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January 2026 gave Florida family lawyers a tidy trio of appellate reminders that can be summed up in one sentence: trial courts still have to follow the rules, even when the outcome feels “fair.” In Dove, Paniry, and Jackowska, three different DCAs hit pause on dissolution cases for three very different reasons—financial affidavits, fraud claims, Read more

Florida’s appellate courts closed out 2025 and opened 2026 with a familiar message to trial courts and litigants alike: statutes mean what they say, due process still matters, and findings are not optional. A recent cluster of decisions spans parentage, injunctions, child support, time-sharing, and contempt—and together they offer a useful checklist of what must Read more

The Florida District Courts of Appeal were busy on December 10, 2025, issuing a quartet of opinions that read like a checklist of what not to do in litigation—especially family law and appellate practice. From last-minute regret over settlement agreements, to relocation confusion, to amendment denials, to outright fictitious case citations, the message from the Read more

Florida’s appellate courts delivered a packed slate of opinions this week—covering everything from paternity testing and child relocation to unlawful detainer jurisdiction, skeleton-based neighbor disputes, and whether creditors can reach spousal bank accounts. If you practice family law, civil litigation, or property law, there’s something here for you. Let’s break it down. 🧬 Paternity Isn’t Read more

If you ever wanted proof that Florida family law appeals are less about dramatic courtroom speeches and more about paperwork, procedure, and judges who really mean it when they say “best interests,” the cases from November 26, 2025 delivered. This week gave us: Let’s dig in. 1. Puertas v. Ruiz: No Transcript, No Rescue Headline Read more

Family law never sleeps—and neither do the appellate courts. This week’s batch of opinions out of the Third District Court of Appeal reads like a highlight reel of what makes Florida family law both fascinating and occasionally absurd. From emotional support dogs to relocation battles, void divorces, and attorney’s fees about attorney’s fees, here’s what Read more

If you thought Florida family law was dull, this week’s appellate opinions will change your mind. Between grandparent visitation across state lines, misplaced DOR mail, and a mortgage that forgot to invite the spouse, Florida’s DCAs reminded everyone that details matter — and so does the Constitution. Here’s your rundown of the latest legal drama Read more

If you thought Florida appellate opinions were dry reading, this week’s batch will make you think again. Between a resurrected mortgage, a quashed contempt order, and an alimony calculation gone off the rails, our DCAs have been busy reminding trial courts that procedure still matters. Let’s break down the highlights. 🚫 Azzam v. Portilla (3d Read more

Florida’s appellate courts were busy last week reminding trial judges (and practitioners) that the rules actually matter. Here are the highlights—and a few takeaways—for anyone practicing in family or civil court. ⚖️ 1️⃣ Meredith ex rel. B.M. v. Meredith Fifth DCA | Sept. 26, 2025 When a judge calls your client’s testimony “incredible” because she Read more

Florida’s appellate courts have been busy this September, weighing in on alimony, domestic violence injunctions, child custody, and even how a marital settlement agreement can slam the door shut on later fraud claims. Here are some of the highlights — and lowlights — from the latest opinions. Melton v. Melton (5th DCA, Sept. 12, 2025) Read more