Destin Law Blog

What happens to health benefits in a military divorce?

On behalf of Wood Law Firm on Monday, June 24, 2019.

Every couple’s divorce situation is as unique as their relationship, and some are more difficult to navigate than others. Some spouses find that separating their assets, lives and benefits is not as easy as it was to combine them. With so much at stake, it is important for military couplings to understand how the rules of divorce apply to their TRICARE benefits so they can plan accordingly and minimize the likelihood of coverage issues, out-of-pocket expenses and confusion.

Filing for divorce does not immediately or automatically exclude the nonpolicy holder spouse from military health care benefits. There are rules and certain criteria in place that govern eligibility. Here is a brief overview of how divorce impacts military health benefits.

What you need to know about spring break drinking

On behalf of Wood Law Firm on Wednesday, March 27, 2019.

Ah, spring break! Time to forget the books and head to the Destin, Florida, area for a week of fun in the sun and on the beach. But if you are under 21 years of age, you would do well to think seriously before drinking alcohol in Okaloosa County. Law enforcement officials have made it a priority to stop underage drinking by college students on spring break.

Last year, Destin instituted a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to underage drinking. Should law enforcement officers discover you drinking illegally, they will take you to jail. Lest you think you will somehow not get caught, you should know that the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office arrested 444 college students last year for underage drinking. In addition, the Tourist Development Council provides funding so that additional deputies can – and do – patrol the town and beaches.

Military divorce procedure can be complicated

On behalf of Wood Law Firm on Wednesday, December 26, 2018.

Recruits join the service for different reasons, but most new service members can feel dismayed at the number of military rules and regulations. They soon encounter the Uniform Code of Military Justice; these laws belong to the military and, in addition, each service branch has its own set of rules. Service members also need to know when and how to follow civilian laws.

After spending time in the service, members may suspect there is a law for everything. For example, military members must use a military-approved pen; there is a 16-page document outlining the pen's design and numerous performance specifications.

What are the benefits of an uncontested divorce?

On behalf of Wood Law Firm on Thursday, September 27, 2018.

Like other Florida residents who are considering divorce, you may be intimidated by the thought of a costly and lengthy court battle. Is there any way to end your marriage in a more civil and less stressful way? You may want to consider an uncontested divorce.

What exactly is uncontested divorce, you may wonder? This is also known as amicable divorce, even if you and your spouse are not feeling very amicable toward each other. In this case, “amicable” applies to the non-confrontational and cooperative nature of the uncontested divorce process.

Why joint custody may be your best solution

On behalf of Wood Law Firm on Monday, July 2, 2018.

If the marriage between you and your spouse is coming to an end in Florida, the two of you likely are most concerned about the effect your impending divorce will have on your children. Since they love you both and you both reciprocate that love, neither of you wants to assume the role of weekend parent. Have you considered joint custody?

Joint custody slowly is becoming the rule rather than the exception throughout the country. Mothers no longer routinely receive custody of their children in a divorce. Instead, parents, judges, legislators and child psychologists agree that in nearly all situations, children and parents alike get the most benefit from both the mother and the father remaining a big part of their children’s lives.

Lack of money and compassion can lead to divorce

On behalf of Wood Law Firm posted in Divorce on Monday, April 16, 2018.

Arguing over household chores is a common pastime experienced by couples in Florida and everywhere else. According to research, money and communication may be the two factors that determine whether such squabbles result in a couple ending their relationship. The link between spending money on household chores and the success of a relationship was explored by a study conducted by Harvard Business School.

By outsourcing tasks such as cleaning the house or doing laundry, people had more time to spend with their families. They also had lower levels of stress because they weren't trying to clean something while also dealing with a child or being late for work. A 2017 study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that couples who spent $100 to $200 on such services were happier. Of course, for some couples, hiring help isn't an affordable option.

Helping kids navigate a parent's divorce

On behalf of Wood Law Firm posted in Divorce on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

Emotions can run high when parents in Florida decide to end their marriage. When the personal and romantic relationship between the adults comes to an end, the changes that ensue can be difficult or confusing for children. Kids may need to adapt to living in two smaller homes rather than one and shifting back and forth between their parents' residences. These major changes mean that children can require support from their parents to handle the divorce in a healthy way, even when those parents are struggling with their own emotional issues.

However, by keeping some key guidelines in mind, parents can help ensure that their children's path through the divorce is eased as much as possible even though concerns and upset will remain. Open conversation can be key, especially for older children. Many kids blame themselves for their parents' divorce, and when those parents can openly assure their children that they were not an issue in the split, it can help them feel supported and more confident.

Tips that can protect people financially during a divorce

On behalf of Wood Law Firm posted in Divorce on Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

When Florida couples get a divorce, they may want to take steps that will help protect their finances. For example, couples might want to separate their joint accounts and open individual ones. They may also want to review their credit records to make sure they are aware of all accounts and should avoid taking on more debt.

While they might want to use a personal account to save for a divorce, it is important that couples be transparent with one another so it does not appear they are trying to hide assets. For example, a person should inform the other spouse if removing something valuable from the home, and neither should take all the assets from a shared account. A person who is concerned about a spouse destroying valued possessions might remove those possessions but should include them on the list of assets filed with the court. People can also get copies of documents related to assets and take photographs of any objects that are valuable. They may also want to get a post office box for privacy.

Be alert to the young binge-drinking-and-driving crowd

On behalf of Wood Law Firm posted in blog on Thursday, March 29, 2018.

With the advent of spring break, motorists are reminded that there will be an influx of young drivers on our roads, an early warning that it will not be long until school is out for the summer.

Be on the lookout for underage drivers who may have been drinking before getting behind the wheel. It might surprise you to know how many young people are binge drinkers.

How child custody and visitation differ from one another

On behalf of Wood Law Firm posted in family law on Thursday, March 29, 2018.

Some Florida parents may have visitation rights to their children after a divorce, but this is not the same as custody and may not give them the right to have their children live with them. Visitation refers to a person's right to time with his or her children. A common visitation arrangement might involve a child spending every other weekend and one weeknight with the noncustodial parent.

While many people may think of custody as referring to which parent a child lives with, it is actually just the definition of physical custody. Legal custody refers to which parent has the right to make decisions about a child's religion, health care, school and other important issues. It is not uncommon for one parent to have physical custody while both of the ex-spouses share legal custody.