Blog - Pensacola Family Law Attorney

Two power of attorney documents handle two vital issues

Christine Sue Cook December 30, 2021

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 noted by Cancer.org, an advance directive provides instructions that help…

How do you tell your spouse you want a divorce?

Christine Sue Cook December 29, 2021

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 telling your marital partner you want a divorce.…

What is a health care proxy?

Christine Sue Cook December 28, 2021

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 in your life to express your health care wishes…

What moves should you avoid when co-parenting?

Christine Sue Cook December 27, 2021

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 when it comes to co-parenting. For better results, you…

How can you pick the right executor for your will?

Christine Sue Cook December 26, 2021

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 an executor, you…

What is the putative father registry?

Christine Sue Cook December 25, 2021

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 dictate your rights and responsibilities as they pertain to child-rearing and support.…

How can you include charitable giving in your estate plan?

Christine Sue Cook December 24, 2021

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 hurt you to learn…

How a divorce could affect an older couple’s finances

Christine Sue Cook December 2, 2021

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 retire after a divorce…

Marital property and equitable distribution in Florida

Christine Sue Cook November 20, 2021

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 property involves dividing property equally in a fifty-fifty…

What can a trust accomplish that a will cannot?

Christine Sue Cook November 1, 2021

A will is a fundamental part of your Florida estate plan. Yet, in some cases, you may have certain estate planning objectives that a will does not help you accomplish. Trusts are another type of estate planning tool. While they, like wills, allow you to leave assets behind for specified…

Pensacola, Florida Family Law Blog