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Conversation With Rebecca Palmer Esq. on Law Changes in Parenting, Paternity and Timesharing
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Features on Us
In an article published on 3/26, Rebecca L. Palmer is featured for her firm’s partnership and community involvement with her colleagues, Jennifer Santana, a paralegal at the Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group, Kathleen Moore, president-elect of Women’s Council of Realtors and account executive of Premier Home Funding, Jeena Sanchez, board president Orlando Regional – Women’s Council of Realtors and Nellie Michelot, president of Serving Out of Love.
“When my 19-year-old daughter, Jessica, was in elementary school, we supported Mending Hearts, a non-profit organization that collects essential items like soap, socks, toothbrushes, and toothpaste,” said Rebecca. “One of my community outreach efforts saw me join other volunteers to hand out slices of pizza to the homeless in downtown Orlando. This grew into a partnership with Wells Fargo and their customers, donating soap and supplies for us to hand out during our community outreach events.”
In an article published on 7/21 in Attorney at Law Magazine, Rebecca Palmer, Cathleen Winter, and Cynthia Winter are featured for being named to the 2022 Super Lawyers List. Rebecca has been honored with this designation for the thirteenth year in a row, while Cathleen and Cynthia are named Rising Stars.
In an article published on 4/13, the firm’s Managing Partner, Rebecca L. Palmer, is featured for her reappointed to the City of Orlando Public Arts Advisory Board by Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group is pleased to announce the addition of administrative specialist Amanda Gonzalez to its talented team of legal professionals. Amanda has over seven years of administrative experience specializing in supporting attorneys and paralegals in all phases of litigation, firm billing, management, scheduling, communication, and family law.
We are pleased to announce the addition of paralegal Jennifer Santana. In an article published on October 5, Jennifer is highlighted for joining the firm. She brings 13 years of experience, specializing in family, criminal, and civil law. She also has extensive experience supporting attorneys in all phases of litigation, from the initial investigation through the appeal.
The Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group is proud to announce the appointment of the firm’s Managing Partner, Rebecca L. Palmer, to the City of Orlando Public Arts Advisory Board. The Public Arts Advisory Board consists of diverse citizens within the community who desire to respond to the growing demand for art in Orlando.
Family Law News
In an article published on 1/17 in Law.com and The Daily Business Review, Rebecca Palmer writes that January is extremely busy for divorce lawyers. After putting on a brave face during the holiday season, many couples enter the new year intending to separate from a union that one or both parties no longer find fulfilling or loving.
Attorney at Law Magazine published an article on 11/28 highlighting Lena Fucile and Stacey Springer’s new roles at Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group. The article focuses on Lena and Stacey’s experience in family law, their legal focus at the firm, and how they will add to the firm’s established reputation of helping clients with family law matters.
In a guest column published on 10/20 by the Daily Business Review, Rebecca Palmer discusses the importance of legal mediation proceedings in conjunction with October’s Annual Mediation Week in Florida. In lieu of engaging in litigation and court trials, mediation offers a way for attorneys and clients to work together toward a resolution that avoids expensive legal proceedings.
In an article published 10/19 by Attorney at Law Magazine, Rebecca Palmer writes about the “Yellowstone” actor’s recent expensive divorce proceedings, and how his now-ex-wife’s attorneys advised that challenging their prenuptial agreement would have been a risky gamble. She also explains what a prenuptial agreement is, how it can be beneficial to a marriage, and what it protects.
In an article published on 10/13 by Law.com, Rebecca Palmer advises that, in the wake of a divorce, you should review the privacy settings for cryptocurrency accounts as well as any other shared digital assets that may have accrued throughout the marriage. With October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an honest conversation with your ex-spouse about the proper security of these various online accounts is crucial.
Law.com published an article 9/7 written by Rebecca Palmer. In her article, Palmer writes that the mountains of documents used in a divorce might feel overwhelming, which is why ensuring your legal interests are adequately represented is key.
Rebecca Palmer published a guest column advising that divorced parents of school-age children should equitably divide up their kids’ educational expenses. While Florida law does not dictate that parents must pay for their children’s education, it says they must “support” their children through to their 18th birthday.
The Daily Business Review published an article on 7/12, detailing the end of permanent alimony in Florida and what it means for people involved in divorces, past or present. The piece outlines alimony payment structuring under the new bill and explains the bill’s effect on existing alimony payments.
In an article published on 5/25, Rebecca Palmer and John Dorris discuss the effect of alimony reform on LGBTQ+ marriages. The Op-Ed focuses on the changes to the existing permanent alimony laws and how long-term marriage laws impact the issue.
Rebecca Palmer authored an article published in Attorney at Law Magazine on 5/26. Her column details the ins and outs of the legal discovery process initiated by a lawyer long before the divorce proceeding starts.
In an article published on 5/25, Rebecca Palmer and John Dorris discuss the effect of alimony reform on LGBTQ+ marriages. The Op-Ed focuses on the changes to the existing permanent alimony laws and how long-term marriage laws impact the issue.
John Dorris and the firm were highlighted in an article published in Attorney at Law Magazine on 6/9. The article celebrates John’s esteemed recognition from the Florida Supreme Court due to his pro bono services in the community, his volunteer mediation services, and the firm’s robust legal services.
Our Founder and Managing Partner, Rebecca Palmer, published an article on 3/14 regarding navigating filing for taxes while going through a divorce. Rebecca details the importance of timing, how to claim your dependents, assess your assets, and successfully work with your ex-spouse to ensure the process runs smoothly and seamlessly.
In an article published on 6/21, Rebecca L. Palmer details how parents can adapt to co-parenting life during the summer after a divorce. She goes over various topics such as work-life balance, childcare, summer activities, financial decisions, and schedules that fit both parents.
Playing the blame game through a drastic emotional and financially disruptive change only exacerbates the animosity during divorce proceedings, delays the process, and prevents either party from moving on with their lives. In an article published in Attorney at Law Magazine, Rebecca Palmer details how choosing a ‘No-Fault’ divorce can alleviate the stress of a traditional divorce and allow both parties to put a traumatic emotional experience behind them.
Disagreements over vaccinations have ramped up thanks to Covid-19. In a guest column published on September 14 by Rebecca Palmer, she discusses joint-custody agreements and considerations for the welfare of children.
Rebecca Palmer is featured in Attorney at Law Magazine discussing the recent Jolie-Pitt joint custody ruling. This high-profile case has put a spotlight on children testifying in court during a custody battle. Rebecca talks about the importance of attorneys protecting the best interests of the child during a custody battle because they often need an impartial advocate to ensure the court is presented with an accurate and unbiased picture of the entire situation when ruling on custody cases.
Cryptocurrencies are becoming more mainstream, but there is a rise in people using these currencies as a shelter for assets they do not want to disclose. In an article published on June 15, Rebecca writes that “approximately 41% of all U.S. adults who combine finances with a spouse admit to some degree of financial deception, according to The National Endowment for Financial Education.”
Recently, Bill and Melinda Gates made headlines as they filed for divorce after 27 years of marriage. As one of the founders of Microsoft, Bill Gate’s net worth is estimated to be $130 billion, and many are curious about the division of assets and what we can learn from this. After all, the Bezos and Scott divorce resulted in a $137 billion fortune being divided up in 2019, with Scott receiving an Amazon stake valued at $38 billion.
Back-to-school is an excellent time to review your parenting plan. In an article published in Parenting Special Needs Magazine on 9/15, Rebecca details how to balance schedules, handle financial obstacles, overcome challenges, and reassess logistical hurdles with an ex-spouse concerning parenting plans.
The Florida Legislature recently passed SB 1796, a controversial bill that changes how alimony is implemented and finalized. It is currently sitting on the governor’s desk — waiting to be signed or vetoed.
“I want a divorce” are difficult words to say. Reaching this point can be especially difficult when the welfare of children comes into play, and even more so for parents with a special needs child. The issues of child custody, visitation, spousal support, and property division are significantly more complex to negotiate. As part of your divorce proceeding, you will want to make sure that you consider what the “day in the life” of caring for your child looks like and who will be the primary caregiver. You will also need to consider what support your child will require throughout their life, depending on their capacity for independent living and income.
In a marriage, a lot of time is spent making decisions together. What car should we buy? Where should we live? Should we have kids? What color should we paint the living room? At the time, they seem like significant decisions, and more times than not, one partner makes a compromise. Rebecca Palmer writes that divorce can deliver much-needed clarity about what matters in life, even though it’s complicated.
In an article published on 3/23 in General Counsel News, Rebecca Palmer talks about the division of real estate assets. She highlights a new case, W.S. H. v V. I. P, which recently saw a non-precedential decision that ordered the defendant to sell a vacation home to pay arrears. The defendant failed to pay the plaintiff alimony and equitable distribution for several years and ultimately lost an expensive asset as a result.
Pop-up divorce courts are becoming more and more popular as we progress into 2022. These temporary spaces offer quick access to unique retail opportunities and experiences. Now, pop-ups are making space in the judicial system for litigation such as divorce courts and other minor cases. In an article published in Attorney at Law Magazine on 1/25, Rebecca Palmer details the advantages of pop-up divorce courts and how their increased usage could be a relief valve on a justice system that has become overloaded and consistently delayed.
“Supporting your child, regardless of age, is seen as a parental duty, but under Florida law, there is no legal obligation for a parent to pay for college tuition or support a child after the age of eighteen or high school graduation,” writes Rebecca. “The Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause prohibits the courts from ordering a specific spouse to do so and can leave a family in a difficult situation as their child hits college age.”
In a guest column published on 12/22, Rebecca Palmer discusses the importance of putting together a joint plan for a child’s education. Rebecca explains this step is just as critical as planning for the division of assets, spousal support, and custody.
In an article published on 11/16, Rebecca Palmer discusses higher education tuition costs being split between divorced parents.
National News
Many people are in a state of disbelief in Florida and across the country with the Supreme Court’s controversial ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade. Emotions have run high on both sides, whether you support the right to choose or the right to life. The overruling of Roe v. Wade now gives states the ability to make their own laws about abortion, unobstructed by federal law. Currently, abortion is legal in 35 states and soon will be illegal in 16. Florida does not have a “trigger law” that would put an abortion ban into effect immediately with this ruling, but the Florida Governor signed a bill in April of this year that will make it illegal for a physician to perform an abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, reducing it from 24-weeks.
Rebecca Palmer lends her voice in opposition to HB 1395 in her latest guest column. She says that if House Bill 1395 passes, it will be a catastrophic failure in protecting children. “The provision would create a presumption that a 50/50 timesharing custodial schedule would be in the best interest of minor children,” writes Rebecca. “Shared parental responsibility is the idea that both parents are equally involved in making decisions on behalf of their child, which cannot be split into equal parts. This provision can also endanger a child’s welfare in the event of an addicted, abusive, or absentee parent.”
Disagreements over vaccinations have ramped up thanks to Covid-19. In a guest column published on September 14 by Rebecca Palmer, she discusses joint-custody agreements and considerations for the welfare of children.
Disagreements over vaccinations have ramped up thanks to Covid-19. In a guest column published on September 14 by Rebecca Palmer, she discusses joint-custody agreements and considerations for the welfare of children.
Rebecca Palmer is featured in Attorney at Law Magazine discussing the recent Jolie-Pitt joint custody ruling. This high-profile case has put a spotlight on children testifying in court during a custody battle. Rebecca talks about the importance of attorneys protecting the best interests of the child during a custody battle because they often need an impartial advocate to ensure the court is presented with an accurate and unbiased picture of the entire situation when ruling on custody cases.
Since the pandemic, there has been a massive surge in pet ownership and adoption, but not all states have the same laws around pets and divorce. For instance, Alaska, California, and Illinois are among states that have enacted laws giving judges leeway to consider pets’ best interest, not unlike what they do for children. A bill is pending in New York state to take the same approach. Yet Florida looks at pets as personal property. There is a need for changes in laws explicitly addressing the interests of pets. Rebecca Palmer talks with Good Day Orlando on 7/5/2021 about this and the legal considerations for a pet prenup.
Other News
The Orlando Sentinel published an article by Rebecca Palmer on 12/19, focusing on mitigating stress during the holiday season and prioritizing mental well-being and physical health.
The Daily Business Review published an article on 8/24, written by Rebecca Palmer. In the article, she discusses the ways in which AI has helped people with everyday tasks and in business, how it can improve efficiency, and the situations where it is not beneficial or even harmful to use.
In an article published in the Orlando Sentinel, Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group Attorney John B. Dorris and Managing Partner Rebecca L. Palmer advise divorced or separated parents of school-age children to revisit their time-sharing agreements as a new school year starts. Minor alterations are often made to such agreements despite language specifying that such changes must be in writing. This might lead to stress for the children as they return to school—and potentially come with hefty legal costs.
In an article published on 6/21, Rebecca Palmer discusses the importance paid family leave has on work life and relationships. In the article, she examines the history of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the evidence that family leave decreases divorce rates, and the positive impact family leave packages have on recruitment, retention, and divorce rates.
Mental health is an escalating concern amongst Americans, and the pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues worldwide. According to a recent Gallup study, mental health is far worse than it has been at any point in the last two decades. It continues to disrupt people’s lives and wreak havoc on their relationships and careers. Considering the upcoming ABA Lawyer Well-Being Week, which is held in May 2021, I wanted to address some issues that I have seen and let my readers know they are not alone. I also want to offer a message of hope and provide some advice from a renowned mental health counselor I spent some time interviewing so we can all address mental health together.
As 2022 approaches, many couples find themselves questioning their relationships. In an article published on 12/17, Rebecca Palmer writes, ”in my law practice, it is common to see an increase of divorce filings spike after the holidays. Many couples decide to hold off on announcing their breakup until after family obligations, so most filings are submitted from January through March.”
Chief Justice Charles T. Canady of the Supreme Court of Florida has proclaimed Mediation Week during October 17 – 23. Building on the Chief Justice’s best wishes for those observing Mediation Week, Rebecca Palmer published an article discussing the many benefits of mediation on 10/20.