Becoming a stepparent through adoption involves many factors—personal, legal, financial—and includes unique circumstances in every situation. Sometimes, though, your circumstances make it clear that becoming a stepparent improves many aspects of your family. While...
Handling complex divorce and family law cases for clearwater and surrounding communities
Year: 2021
Two power of attorney documents handle two vital issues
A power of attorney authorizes a trusted agent to communicate on behalf of an ill or otherwise vulnerable individual. Two distinct types of legal documents offer protection. One may prevent medical mistreatment. The other could help avoid financial exploitation. As...
How do you tell your spouse you want a divorce?
You and your spouse tried counseling, taking time for yourselves and talking with loved ones. Still, your marriage feels empty. Divorce seems like the only sensible response to the matter, but how do you start that conversation? Psychology Today offers tips for...
What is a health care proxy?
While planning your estate, you learn about health directives and health care proxies. How do these terms fit into your plan and affect your end-of-life desires? The American Bar Association explains health care proxies and health directives. Ensure you have someone...
What moves should you avoid when co-parenting?
Sharing parenting responsibilities with your ex may feel complicated at first. While working together for your children may be in the best interests of your little ones, you may still feel overwhelmed at times. According to Healthline, people make several mistakes...
How can you pick the right executor for your will?
One of the most essential roles to fill is the executor when it comes to your will. According to CNBC, the executor files the will, pays off debts, closes accounts and distributes remaining assets. To ensure you choose someone who can fulfill all of the obligations of...
What is the putative father registry?
Though there is no uniform definition of “father” in state statutes across the country, many states, including Florida, have different categories of fathers. Two common categories include “putative fathers” and “presumed fathers.” Which category you fall into will...
How can you include charitable giving in your estate plan?
There are several reasons to give to charitable organizations throughout your life, including to contribute to a cause about which you feel passionate, to honor a loved one or to simply do something good. While the best reasons to give are selfless reasons, it may not...
How a divorce could affect an older couple’s finances
According to a survey by the AARP, a divorce between couples over age 50 offered 76% of the respondents a fresh start. As noted by Kiplinger's Personal Finance, individuals 65 or older divorced three times as much over the last 25 years. Some individuals decide to...
Marital property and equitable distribution in Florida
Dividing property can be one of the most complex and contentious elements in a divorce. If parties cannot reach a mutual agreement, a judge will attempt to divide property between parties equitably. Many people tend to expect that the equitable distribution of...
Caring, Personal Attention For Every Case
Christine S. Cook has earned a reputation in the legal community for her professionalism and among her clients for the care and personal attention she gives to every case.