former defensive end for the Detroit Lions, is recovering from a stab wound to the left shoulder; his condition is currently unknown. Sources tell Action News that 27-year-old Hunter, who was driven to Detroit Receiving Hospital by someone he knows, said it was his 23-year-old girlfriend who stabbed him this morning. Police also told the Detroit Free Press that Hunter’s girlfriend stabbed him. USA Today reported that a 911 call was placed after 9 a.m. ET but police couldn’t say when the stabbing occurred.

Action News was told that 27-year-old Hunter, who played for the Lions in 2009 and is currently under contract with the Denver Broncos, would not say where the stabbing took place.

Detroit police did take Hunter’s girlfriend into custody and told Action News that she was facing charges including felonious assault. Investigators later said the woman would not be arraigned on the charges because Hunter does not want to pursue the matter.

It’s unclear how these consecutive stabbings will affect the NFL players’ careers. Our best wishes for their speedy recovery.

Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm represent many Husbands and Fathers who have been been emotionally and physically abused by their spouses. We understand the emotional, physical and monetary stresses these events put on the entire family. We are here to help so please contact us should you or someone you know be in an abusive relationship. We can discuss the legal aspect of what you are faced with and how to protect yourself and your children. We can also provide the names of specialized counselors that can work with you and your spouse to prevent future abuse. Click here to email us now.

Phone: (407) 896.2677
Fax: (407) 896.2414

Fathers, Families, Fairness.

USA Today reports on Charlie Sheen’s latest court appearance to address the custody of his two children, Bob and Max Sheen.  Sheen was racing coast-to-coast yesterday, but what exactly happened during Sheen’s day in court yesterday? Although Sheen’s custody hearing was sealed and Judge Goldberg decided to hold the hearing behind closed doors, saying it would be in the “best interest of the children,” details have emerged revealing that L.A. Superior Court Judge Goldberg denied Sheen’s request.

The judge was aware that Mueller had recently relapsed into drug use.  The Baltimore Sun reports that even though the twins’ mother was ordered to take periodic drug tests, she refused last Friday and is said to be back in outpatient rehab. 

To make matters worse, Mueller was recently seen at a pawn shop attempting to sell off a watch and stereo but was denied because she didn’t have a valid id, says pawn shop employee, Jack Feldman. To view the surveillance video, click here.  Why Brooke is in the desperate need of cash is a mystery. Charlie Sheen pays her $55,000 a month in child support. Click here to read more.

Sheen and his attorney planned to argue that Mueller’s latest drug relapse proves that she is currently unfit to care for their kids.  Mueller’s mother, Marie Fiore, is said to be caring for the children, however, TMZ reports that Sheen’s ex-wife, Denise Richards, has offered to let them live with her, informally, until things stabilize.

Judge Goldberg was equally disturbed by Charlie’s past substance abuse and the fact that he bragged about it, sources told TMZ. The judge decided the couple will continue to share custody under the existing agreement. Click here to read the full article.

Jimmy Kimmel weighed in on the issue last night: “I never thought I’d say this, but I think those kids would be better off living with the Octomom.”  Click here to view the last appearance of Sheen on the Jimmy Kimmel Show where he planted a big kiss on an unexpected Kimmel.

A few details also emerged from Sheen’s Warner Bros./Chuck Lorre lawsuit hearing yesterday (which Sheen did not attend). E! reports that lawyers argued Sheen should be able to make his case at a public trial, not private arbitration. But John Spiegel, lawyer for the studio, argued Sheen hadn’t put that in his 2003 contract.

Spiegel said in court that there were “long and protracted” contract talks. Sheen “had a long list of things he wanted.”

Among the things that Sheen wanted and got, according to Spiegel, were $2 million an episode for a guaranteed 48 episodes; a narrowing of his morality clause; use of the corporate jet; a private hair stylist; and a pass from the first day of rehearsals.

The judge has 30 days to make a ruling on whether the case will be hashed out behind closed doors or not.

Attorney Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm are disappointed in the recent allegations and events occurring in this long custody battle case.  We believe that the best interest of the children should always come first and the parents should make it a priority to protect them from the public eye.

The Court has ordered a strict visitation schedule between Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller. Frequent drug and alcohol tests are required of both parents.

Charlie Sheen and ex-wife Brooke Mueller have come to terms in their custody dispute over Bob and Max, their 2-year-old twin sons, with a strict, step-by-step plan.  Click here to read the full article by Us Magazine.

Court documents recently filed in Los Angeles Superior Court (unearthed by TMZ) detail how the former couple — Sheen assaulted her on Christmas Day in 2009, and they’ve both battled drug and alcohol addictions — will share their little boys.

For the first two months, Sheen, 45, gets the boys every other weekend from Saturday morning until Sunday evening. In the next two months after that, Sheen will have his boys every other weekend from Saturday morning through Monday morning. After that? As long as Sheen Mueller stay drug-and-alcohol free, the former Two and a Half Men star gets the twins every other weekend Saturday through Monday morning, plus Wednesday morning through Thursday morning.

Both Sheen and Mueller must submit to random drug testing three times monthly. Both mom and dad are required to have nannies with them at all time in the presence of their kids.

Charlie’s famous “goddesses” are even included in the terms: They’re not allowed to show any public displays of affection toward the twins. In addition, neither Sheen nor Mueller are allowed to be photographed with the boys while with a romantic partner.

Can’t get enough of the latest Charlie Sheen news?

Charlie Sheen – the highest-paid television actor before being fired from the CBS hit show, Two and a Half Men– has been blasted all over the news due to his bizarre spree of outrageous television interviews, nonsensical webcasts and threatening tweets.

Charlie’s twitter account, opened March 1st, has amassed over 2.3 million followers.  Sign up today and you will be treated to messages such as:

• “101 and on the black. 50 cops in my home. they all left. I’m still here. WINNING? 24/7 c”
• “the global inferno that is me, is now as molten and focused as my afterburners.”
• “Torpedo away… You corporate Trolls were warned. And now you’ve been served! c”

 Alec Baldwin had some advice and a warning for fellow actor Charlie Sheen. In a column for The Huffington Post March 13, 2011, Baldwin — like Sheen a star who has faced a bit of controversy — told Sheen, “You can’t win. You can’t.” Sheen, he said, should “Take a nap. Get a shower. Call Chuck [Lorre, the show producer]. Go on Letterman and make an apology. Write a huge check to the B’Nai Brith. And then beg for your job back. Your fans demand it.”  Visit ABC News for full article and pictures.

The lastest news to hit the press is Sheen’s recent tour of insanity – officially known as “My Violent Torpedo of Truth/ Defeat Is Not an Option Tour“ –  not going so well at their first stop in Detroit. 

As Entertainment Weekly reported, the show began with “a crowd that greeted the actor with an adoring standing ovation and concluded with booing and walk-outs. The padded and disjointed show was a hodgepodge of video clips and Sheen-isms that felt hastily assembled and misjudged the patience of even the hardest of hardcore fans.”

Celebrities know how to make a presence and cause a stir inside the courtroom, as well as outside.  Click here to view the top 11 Celebrity Family Feuds.

Attorney Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm firmly believe in making all family law suits as quick and painless as possible.  There are so many emotions and stresses present when going through a divorce, paternity action or modification.  Contact us today should you need personal and professional support through times that are highly emotional, but require calm and reasoned decision-making.