October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence is all about control over victims. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, it is a sign that your partner is trying to control you: Does your spouse or partner keep you away from your friends and family? Does your spouse or partner control all the money and keep the […]
A Book for Parents of Special Needs Children
There was an excellent article in the NAELA News JUL/AUG/SEPT 2021 titled “Book Reviews by Karen Mariscal, Esquire, Part 1: So, What Brings You Here?” This article was a survey of books that illuminate the parenting journey of special needs children. In the article, the author discusses parenting a special needs child. She states that […]
Considerations on Being a Personal Representative in an Orlando, Florida Probate Estate Administration
When you consider becoming a personal representative in a probate state administration, you should first meet with an attorney about representing you and filing the Probate Administration paperwork. At the initial consultation, the attorney will explain the process of probating an estate in the Orlando, Florida area. They will determine whether you can file a Summary Administration […]
Can an Illegitimate Child or Child Born Out of Wedlock Inherit from Their Biological Father in the Orlando, Florida Area?
Whether an Illegitimate Child or Child Born Out of Wedlock can inherit from their Biological Father depends on many factors. The first question to ask is whether the Biological Father died Testate or Intestate. Testate means the Biological Father had a will. Intestate means the Biological Father died without a will. Of course, if there is a […]
What’s New in Marital & Family Law in the Orlando, Florida Area?
On January 1, 2021, a series of family law changes became effective. Depending on your situation, these changes may help you with your case by enabling you to obtain more information from the opposing party. Here are some of those changes: Mandatory Disclosure There were changes to Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285, the […]
What Type of Coercion is Necessary to Throw Out a Prenup in the Orlando, Florida Area?
In Bates v Bates, 46 Florida Law Weekly D287 (Fla. 3rd DCA 2021), the appellate court found that the trial court did not err in finding a premarital agreement invalid as product of coercion upon concluding that wife was coerced by her husband into signing an agreement. There were time pressure aspects, such as the […]
Can an Adult Be Adopted in the Orlando, Florida Area?
Yes, an adult can be adopted in the Orlando, Florida area. There is a process called an Adult Adoption. The Florida Statutes sections on Adult Adoption in Florida are Florida Statute 63.102 and Florida Statute 63.042. What do you need to know if you want to adopt an adult, or if you are an adult who […]
Is Alzheimer’s Really Three Distinct Disease Subtypes?
There was an interesting article from ScienceAlert published in Advanced Science on January 11, 2021 by Carly Cassella discussing whether Alzheimer’s could possibly be three distinct disease subtypes. She states that postmortem RNA sequencing shows three major molecular subtypes to the disease, each one presenting differently and holding a unique genetic risk. Cassella says that knowledge of each […]
What is an MMSE and How is It Used in a Guardianship Case in Orlando, Florida?
Have you ever heard the term MMSE? MMSE stands for Mini Mental Status (or State) Exam. The test was originally developed as a simplified cognitive mental health exam for elderly patients who, particularly when cognitively impaired, cooperate only for a short period of time. This test takes only five to ten minutes to administer, whereas […]
Eleven Ways to Stop Fraud
There was an excellent article in the December 2020 AARP Bulletin called “11 Ways to Stop Fraud Now” This is not only useful to seniors, but it is also useful to the general population. In the article, it is said that the best defense against fraud is you. The 11 recommended ways to protect yourself […]