Orange County, Florida Family Law Attorney
At the Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq., we work for the best possible results in every family law case. For families who wish to keep an uncontested divorce out of the courtroom, attorney Maximilian Smith provides evenhanded mediation, working out positive solutions that can allow both parties to move on. For clients who wish to take their case to court, Maximilian Smith, Esq. is a skilled litigator, who will fight vigorously to protect their interests. For a free initial consultation, contact a family law attorney from the Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq. today.
Divorce
At the Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq., our skilled legal team works to resolve divorce cases, pushing for fair and equitable settlements for our clients. In Florida, very few people will find themselves eligible to receive permanent alimony; rehabilitative alimony tends to be the rule, not the exception. When a divorcing couple has been married fewer than 10 years, neither party is eligible for alimony. This fact makes a fair calculation of the settlement amount even more important.
Child Custody and Fathers' Rights
Unlike some states, Florida law does not presume that a mother is automatically the best caregiver for a child. Florida courts review a multitude of factors before making binding decisions on custody; these may include the stability of a home, a parent's employment status, and even the willingness of one parent to provide visitation to the other parent.
At the Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq., we encourage fathers to assert their parental rights, asking for shared or rotating custody. Fathers should never feel forced to surrender their important role in raising their children. If you are served with a child support contempt order, you need to understand that this is a serious issue, and attorney Maximilian Smith can help explain what the consequences of this type of order are, and what course of action you can take.
Paternity/Non-paternity
Because a birth certificate is refutable in court, it cannot stand alone as evidence of paternity. There is a limited time to contest paternity. If a father wishes to assert his rights, and petition for joint custody or visitation rights, a court can grant an unmarried father full parental rights through an official paternity hearing. Conversely, if a person wishes to dispute the statement of a birth certificate, our legal team can assist in determining non-paternity, cancelling a person's legal liability to pay child support for a child they did not father. Department of Revenue determinations of paternity are not adjudications of paternity, which is something that can only be done by a Circuit Judge. When you are served with child support papers from Department of Revenue, if you file your own petition for paternity in circuit court, the Department of Revenue may drop their case. If you have questions on these matters, contact attorney Maximilian Smith, Esq.
Domestic Violence
An injunction for protection against domestic violence is a civil matter, however the ramifications of a petition are many and may be long-lasting:
- Your right to carry firearms
- Revocation of your license to carry a firearm
- An order becomes part of a permanent court record
Unrepresented parties may not have great success obtaining or defending potential injunctions, and an attorney can explain what needs to be done, and what your chances are. Violations of orders for protection can be punished by jail time and possible criminal charges, so it is always best to deal with the situation before the order is granted.
For experienced representation in these and nearly all matters of family law, contact a family law lawyer from the Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq. for a free initial consultation.
At the Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq., Winter Park, Florida, we practice criminal defense, family law, and probate. We serve clients from Orlando, Pine Hills, Fairview Shores, Lockhart, Eatonville, Maitland, Fern Park, Altamonte Springs, Jamestown, Goldenrod, Aloma, Union Park, Azalea Park, Casselberry, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and Longwood. Our legal team practices in Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Lake County, and Volusia County.
Free Initial Consultations
Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq.
2431 Aloma Avenue, Suite 120
Winter Park, Florida (FL) 32792
Phone 407-677-4644
Fax 407-249-5791
Email
Map to My Office
All calls are personally returned by an attorney.
Printer Friendly View
Add To Favorites
Send To A Friend
