All monies raised from this annual booster drive will benefit the Death & Disability Fund for the families of officers injured or killed in the line of duty.

The Orange County Fraternal Order of Police has over 2,000 full-time members, including police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and other law enforcement officers who not only dedicate their lives to keeping our cities safe, but they strive to build a stronger community within our city borders. Each year, members of our local law enforcement participate in numerous community events and fundraisers, including:

• Sponsorship of several Boy Scout, Cub Scout, and Girl Scout packs within the county.
• Various youth soccer, baseball, softball and football team sponsorships.
• Orange County Adopt-A-Phone for Victims of Domestic Violence and Stalking.
• Financial assistance to needy persons and victims of crime throughout Orange County.
• Support for the Easter Seal Center in Orange County.
• Holiday presents for under-privilege children through the “Shop with a Cop” Program.

Managing Attorney, Jeffrey  Feulner, and the staff at the Men’s Divorce Law Firm urge you to contribute in any way possible to the Fraternal Order of Police 2010 Booster Drive. Giving back to the community allows for a safer and more united community.

Click here to learn more about how you can help!

One entity that has not punished or depersonalized Woods, however, is the United States law. As a loving parent of two children, Woods retains the natural rights of a father and will share legal custody of the children. Nordegren will maintain physical custody of the children with Woods being allowed flexible visitation rights, accommodating his schedule as a professional athlete. Woods is able to re-negotiate these terms in five years.

Both Woods and Nordegren were required to take a parenting course, which they respectively completed in July and August of this year. They issued the following joint statement highlighting the importance of their children’s well-being:

“We are sad that our marriage is over and we wish each other the very best for the future. While we are no longer married, we are the parents of two wonderful children and their happiness has been, and will always be, of paramount importance to both of us. Once we came to the decision that our marriage was at an end, the primary focus of our amicable discussions has been to ensure their future well-being. The weeks and months ahead will not be easy for them as we adjust to a new family situation, which is why our privacy must be a principal concern.”

Although it was rumored that Nordegren was looking at a $750 million divorce settlement, the finalized divorce left the Swedish model with $100 million as well as an agreement for monthly child support. At Nordegren’s request, Woods is not allowed to expose their children to any female companions outside of the family “unless he is married to said person.”

Fortunate for Woods, Nordegren finally agreed to sign Woods’ Lifetime Confidentially Clause, which prohibits her from ever publicly speaking about anything relating to her relationship with Woods.

Fathers, Families, Fairness.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm strongly believes in the importance of maintaining an active role in the Central Florida community and showing support for local organizations.

“Our firm is focused on representing husbands and fathers and when we are involved in the arts we are doing something productive,” said Managing Attorney, Jeffrey Feulner. “We’re an example to men who come through our office who may not have the exposure to the arts.”

Since its establishment seven years ago, the Men’s Divorce Law Firm has shown its support for numerous local organizations, such as:

• Orlando Ballet
• Guys With Ties Philanthropy
• Harbor House of Central Florida
• Track Shack
• Florida’s Blood Centers
• Parramore Kidz Zone
• Arthur Jackson Midnight Basketball of Florida and The Center for Drug-Free Living
• Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
• Special Olympics Florida
• AIDS Walk Orlando 2010
• YMCA Scholarship Fund
• Best Buddies
• Lighthouse Central Florida
• Orange County Police Department – Fraternal Order of Police Lodge

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm encourages all of our readers to visit one of the above charitable organizations to see how you may assist and give back to our community!

Managing Attorney, Jeffrey Feulner, started the Men’s Divorce Law Firm seven years ago.  His 14 employees are all women. He says that didn’t happen by design: When he fills a job he looks for a certain type of person — family-first employees who are eager to volunteer in the community. 

Since the beginning of the year, The Men’s Divorce Law Firm staff has participated in numerous community events.

On July 24, the Men’s Divorce Law Firm proudly sponsored the local philanthropic organization Guys With Ties in their 5^th annual “White Party.”  Guys With Ties raises money for local charities that focus on special needs of the Central Florida community.  This particular event was also sponsored by The Fatone Family Foundation and a total of $10,500 was raised for the organization, My Healing Harmony. 

On June 12, Harbor House of Central Florida hosted the 2010 Princess Ball benefitting their organization.  The event invited fathers to bring their daughters out for a special evening of dining, dancing, and carriage rides.  Harbor House of Central Florida provides safe shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, emotional support, and legal advocacy for domestic violence survivors and their children.  The goal of Harbor House is to eliminate domestic violence by providing safety, shelter, empowerment, and education to victims.  The Men’s Divorce Law Firm was happy to support this event because it not only supported a great cause, but it also encouraged fathers to spend a special night with their daughters.

On April 15, The Men’s Divorce Law Firm participated in the Annual Orlando Corporate 5K.  The race beneficiaries included: Track Shack, a non-profit promoting health, fitness, and youth athletics, and Parramore Kidz Zone, a local program whose mission is to turn Orlando into a healthy place for children.  The event included a Canned Food Drive sponsored by the Christian Service Center. 

On Saturday, March 20, several members of the Men’s Divorce Law Firm participated in the Inland Volleyball Club 5K at Timber Creek High School.  Proceeds from the event went towards players from the Inland Volleyball Club who receive financial assistance for tuition.  This included players who participate in the club, summer camps and clinics. 

Members of the Men’s Divorce Law Firm visited the 51^st Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival on March 19^th.  The festival ran from March 19^th to March 21^st and showcased over 200 artists from a variety of specialties.  The firm was especially excited to see one of this year’s featured emerging artists, Richard Auger.  Richard was the photographer at the firm’s Holiday Hangover Party in January, and the staff enjoyed seeing his other work at the festival.

On March 6, over 800 people (including Men’s Divorce Law Firm staff members) came out to support the community by participating in the 2nd Annual Fiddler’s Green 5K.  The money raised from the event went to Special Olympics Florida and the YMCA Scholarship Fund. 

On March 2, members of the firm were in attendance at Best Buddies latest Central Florida event, which raised money to further the non-profit organization’s current and future projects.  Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The Men’s Divorce Law Firm strongly believes in community service and takes pride in knowing that its support and contributions help to positively affect others. 

On February 20, three staff members from The Men’s Divorce Law Firm participated in the 23^rd Annual Sight and Sole walk benefitting Lighthouse Central Florida.  The organization helps local citizens with impaired vision. Lighthouse invited participants to complete the walk blindfolded to really experience what life is like for the organization’s beneficiaries.  Natalie Ramirez, the firm’s Client Relations Manager, agreed to be blindfolded and was guided by a legal assistant, Jennifer Bunting, through the walk.

On February 19, the Orange County Convention Center opened its doors to greet Central Florida’s Latin community with a special fund raising event, appropriately named Bailamos (Let’s Dance).  The Latin inspired show was sprinkled with many talented local and national dancers such as Katia Garza, Daniel Benavides, Chiaki Yasukawa, Patric Palkens and the nationally acclaimed former Orlando Ballet star, Israel Rodriguez.  The Men’s Divorce Law Firm is a proud sponsor of the arts, especially the Orlando Ballet.  Members of the firm were in attendance and were pleased to have been part of such a unique cultural event.

Managing Attorney, Jeffrey Feulner, and his legal staff are proud to accept such an important title of being one of the top companies to work for in Central Florida.

Watching their parents, children develop a unique perception of marriage and the various roles and traditions in a relationship.  All Pro Dad addresses the importance of understanding your child’s interpretation of marriage and how to effectively lead them into healthy and lasting relationships.

All Pro Dad questioned various kids on their thoughts of marriage and relationships. Here are some classic responses these young minds came up with: 

How do you decide whom to marry? You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.  — Alan, age 10

How can a stranger tell if two people are married? You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.  — Derrick, age 8

What do you think your mom and dad have in common?  Both don’t want any more kids. — Lori, age 8

When is it okay to kiss someone?  When they’re rich. — Pam, age 7

How would you make a marriage work?  Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck. — Ricky, age 10

So what do your kids think about your marriage?  If you think you need to do a better job portraying what a marriage should be, the first step is to model a healthy relationship. Click here for ten ways fathers model healthy relationships for their children.

Also, for more great kid quotes, here’s a classic video clip from Kids Say the Darndest Things.

Huddle up with your kids tonight and ask them:  On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your mother’s and my marriage.  Why do you say that? 

To read the original article by All Pro Dad, click here.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm believes in the importance of being an involved parent with your children. In order for children to grow to have successful lives as adults, they need to feel security and love from their parents.  Talk with your children, make time from them and always be there to listen. 

Fathers, Families, Fairness.

Sandra Russell, a high profile divorce lawyer in the United Kingdom, explains in her article, ”The Male Menopause and Adultery - Do You Need a Doctor or a Lawyer,” that many women in their late 40’s are turning to her for assistance in a divorce out of a long-term marriage.  Attorney Russell refers to these women as casualties of the male menopause, ”When he starts going to the gym after years of taking no exercise or starts dyeing his gray hairs you might want to take notice.  If could be an attempt to make himself more appealing to the opposite sex in an effort to try and recapture his youthful vigor.”  She goes on to explain her theory’s antidote, “Picking up on the early signs of your husband’s problems can give you an opportunity to support him and to address them within the relationship.”  If your husband wants to take up a new sport or engage in a new hobby, Attorney Russell encourages you to be as supportive as possible and understand that he is going through both physical and psychological changes.  She also doesn’t think this to be a one gender problem, “Let’s not kid ourselves that this type of behavior is exclusive to middle aged men; plenty of women go down the same path in an attempt to fight off the aging process and recapture their youth.” 

According to Men’s Health Forum, some doctors and psychologists who believe the mid-life crisis is a genuine condition have identified a wide range of symptoms. Frequently reported problems include:

• Irritability
• Loss of libido (sex drive)
• Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• Fatigue
• Depression, characterized by low moods and (often apparently unaccountable) feelings of sadness and lethargy. At least one study has suggested that those undergoing mid-life difficulties may be distinguished from other men affected by depression by their sense of urgency. Such men are driven to keep on being active, sometimes even more active than they were before the crisis.

Some men may also be affected by:

• Stiffness in the muscles and joints
• Night sweats
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Weight gain
• A loss of ability to recover quickly from injuries

Several of these symptoms, occurring together, might understandably provoke a sense of crisis in a man.

CNN Health answers the question many men might have:  To treat or not to treat?  The FDA first approved testosterone treatments for men with very low levels of testosterone caused by specific medical problems, such as testicular cancer. Studies over the years have concluded that testosterone therapy is effective for these — typically younger — men, but the value of treating men with age-related testosterone loss is still uncertain. The few studies that have been conducted in older men have yielded mixed results about the benefits and risks of this treatment.

That hasn’t stopped older men from wanting to be treated — or doctors from treating them. A man with very low testosterone and numerous symptoms — he’s lost his libido, can’t have sex, is tired all the time, and has no strength — fits the bill for treatment regardless of age, says Matsumoto.

Attorney Russell offers one last bit of advice to women who might be supporting their husband through his male menopause, “At the end of the day, it is likely to be cheaper for him to buy that sports car, with you in the passenger seat of course, then to pay out for a costly divorce settlement.” 

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm

All Pro Dad has recently launched a billboard campaign to provide tips on family-oriented subjects such as ways to spend time with your kids or how to monitor their iPods. We would like to share All Pro Dad’s tips on how to effectively communicate with your teenager. 

Creating and maintaining an open and honest relationship with your teenager is all about communication.  All Pro Dad shares, “Communication is about the art of establishing common ground, a purposeful activity that involves balance, giving and receiving, talking and listening, receptivity and an open heart.” In other words, do not talk to your teen, talk with your teen. At times, you may not agree or even understand where your teenager is coming from, but the important thing is to keep that line of communication open at all times. 

There are many different activities to engage your teen and assist in fostering an open and honest relationship:

1. Schedule regular family mealtimes:  Communication is an art form that requires skills, modeling, practice, regularity and a predictable context. Schedule family dinners together a minimum of 3 times a week. No TV, no phones, no computers, no iPods (get the picture?). Come prepared with “conversation-starter” questions. Make sure your questions are “open-ended.” Model active listening. This is not the time to judge. Be prepared to converse about what interests your teens. Do not judge content. This is about communication, not your agenda!
2. Get busy and be productive with your teen:  Work on the car together and – while you’re at it – ask open-ended questions, then listen. Let your teen drive you places – while you listen. Teach them all you know about woodwork and teach them how to cook – and meanwhile keep your ears open. Take a road trip to your hometown – all the time sharing your stories.  Ask for help with something your teen is good at – then graciously let them take the lead.
3. Take your teen out on a date:  This is hugely valuable on many levels. A date is an opportunity to be generous, to show interest in what’s important to your teen, and to give the gift of uninterrupted time. Take your son or daughter to dinner and then do something fun you know they’ll enjoy. Teens often believe parents have no interest in their lives. This is a chance to set the record straight. But be sure the date is uninterrupted. Turn your phone off and listen with your eyes as well as your ears.  And remember, knowing your teen is far more important than trying to change them. The bottom line here is about understanding what it means to communicate. If you give any hint that you don’t really want to know, then your teen certainly won’t tell you. So listen already, and listen respectfully. You just might get to know your teen after all.

To read the original article by All Pro Dad, click here.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm believes in the importance of being an involved parent with your children. In order for children to grow to have successful lives as adults, they need to feel security and love from their parents.  Talk with your children, make time from them and always be there to listen. 

Fathers, Families, Fairness.

New parents, Blake Sinnett and Erika Johnson, of Independence, Missouri were forced to hand over their newborn daughter, Mikaela, to the Department of Social Services on May 23, 2010.  Their parental rights were not taken because of drug or alcohol abuse, accusations of physical abuse, or even a record of being incapable of caring for their child.  Their child was simply taken away because the couple is blind.

The complaint that initiated social services to quickly begin the process of “protecting” the newborn was instigated by Johnson’s lactation nurse.  Like all new mothers, Johnson had difficulty during her first nursing session with Mikaela.  News-Leader.com reports, “The nurse noticed that Mikaela’s nostrils were covered by Johnson’s breast.  Johnson felt that something was wrong and switched her baby to her other side, but not before Mikaela turned blue.”  Due to this observation, the nurse opined, “the child is without proper custody, support or care due to both parents being blind and they do not have specialized training to assist them.”

57 days went by and the parents were only allowed to see their child 2-3 hours a week with the supervision of a foster parent.  Even then, they were not permitted to hold Mikaela, “all we could do was touch her arm or leg.”  She went on to inform, “Disability does not equal inability.”

The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri stepped in and notified other associations for the blind to rally in protest of the thinly veiled discrimination that was underway.   Johnson admitted, ”I needed help as a new parent, not as a blind parent.”

The state is dismissing their case and Mikaela has been returned to her parents.  Sinnett and Johnson’s attorney states, “Every minute that has passed that this family wasn’t together is a tragedy.  A legal tragedy and a moral one, too.”

Click here to view the original article.

The Men’s Divorce Law Firm aggressively fights for the ongoing protection and preservation of Father’s rights because we believe that contact with both parents is in the child’s best interest.  Managing Attorney, Jeffrey Feulner, recently was able to gain custody for a blind father and his children.  We strongly disagree with discrimination and withholding contact from the child’s parents.  If you or someone you know has their parental rights being threatened, please contact us to discuss all options available. 

You may not have heard about some of the advanced technology available for the vision impaired, but to give you an idea, here are some of our favorites for parents:

• Talking Technology:  Thermometers that speak your temperature; Microwaves and Kitchen Appliances; Weight Scales, Clocks and more.
• Document Scanner:  A scanner and speech reading software that allows a document to be scanned and then read back to you.  Helps with homework, notes from healthcare professionals, teachers, etc.
• Downloadable Braille:  Parents can download children’s books into Braille format so that they can read while their child follows along in the book.
• Sneaker Squeakers:  A device that can be secured to children’s shoes so parents know where they are at all times.
• Braille Board Games:  Checkers, Chess, Scrabble, Monopoly, Connect Four, etc.

A young woman shares an intimate portrait of how being raised by her blind parents has made her world even more compassionate, beautiful and rewarding because of her parents’ disability.  To read, ‘I’d like to have seen you,’ my mother says, ‘but it’s not as important as people think,” click here.

Managing Attorney, Jeffrey Feulner, started the Men’s Divorce Law Firm seven years ago.  His 14 employees are all women. He says that didn’t happen by design: When he fills a job he looks for a certain type of person — family-first employees who are eager to volunteer in the community.  “I feel like it’s really important to create an environment, a culture, where the primary focus is on the individual and their family life as opposed to the product we’re creating,” Feulner says.  He goes on to admit that “there are ways that I could personally be more profitable as the lone shareholder of the firm, but I feel a great responsibility to my employees.”

Click here to read the featured article written by Art Levy at Florida Trend Magazine. 

Straight from the Men’s Divorce Law Firm Staff!!!

Case Manager, Adriana Ruiz:  “I love my job because I get to work with amazing people in an excellent working environment led by an amazing boss.  What more can I ask for?”

Paralegal, Jaime James:  “The thing I love most about my job is the ability to remote access and work from home when needed.  It makes it easier to be both a single mother and a successful career woman.” 

Legal Assistant, Veronica Diaz:  “Attorney Feulner really takes care of his staff.  He always makes sure we have what we need to do our job and let’s not forget the snacks and food in the break room he provides.  In our service field, it’s amazing what those cookies and candies will do after a long day!” 

Paralegal, Jennifer Bunting:  “Each day when I come to work, I feel like I am really making a difference in our clients’ lives.  I love what our firm stands for and the continuous efforts we all make to bring fairness to Husbands and Fathers.     

Client Relations Manager, Natalie Ramirez:  “I love the fact that Attorney Feulner does not limit an employee’s contributions merely to their job title.  In the Men’s Divorce Law Firm, your role is as big as you would like to make it and there is so much room for growth and opportunity.  I am very proud to be an employee of such an understanding and goal-oriented company.”  

Case Manager, Kelly Hill:  “It is so refreshing to be working for such a family-friendly law firm.  Unlike many other firms, I always know that I can bring my daughter into work if an emergency arises.” 

Juris Doctor, Jean Moses:  “We provide a very specific and focused service and we know exactly what our mission is.  It’s not a piecemeal law firm; we are here to advocate for Husbands and Fathers.” 

Associate Attorney, Amber Hill: ”Attorney Feulner fosters a very flexible working environment and I love that our legal team will stay as late as needed to get the job done.”

Receptionist, Shannon Purcell:  “I really enjoy the friendliness of the staff and the ambiance of our working environment.”

The changes apply to all alimony awards entered on or after July 1, 2010.  The new law cannot be used as the basis for a modification of an alimony award determined before July 1 of this year.  The changes bring some clarity to what has long been a vague area of family law.  The law affords Judges additional guidance in making alimony award determinations and actually provide some bright line rules.  The first step is still a factual determination as to the financial status of the couple involved, focusing on the party’s need for alimony and the other’s party’s ability to pay alimony.

Prior to the recent changes, a court had the authority to consider a number of factors as it determined whether alimony should be granted, and if so, in what amount. Those factors included:

a)    The standard of living enjoyed by the couple;

b)    The duration of the marriage;

c)    Age and physical and mental condition of the parties;

d)    The financial resources of each party;

e)    Earning capacity, as well as education, skills and employability of the parties;

f)     Contributions by the parties to the marriage;

g)    Any other factors the court determines are relevant to an equitable alimony arrangement.

Under the new statute, there are now three additional factors for a judge to consider when making an alimony award in Florida:

a)    The responsibilities each party will have with regard to any minor children they have in common.

b)    The tax treatment and consequences to both parties of any alimony award, including the designation of all or a portion of the payment as a nontaxable, nondeductible payment.

c)    All sources of income available to either party, including income available to either party through investments of any asset held by that party.

Under the new alimony statute, marriages are divided into three categories of duration and more concrete time frames are provided for categorizing a marriage’s duration. The new law lengthens the amount of time the marriage must last before permanent alimony becomes a strong claim.

a)    Short-term: less than seven years of marriage;

b)    Moderate: between seven and 17 years;

c)    Long-term: more than 17 years of marriage.

The newly revised Florida Statute §61.08 divides alimony into the following categories. 

a)    Bridge-the-gap alimony

Bridge-the-gap alimony provides support to allow a party to transition from marriage to single life, helping with short-term financial needs. This form of alimony cannot exceed two years. Bridge the Gap Alimony cannot be modified after it is awarded. In other words the court cannot increase the amount, nor can they lengthen the period to be paid.

b)    Rehabilitative alimony

Rehabilitative alimony is to help a party become self-supporting by redeveloping previous skills or acquiring new skills through education or training. For example, this type of alimony is intended to allow an individual to return to school for a new career, improve job skills, or take a refresher course. The underlying purpose is to increase or establish the income of a non-working spouse or a spouse that does not earn enough to be self-sufficient.

The new law creates the requirement of rehabilitative alimony that there be a written rehabilitation plan. For example, a plan can consist of a budget for a college degree along with necessary living expenses.

c)    Durational alimony

The new alimony statute created Durational Alimony. This is a short-term alimony award that would be appropriate if none of the other categories are suitable. The new statute suggests that Moderate Term marriages of between 7 and 17 years would be appropriate for Durational Alimony. This form of alimony is paid for a court-determined length of time not to exceed the length of the marriage itself. A durational award may be later modified in amount but not in length.

d)    Permanent

Permanent alimony may be awarded to provide for the needs and necessities of life as they were established during the marriage for the party who lacks the financial ability to meet his or her own needs following a divorce.

Permanent alimony will  most likely be awarded only if following a marriage of long duration.  Permanent alimony may be awarded following a marriage of moderate duration if such an award is appropriate under the aforementioned factors. A permanent alimony award is only appropriate after a marriage of short duration if there are exceptional circumstances.

Contact the Men’s Divorce Law Firm today should you wish to discuss your unique case that may involve an award of alimony.

Fathers, Families, Fairness.