First, you may ask yourself: what is a QDRO? It stands for “qualified domestic relations order,” which is a court order or judgment for a retirement or pension plan covered under ERISA to pay a former spouse a property division payment, alimony, or child support. A QDRO covers ERISA plans, such as 401(k) and pension… Read more »
It seems like there’s an app for everything these days, and co-parenting is no different. As most parents know, parenting can be very challenging. Those challenges are usually magnified when a relationship falls apart and two parents decide to part ways. However, even though a relationship is over, parents remain connected by children. Two parents… Read more »
By the time a victim of police brutality reaches the point of hiring a civil rights lawyer, evidence has often been lost forever. Evidence which may have helped that victim prove their 42 U.S.C. § 1983 case. Often, if just a few steps had been taken by the victim, their family, or their criminal defense… Read more »
Dear Folks, by now most of you have heard about Hurricane Irma and her increasing threat of making landfall in Florida. Although her exact path is yet to be determined, it is never too early to begin preparations and take necessary precautions. As my grandmother always says, “it’s better to be safe than sorry!” Most… Read more »
HIV patients and those required to take HIV tests have special rights in Florida that protect their status as an HIV patient. Those rights also extend to individuals required to take HIV tests. Although HIV is no longer feared as much as it was in the 80s, thanks to advances in medicine and amazing treatments… Read more »
Is there an automatic right to benefits for a divorced spouse? No. There is no automatic right to benefits for a former spouse from a military spouse’s retirement benefits. Instead, the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) authorizes state courts to distribute military retired pay to a spouse or a former spouse. The USFSPA… Read more »
A hurricane can have devastating effects for residential and commercial property owners. For most people, a home is their biggest financial investment and failing to properly protect that investment can negatively impact your finances. As a home and property owner, you need to treat an insurance claim seriously and with great care to ensure your… Read more »
Federal Laws and Regulations Background on HIPAA The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was enacted in 1996. Sections 261 through 264 of HIPAA required the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to publicize standards for the electronic exchange, privacy and security of health information. These are called the… Read more »
In Florida, both parents have an obligation to support a child until that child reaches the age of 18, the age of majority in Florida. Fla. Stat. § 61.13(1)(a)(1)(a). However, under Florida Statute Section 743.07(2), child-support can be extended for children beyond the age of 18 under two separate and distinct circumstances. Option 1: Will… Read more »
You may have heard the rumor there is no lawsuit available under HIPAA. It’s probably why you can’t find many lawyers that handle these types of cases. But, the statement there is no lawsuit available under HIPAA is misleading. My firm for years has been successfully prosecuting HIPAA violation cases for people whose lives have… Read more »
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