# The Law Office of John P. Sherman


## Posts

- [False Allegations of Domestic Violence](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/false-allegations-of-domestic-violence/): Domestic violence is a profoundly serious issue that affects thousands of families each year, and the legal system rightly treats such allegations with urgency. However, not every claim brought before the courts reflects the truth. False allegations of domestic violence have become an unfortunate reality.
- [Domestic Violence Laws](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/domestic-violence-laws/): Domestic violence laws form one of the most crucial areas of modern legal protection, as they directly affect the safety and well-being of individuals within families and relationships.
- [Domestic Violence Restraining Order](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/domestic-violence-restraining-order/): This article explores everything you need to know about a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, from how it protects victims to the legal process of obtaining one. It also addresses common challenges, including enforcement issues and the risk of false claims, while offering practical guidance for both petitioners and respondents.
- [Lawyer For Child Custody](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/lawyer-for-child-custody/): Child custody cases are never easy, but understanding your rights and the factors courts consider can make the process less overwhelming. Whether you are a father, mother, or unmarried parent, the key is showing how your involvement supports your child’s best interests. With the right strategy and guidance from an experienced custody lawyer, you can protect your relationship with your child and work toward a stable, balanced future.
- [Florida Slip-And-Fall Lawyers](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/florida-slip-and-fall-lawyers/): This article provides a comprehensive guide for slip-and-fall victims in Florida, explaining where these accidents commonly occur, how negligence is proven under state law, and what types of compensation may be available. It breaks down real-life scenarios, legal responsibilities of property owners, and the steps needed to build a strong case with evidence and documentation. Whether you slipped in a grocery store, restaurant, or public space, this resource helps you understand your rights and how legal support can protect your recovery.
- [Uncontested Divorce](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/uncontested-divorce-florida-guide/): Ending a marriage doesn’t have to involve conflict or lengthy court battles. This article explains how an uncontested divorce in Florida offers a faster, more affordable, and more respectful path for couples who agree on the terms of their separation. From eligibility requirements to filing steps, costs, legal guidance, and when a case may shift to contested, it provides a clear roadmap for ending a marriage peacefully, with insight from Attorney John P. Sherman on how to finalize the process confidently and correctly.
- [How is Child Support Calculated in Florida](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-is-child-support-calculated-in-florida/): This article explains exactly how child support is calculated in Florida, breaking down the state’s formula step by step in a way parents can actually understand. It covers the key factors the court considers, like income, custody schedules, healthcare, and childcare costs, and shows how each one affects the final payment. Whether you’re paying or receiving support, this guide helps you know what to expect and when to seek legal help from The Law Office of John P. Sherman to ensure the outcome is fair.
- [No fault divorce state](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/no-fault-divorce-state-guide/): This article explains everything you need to know about no-fault divorce states, including what the term means, how it differs from fault-based divorce, and which states allow it. It walks readers through the filing process step-by-step, highlights the benefits of choosing a no-fault divorce, and clarifies when fault-based behavior may still matter in court. It also clears up the confusion between no-fault and uncontested divorce and helps readers decide when it is wise to involve a divorce attorney. Overall, it serves as a complete guide for anyone looking for a faster, simpler, and less confrontational way to end a marriage.
- [Custody Law in Florida: Understanding Parental Responsibility and Time-Sharing](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/custody-law-in-florida/): This article explains how custody works in Florida under the legal concepts of parental responsibility and time-sharing. It helps parents understand their rights, how courts determine parenting plans, and what the 2023 updates to Florida’s custody laws mean for their families. Whether you’re going through a divorce, separation, or modifying an existing order, the guide offers practical steps, common mistakes to avoid, and insight into how to protect your relationship with your child.
- [Are Slip and Fall Cases Hard to Win?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/are-slip-and-fall-cases-hard-to-win/): Slip and fall cases can be challenging to win without solid evidence and legal support, but they are far from impossible. Success depends on proving negligence — that a property owner failed to maintain a safe environment — and backing your claim with strong documentation like photos, witness statements, and medical records. With the help of an experienced slip and fall lawyer, victims can strengthen their case, counter insurance company tactics, and secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- [Average Payout for Slip and Fall Injury](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/average-payout-for-slip-and-fall-injury/): A clear breakdown of what truly influences slip and fall settlement amounts in Florida, including injury severity, medical costs, wage loss, pain and suffering, liability under Florida law, timelines, and the steps that can help maximize your payout.
- [Why is Moving Out the Biggest Mistake in a Divorce?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/why-is-moving-out-the-biggest-mistake-in-a-divorce/): Moving out during a divorce can damage your custody, finances, and rights in Florida. Learn when leaving is safe, when it’s a mistake, and how to protect yourself.
- [How to Get Back Child Support in Florida](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/get-back-child-support-florida/): This guide explains how parents in Florida can recover unpaid child support, including how arrears work, when retroactive support applies, and which enforcement tools actually get results. It also breaks down the step-by-step process, your legal options, and when it is smart to involve a child support attorney so you can secure the support your child is owed.
- [Car Accident Settlement](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/car-accident-settlement-guide/): This guide explains how car accident settlements really work in Florida, including what factors influence your payout, how insurance laws apply, how long cases take, and how a lawyer can protect the value of your claim.
- [Negligent Security Lawyer Near Me](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/negligent-security-lawyer-near-me/): The article explains that in Florida negligent security cases, a property owner’s duty comes from premises liability law and recent statutes that require owners and operators of commercial and multifamily properties to take reasonable steps to protect lawful visitors from foreseeable criminal acts on their premises.
- [Postnuptial Agreement Lawyer](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/postnuptial-agreement-lawyer/): A postnuptial agreement can bring clarity, fairness, and financial protection to a marriage that has evolved over time. This article explains how postnups work in Florida, what they can include, the legal standards for enforceability, and how a lawyer can help couples create an agreement that supports their long-term goals.
- [Types of Negligence](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/types-of-negligence/): If you suspect negligence caused your injury, timing matters for two reasons: evidence and deadlines. Florida’s statute of limitations sets time limits for filing civil actions, and Florida law includes a limitations period that can end a claim regardless of how strong the facts are.
- [Criminal Negligence](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/criminal-negligence/): We explain what criminal negligence means, how it differs from civil negligence, and the kinds of situations prosecutors may point to when injuries or deaths occur. We also cover potential penalties, how these cases are proven in court, and the defenses that may apply depending on the facts.
- [How Much Is Child Support for One Child in Florida?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-much-is-child-support-for-one-child-in-florida/): If you are searching for a straight answer, the most honest starting point is that Florida does not use one flat statewide number for child support. Florida uses guideline calculations designed to be consistent, but the final result can change based on each parent’s income, certain allowable deductions, childcare expenses, health insurance costs for the child, and how parenting time is shared.
- [Personal Injury Settlement](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/personal-injury-settlement/): A personal injury settlement is a negotiated agreement that resolves an injury claim without a trial. In plain terms, you accept an agreed amount, and the other side and their insurance company get closure by ending the dispute through final paperwork.
- [Collaborative Divorce](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/collaborative-divorce/): Divorce does not have to become a public fight in a courthouse. Many couples want a legal process that protects their rights and finances while avoiding adversarial motions, heated hearings, and the feeling that strangers are making personal decisions about their family.
- [High Net Worth Divorce](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/high-net-worth-divorce/): A divorce is never only about emotions. It is also about decisions that can shape your finances, your privacy, and your family’s stability for years. In high asset cases, the pressure often comes from uncertainty. People may know there is wealth, but they are not sure where it sits, how it is valued, how it is divided, or how it will affect future cash flow and taxes.
- [What Is Comparative Negligence?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/what-is-comparative-negligence/): Comparative negligence is one of the most important concepts in personal injury law because it directly affects how much compensation an injured person can recover. Many people assume that if they were even partially at fault for an accident, they have no case.
- [Gross Negligence](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/gross-negligence-florida/): Gross negligence sits at the highest end of the carelessness spectrum in personal injury law. When gross negligence is proven, it fundamentally changes the legal stakes of a case, including the type and amount of compensation that may be available.
- [Can a Judge Deny an Uncontested Divorce in Florida?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/can-a-judge-deny-an-uncontested-divorce-in-florida/): A judge can deny an uncontested divorce in Florida if certain legal and procedural requirements are not met, even when both spouses agree on everything.
- [The 10-10 Rule in a Military Divorce](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/the-10-10-rule-in-a-military-divorce/): For many military families, divorce does not just mean separating households. It often means facing complicated questions about retirement pay, health coverage, and long-term military benefits that civilian couples never have to think about.
- [What money can´t be touched in a divorce?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/what-money-cant-be-touched-in-a-divorce/): When people think about divorce, they often imagine emotional arguments and hard conversations about children. But for many spouses in Florida, the most stressful part is money.
- [What Is the First Thing I Should Do if I Want a Divorce?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/what-is-the-first-thing-i-should-do-if-i-want-a-divorce/): If you are thinking about divorce, the first feeling is often not anger, but confusion. You may be lying awake wondering where you will live, how you will support yourself, and what will happen to your children.
- [The 3 C's of Divorce](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/the-3-c-s-of-divorce/): In our new guide, we break down the 3 C’s of divorce — communication, cooperation and compromise — and show how using them can reduce conflict, protect your children and help you reach fairer agreements without constant courtroom battles.
- [Key Components of a Marital Settlement Agreement](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/key-components-of-a-marital-settlement-agreement/): A marital settlement agreement is often the document that shapes your financial security, your parenting schedule and your daily life after the divorce is final, so it makes sense to feel a lot of pressure around getting it right. Many people worry that one wrong sentence could cost them money, contact with their kids or years of stability.
- [How Can Unmarried Fathers Legally Establish Paternity?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-can-unmarried-fathers-legally-establish-paternity/): Legal paternity is what turns “everyone knows I am the dad” into enforceable rights and responsibilities in the eyes of the law. The good news is that unmarried fathers usually have several ways to establish paternity.
- [What Is the Statute of Limitations for Negligent Security in Florida?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/what-is-the-statute-of-limitations-for-negligent-security-in-florida/): Recent law changes cut the time to sue for negligent security in many cases from 4 years to just 2 years. That means waiting “until you feel better” or “until the insurance answers” can put your entire case at risk.
- [Contributory Negligence: What It Is and How It Affects Your Injury Claim](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/contributory-negligence/): When you have been hurt in an accident, one of the first fears people have is that someone will say the crash was partly their fault and use that to refuse to pay. In most states, partial fault will only reduce your compensation, not wipe it out completely. But a small group of states still use a very harsh rule called contributory negligence.
- [Vicarious Negligence: When Someone Else Is Liable for Another's Actions](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/vicarious-negligence/): Vicarious liability allows you to bring a claim not just against the person who directly caused the harm, but also against a company, vehicle owner or parent who has a legally recognized relationship with that person.
- [Miami Divorce Trial Experience: How to Prepare Your Case](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/miami-divorce-trial-experience-how-to-prepare-your-case/): Trial-ready divorce representation in Miami. Learn how discovery, financial disclosure, and evidence shape your case, and how to evaluate a lawyer's trial experience for contested litigation.
- [Small Firm vs. Large Law Firm for a South Florida Divorce: What Matters Most?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/small-firm-vs-large-law-firm-for-a-south-florida-divorce-what-matters-most/): Choosing a divorce lawyer is not really about size When people ask whether they should hire a small law firm or a large law firm for a South Florida divorce, they are usually asking a more important question: “Will the lawyer I hire actually understand my situation, keep me informed, and have the ability to handle what my case requires?” A large firm is not automatically better because it has more staff. A small firm is not automatically better because it may feel more personal. The best choice depends on the attorney’s family-law experience, the firm’s communication practices, your budget, and…
- [Child Custody Dispute Attorney in Coral Gables, FL | John P. Sherman](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/child-custody-dispute-attorney-in-coral-gables-fl-or-john-p-sherman/): Learn how to prove the best interests of your child in a Coral Gables custody dispute. Attorney communication, bilingual service, and a strategic approach.
- [Children and Unsecured Firearms in Florida: Civil Liability When Kids Access Guns](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/children-and-unsecured-firearms-in-florida/): Every year, children across Florida are injured or killed because a firearm was left within their reach. These tragedies are preventable, and under Florida law, the adults responsible for securing those weapons can be held legally accountable. Whether the shooting occurs at a friend’s home, in a family’s living room, or during a supervised playdate, civil liability follows the negligence. If your child was harmed by an unsecured firearm, you have the right to pursue justice and full financial compensation. What Families Need to Know When a Child Is Injured by an Unsecured Firearm in Florida • Florida Statute § 790.174…
- [Accidental Shooting Claims in Florida: Civil Liability for Negligent Gun Discharge](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/accidental-shooting-claims-in-florida/): Every year, hundreds of Floridians suffer serious injuries as the result of firearms being mishandled, improperly stored, or negligently discharged. These incidents are frequently labeled “accidents,” a word that carries an unfortunate implication: that no one is at fault and that victims simply have no recourse. Under Florida law, that assumption is wrong. When a firearm is discharged carelessly and someone is hurt, the legal system provides injured victims with a clear path to hold responsible parties accountable and recover meaningful compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accidental shooting, the consequences can be devastating: emergency…
- [Who Is Responsible for Debt After a Florida Divorce? The Complete Guide to Marital Liability](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/who-is-responsible-for-debt-after-a-florida-divorce/): Your spouse ran up $30,000 in credit card debt during the marriage. You are getting divorced. The judge assigns that debt to your spouse in the final decree. Six months later, your credit score drops 90 points because your ex stopped paying, and the credit card company is calling you. This is not an edge case. It happens to divorced Floridians regularly, and it happens because of a gap between what most people think the divorce decree does and what it actually does. The decree assigns responsibility between you and your spouse. It does not change anything between you and the creditor.…
- [Stray Bullet Injuries in Florida: Legal Options for Innocent Bystanders](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/stray-bullet-injuries-in-florida/): Every year in Florida, people going about their daily lives, attending a neighborhood cookout, sitting on their front porch, driving to work, or watching their children play in the yard, are suddenly struck by bullets they never saw coming. Stray bullet injuries represent one of the most devastating and unpredictable forms of gun violence, because the victim has absolutely no connection to the original conflict. They are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet under Florida law, being an innocent bystander does not mean being without legal recourse. If you or someone you love has been struck by…
- [Social Media During a Florida Divorce: The Posts That Hurt Your Case and the Rules That Keep You Safe](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/social-media-during-a-florida-divorce/): You post a photo from a weekend trip. Your spouse’s attorney prints it out and hands it to the judge two weeks later. What felt like a harmless Instagram story becomes exhibit A in an argument that you cannot afford the alimony you claimed, or that you are not as present in your children’s lives as you testified. This is not hypothetical. It happens in Florida family law courtrooms regularly, and Miami-Dade County is no exception. The reality of modern divorce is that your digital life is not separate from your legal case. Every post, check-in, tagged photo, and private message exists in…
- [Injured at a Miami Hotel or Resort? Here Is What Florida Law Says You Are Owed](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/injured-at-a-miami-hotel-or-resort/): What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. What happens at a Miami hotel can follow you home in the form of medical bills, lost income, lasting physical pain, and a set of legal rights that nobody at the front desk is going to volunteer to explain. Miami is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. Its hotels range from budget properties near Miami International Airport to five-star towers on Brickell Bay and oceanfront resorts along Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The size and rating of the property does not change the legal obligation. Every hotel in Florida owes…
- [Nightclub and Bar Shootings in Florida: Holding Venues Accountable for Negligent Security](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/nightclub-and-bar-shootings-in-florida-negligent-security/): A night out should never end in gunfire. Yet across Florida, nightclub and bar shootings claim lives, shatter families, and leave survivors with injuries that alter the course of everything they had planned. When a shooting occurs at a venue, the instinct is to focus solely on the shooter. However, Florida law recognizes that the person who pulled the trigger is frequently not the only party responsible. Property owners, venue operators, and hired security firms may bear significant legal liability when their failures to implement adequate safety measures created the conditions that allowed violence to occur. If you or someone you…
- [Did Florida Repeal No-Fault Insurance? The PIP Myths and the Facts for 2026](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/did-florida-repeal-no-fault-insurance-the-pip-myths-and-the-facts/): If you searched online and found articles claiming Florida ended no-fault insurance on July 1, 2026, you are not alone, and you are not wrong to be confused. A number of law firm websites, insurance agency pages, and even AI-generated search summaries have stated, as settled fact, that Personal Injury Protection coverage is gone or is about to disappear. That claim has been circulating since early 2026. It is not accurate. Here is the situation as it stands today: Florida’s no-fault insurance system is still the law. PIP is still required. Nothing about how you file a car accident claim in Florida has changed. Below,…
- [Who Gets the Dog in a Florida Divorce? Understanding Pet Ownership Rights and Your Legal Options](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/who-gets-the-dog-in-a-florida-divorce/): For millions of Florida families, a pet is not an asset. It is a daily presence, a source of comfort, and in many households, the one constant that made a difficult period of life more manageable. A dog who has been there for eight years. A cat who knows your routine better than anyone. An emotional support animal whose presence is not optional. The idea of losing that relationship as a line item in a property division agreement feels wrong in a way that is hard to articulate legally. Florida law, however, does not have a framework built around that emotional reality.…
- [Florida's 2-Year Personal Injury Deadline: What HB 837 Changed and Why Miami Accident Victims Must Act Now](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/floridas-2-year-personal-injury-deadline-what-hb-837-changed/): If you were injured in a Florida accident on or after March 24, 2023, you have less time to file a lawsuit than you think. A lot less. House Bill 837, signed into law that same day, cut Florida’s personal injury filing deadline from four years to two. For accident victims across Miami, Coral Gables, and South Florida, that is not a technicality. It is a hard, permanent cutoff with no exceptions for ignorance, ongoing negotiations, or unfinished medical treatment. This article covers everything you need to know: what HB 837 actually changed, which accidents the new deadline applies to, when…
- [Gunshot Wound Claims in Florida: Your Legal Rights as a Shooting Victim](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/gunshot-wound-claims-in-florida/): Being shot changes everything in an instant. The physical pain, the mounting medical bills, the emotional trauma, and the deep uncertainty about your future can feel completely overwhelming. But in the middle of all of that, one thing must be made absolutely clear: you have legal rights, and those rights deserve to be protected by someone who knows exactly how to fight for them. Florida law provides shooting victims with powerful tools to seek justice and recover meaningful compensation. Whether you were caught in a crossfire, shot by a negligent gun owner, or injured on a property where violence was entirely…
- [Pedestrian Accident Claims in Florida: Your Rights as a Victim](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/pedestrian-accident-claims-in-florida/): Florida has a well-earned and deeply concerning reputation as one of the most dangerous states in the country for people on foot. According to Florida crash data, 706 pedestrians lost their lives on Florida roads in 2024, representing about 22 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state. Miami-Dade County accounted for 1,883 pedestrian crashes, with 83 resulting in fatalities. These are not abstract statistics for the families and individuals affected by them. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle faces physical injuries that tend to be among the most severe in any traffic accident category. Without the structural protection of a…
- [Grandparents' Visitation Rights in Florida: What Chapter 752 Allows](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/grandparents-visitation-rights-in-florida/): There are few situations more painful for a grandparent than being cut off from a grandchild they have loved, cared for, and helped raise. Whether the separation comes from a bitter divorce, a family falling out, or the death of a parent, the loss of access to a grandchild creates a grief that is difficult to put into words and difficult to navigate legally. In Florida, that navigation is genuinely complex. The state has a long history of prioritizing parental rights above all else, and the courts have been clear that a fit parent’s decision about who may spend time with…
- [Motorcycle Accident Claims in Florida: Legal Rights and Compensation](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/motorcycle-accident-claims-in-florida/): Riding a motorcycle in Florida is legal, common, and for many people an essential part of daily life. Florida’s year-round warm weather, its sprawling highways, and its coastal roads make the state one of the most active motorcycle markets in the country. It is also, consistently, one of the most dangerous. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 9,453 motorcycle crashes statewide in 2024, resulting in 591 fatalities and more than 8,000 injuries. In Miami-Dade County alone, there were 1,398 motorcycle crashes and 66 fatalities in the same year. What most people outside the legal…
- [Gray Divorce in Florida: What Changes When You Divorce After 50](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/gray-divorce-in-florida/): Divorce is never simple. But when it happens after 50, after twenty, thirty, or even forty years of shared life, the complexity takes on a different weight entirely. It is not just about separating two households. It is about dividing a retirement that was planned together, figuring out who gets health insurance, determining what happens to Social Security, and building a financial future that was never meant to be built alone. The term used to describe this growing phenomenon is gray divorce, a reference to the generation of Americans divorcing in their later years at rates that have surprised even demographers.…
- [How to Find Hidden Assets in a High Net Worth Divorce in Florida.](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-find-hidden-assets-in-a-high-net-worth-divorce-in-florida/): Financial deception during divorce happens more often than most people realize. Forensic accounting divorce investigations have become critical tools to uncover the truth. High net worth individuals often employ various strategies to shield their wealth through undervaluing assets, opening offshore accounts and creating complex business structures. Florida law provides powerful tools to uncover hidden wealth and hold dishonest spouses accountable. Forensic accounting in divorce cases helps you identify concealed assets. Florida’s discovery process allows your legal team to subpoena financial records and trace digital transactions. This piece covers what you need to know about recognizing warning signs and using forensic accounting…
- [Wrongful Death Lawyer Miami: Get Justice Now](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/wrongful-death-lawyer-miami/): A hospital call in the middle of the night. A police officer at the door. A family group text that suddenly turns into funeral plans, paperwork, and questions no one feels ready to answer. That's where many families are when they start searching for a wrongful death lawyer in Miami. In the first days after a preventable death, people usually want three things. They want to know what happened. They want to know who can make decisions. They want to know how their family is supposed to stay financially stable while grieving. The law can't undo the loss, but it can…
- [How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take in Florida?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-long-does-a-personal-injury-case-take-in-florida/): One of the first questions people ask after an accident is not who is at fault or how much the case might be worth. The first question is almost always: how long is this going to take? That is a fair question, and the honest answer is that there is no single number. A straightforward car accident claim that settles before a lawsuit is ever filed can be wrapped up in a few months. A case involving disputed liability, serious injuries, or a trial can take two to three years or more. Most Florida personal injury cases fall somewhere in the…
- [Is Your Auto Accident Settlement Taxable? a Florida Guide](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/auto-accident-settlement-taxable/): You finally got the call. The insurance company agreed to pay. After the wreck, the treatment, the missed work, and the endless back-and-forth, the settlement check feels like closure. Then the next question hits: Is this auto accident settlement taxable? That question matters more than generally realized. Two settlements can look identical on paper and produce very different tax results once the IRS gets involved. The difference often comes down to what the money was paid for and how the settlement agreement describes it. That’s not legal fluff. That’s real money. If you’re in Florida, don’t treat taxes as an afterthought.…
- [Emergency Custody Orders in Florida: When and How to File](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/emergency-custody-orders-in-florida/): It starts with a phone call at 10 p.m. Your child is crying on the other end, whispering that something happened at dad’s house. Or maybe it’s a text from your ex that makes your stomach drop, a threat to take the kids and disappear. Or perhaps you’ve just learned that the person your co-parent is dating has a violent criminal history, and your daughter is there right now. In moments like these, the normal pace of the legal system feels impossibly slow. You don’t have weeks to wait for a hearing. You don’t have days to prepare a motion. You…
- [Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Florida: What Victims Need to Know](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/uber-and-lyft-accident-claims-in-florida/): You were on your way home from dinner in Coral Gables. The Uber arrived in two minutes. You got in, buckled up, and started scrolling through your phone. Thirty seconds later, the driver ran a red light on US-1 and a pickup truck slammed into the passenger side. Now you’re in the emergency room with a fractured collarbone and three cracked ribs. Your phone is shattered. Your partner is panicking. And when you finally ask the question that every rideshare accident victim eventually asks, “Who is going to pay for this?”, the answer is anything but simple. Because here’s the reality…
- [Alimony Attorney Florida: 2026 Guide to New Laws](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/alimony-attorney-florida/): The most common alimony advice in Florida is already outdated. If you still think a long marriage automatically means permanent support, you're starting from the wrong legal map. That matters because alimony disputes now turn less on broad expectations and more on proof. The questions that decide cases are narrower and more practical. What does one spouse need? What can the other spouse pay? How long can support legally last under the current framework? This is the conversation to expect from an Alimony Attorney Florida clients can rely on. Divorce already puts pressure on housing, parenting, cash flow, and planning. Alimony…
- [What Voids a Postnuptial Agreement?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/void-postnup-agreement/): In Florida, courts take a careful and balanced approach when reviewing postnuptial agreements. Judges will not hesitate to invalidate terms or entire documents if they find signs of coercion, fraud, extreme unfairness, or a lack of legal formality. Unlike prenuptial agreements, which are signed before the marriage takes legal effect, postnups require even closer scrutiny because the marital relationship already exists, which can create unique power dynamics and vulnerabilities.
- [Dog Bite Attorney Florida: Claim Your Rights Now](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/dog-bite-attorney-florida/): A dog bite claim usually starts the same way. You're shaken, your body is running on adrenaline, and the questions hit all at once. Do I need stitches? Who owns this dog? Should I call animal control? Is this going to leave a scar? If your child was bitten, the panic is even sharper because you're trying to comfort them while also making fast decisions. Many people also hesitate because the dog belongs to a neighbor, friend, or family member. They don't want conflict. They just want medical care paid for and some clear direction. That's understandable. It's also where many…
- [Auto Accident Settlement Agreement Template for Florida](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/auto-accident-settlement-agreement-template/): The adjuster has called twice. The repair estimate is sitting in your inbox. A release form is attached, and the message sounds simple: sign, return it, and the check goes out. That moment feels like the end of the claim. In Florida, it can also be the moment you accidentally give up far more than you intended. An auto accident settlement agreement template can help, but only if it's built and edited for the kind of claim you have. A generic form pulled from the internet often treats every crash the same. Florida claims usually aren't that neat. Property damage, bodily…
- [Can You Claim Child Support Payments on Taxes?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/can-you-claim-child-support-payments-on-taxes/): Child support payments aren’t deductible for the parent who pays them, and they aren’t taxable income for the parent who receives them. If you’re staring at tax software, a divorce judgment, or a string of texts from an ex and wondering whether child support belongs anywhere on your return, you’re asking one of the most common post-separation tax questions. The confusion makes sense. Support payments, custody schedules, dependency claims, and changing IRS rules often get mashed together, especially during the first tax season after a divorce or breakup. For Florida parents, the practical problem usually isn’t just understanding the federal rule.…
- [Find a Family Law Attorney Free in Florida: 2026 Guide](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/family-law-attorney-free/): Facing a family law case with no budget can make every decision feel urgent. You may be dealing with a divorce, trying to protect time with your child, responding to a support claim, or looking for safety after domestic abuse. At the same time, many law firm websites assume you can pay a retainer right away. That gap is real. Family law matters are often handled without paid counsel. According to Clio’s 2026 family law statistics report, 72% of family law cases had at least one self-represented party, and 61.9% of uncontested divorces had no legal representation for either side. In Florida,…
- [Personal Injury Lawyer What Do They Do? a Florida Guide](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/personal-injury-lawyer-what-do-they-do/): A lot of people search “personal injury lawyer what do they do” at the exact moment life feels least organized. You may be hurting, missing work, fielding calls from an insurance adjuster, and trying to decide whether you even need legal help. Meanwhile, receipts, prescriptions, photos, discharge papers, and text messages are piling up on the kitchen counter. That confusion is normal. After an injury, individuals typically don’t need a dramatic courtroom speech. They need someone who can explain what happens next, protect them from avoidable mistakes, and deal with the claim while they focus on getting better. In Florida, that…
- [Divorce Lawyer Charges Explained: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/divorce-lawyer-charges-explained-what-youll-actually-pay-in-2026/): Key Takeaways Understanding divorce lawyer costs helps you budget effectively and make informed decisions about your legal representation strategy. • Divorce costs vary dramatically by complexity: Uncontested divorces average $1,000-$5,000, while contested cases can reach $15,000-$30,000 or more. • Hourly billing dominates: Most attorneys charge $250-$500 per hour plus $3,000-$10,000 retainers, with rates varying significantly by location and experience. • Preparation reduces legal fees: Organizing documents, consolidating communications, and responding promptly to attorney requests minimizes billable hours. • Mediation saves substantial money: Resolving disputes through mediation costs thousands less than contested litigation while achieving similar outcomes. • Choose appropriate legal scope: Limited representation for specific tasks…
- [Can You Get Disability Benefits After a Car Accident in Florida?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/the-hidden-transition-from-accident-victim-to-disability-claimant/): A serious car accident can change your life in ways that go far beyond the crash itself. Beyond the pain and the hospital visits, there are bills to pay, work you may not be able to return to, and real questions about how you will support yourself and your family going forward. If your injuries are keeping you from earning a living, you may be wondering whether you qualify for disability benefits after a car accident in Florida. The answer depends on several factors and understanding the difference between a personal injury claim and a disability claim can help you make…
- [Wrongful Death Lawsuit: What Families Need to Know](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/wrongful-death-lawsuit-what-families-need-to-know/): No family expects to need this information. That is exactly why you need it now. One day your loved one was here. Then, because of a distracted driver, a hospital’s critical mistake, a defective product, or someone else’s reckless choices, they were gone. The grief alone is almost unbearable. But grief does not pause the clock. And in Florida, the legal clock starts running from the moment of death, whether your family is ready or not. In the middle of arranging a funeral, notifying relatives, and trying to hold everything together, families are suddenly expected to understand concepts like “personal representative,”…
- [How Do You Get a Domestic Violence Charge Dropped?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-do-you-get-a-domestic-violence-charge-dropped/): One phone call can unravel everything. The argument was over. The voices had quieted. Maybe you were the one trying to calm things down. Then came the knock on the door, the blue and red lights outside, and before you could explain what actually happened, you were in handcuffs. Now you are staring down a domestic violence charge in Florida, a no-contact order keeping you from your home, your family or your children, and a criminal record that could follow you for the rest of your life. The person who called the police has told you they want to “take it…
- [Does Alimony Stop If My Ex-Spouse Remarries?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/does-alimony-stop-if-my-ex-spouse-remarries/): Life after divorce rarely stays still. Whether you depend on monthly alimony to cover essential expenses or you’re the one writing that check every month, the news that your ex is remarrying raises an obvious question: does that wedding change anything? In many U.S. states, a recipient’s remarriage is treated as a turning point for ongoing spousal support. The legal reasoning is fairly intuitive, a new spouse is generally expected to share household expenses, which reduces the need for continued support from an ex. But the reality is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, because the outcome turns on…
- [Dating While Going Through a Divorce in Florida: Should You Really Do It?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/dating-while-going-through-a-divorce-in-florida/): Learn the legal and emotional risks of dating during a divorce in Florida and why it might not be as harmless as it seems.
- [Contested vs Uncontested Divorce in Florida: Which Path Costs Less?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/contested-vs-uncontested-divorce-in-florida/): Learn the key differences between contested and uncontested divorce in Florida, and discover which option can save you time, stress, and money.
- [Fathers Rights in Florida: What The New 2025 Law Actually Means For You](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/fathers-rights-in-florida/): Discover how Florida’s 2025 law changes fathers' rights in custody and parenting decisions.
- [Guide: Proving Parent Unfit in Florida](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-prove-a-parent-is-unfit-in-florida-courts/): Find out what evidence Florida courts look for when determining if a parent is unfit.
- [What to Do After a Car Accident: A Miami Driver's Essential Guide](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-a-miami-driver-s-essential-guide/): Get the essential steps Miami drivers should take after a car accident to protect their rights.
- [How Long Does a Divorce Take in Florida? A Step-by-Step Timeline](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-long-does-a-divorce-take-in-florida-a-step-by-step-timeline/): Understand each stage of the Florida divorce process and how long it typically takes, from filing to final judgment.
- [How to File for Divorce in Florida](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-file-for-divorce-in-florida/): A step-by-step guide on how to file for divorce in Florida, including residency requirements, forms, filing procedures, and what to expect during the process.
- [How to Meet Florida Divorce Residency Requirements: A Simple Guide](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-meet-florida-divorce-residency-requirements-a-simple-guide/): Learn the basic residency rules for filing divorce in Florida, including how long you must live in the state and what documents you may need to prove it.
- [How to Handle Mandatory Disclosure in Florida: Protect Your Assets Before Divorce](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-handle-mandatory-disclosure-in-florida-protect-your-assets-before-divorce/): Learn what mandatory disclosure means in a Florida divorce and how to protect your financial privacy and assets before things escalate.
- [2026 Florida Child Support Guide](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/florida-child-support-calculation-what-every-parent-must-know-in-2025/): Get a clear overview of how child support works in Florida, who pays, how amounts are calculated, and what factors the court considers to ensure your child’s needs are met.
- [What Most Couples Don't Know about Prenuptial Agreements](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/what-most-couples-don-t-know-about-prenuptial-agreements/): Discover surprising truths about prenuptial agreements, what they cover, what they don’t, and how they can actually strengthen a relationship rather than undermine it.
- [Why You Need a Postnuptial Agreement: An Expert Guide for Married Couples](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/why-you-need-a-postnuptial-agreement-an-expert-guide-for-married-couples/): Learn why postnuptial agreements matter even after marriage. This expert guide explains how they protect your assets, clarify expectations, and prevent future disputes.
- [Postnuptial vs Prenuptial Agreements: Which Protects You Better?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/postnuptial-vs-prenuptial-agreements-which-protects-you-better/): Understand the key differences between prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and find out which option offers the best protection for your financial future.
- [How to Choose a Divorce Attorney Without Making Costly Mistakes](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-divorce-attorney-without-making-costly-mistakes/): Avoid common pitfalls when hiring a divorce lawyer. This guide walks you through what to look for, red flags to avoid, and how to choose the right attorney to protect your interests during a divorce.
- [How to Qualify for Alimony: A Simple Guide to Spousal Support Rights](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-qualify-for-alimony-a-simple-guide-to-spousal-support-rights/): Learn who qualifies for alimony in Florida, how courts decide spousal support, and what factors can impact your eligibility in this straightforward guide.
- [How to Win Child Custody: A Guide for Unmarried Parents](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-win-child-custody-a-guide-for-unmarried-parents/): Unmarried parents face unique challenges in custody cases, this guide explains your rights, how to build a strong case, and what Florida courts consider when awarding custody.
- [Not Getting Child Support Payments? Here's What Actually Works in 2026](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/not-getting-child-support-payments-here-s-what-actually-works-in-2025/): Struggling to receive child support? Discover the most effective legal steps and enforcement methods that actually work in Florida in 2025 to help you get the payments your child deserves.
- [What is Legal Separation? A Simple Guide to Understanding Your Options](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/what-is-legal-separation-a-simple-guide-to-understanding-your-options/): Florida doesn’t officially recognize legal separation, but couples still have legal options to protect their finances, custody rights, and support arrangements. This guide explains practical alternatives to legal separation in Florida, including postnuptial agreements, parenting plans, and temporary support orders.
- [How Domestic Violence Affects Child Custody Decisions in 2026](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-domestic-violence-affects-child-custody-decisions-in-2025/): Understand how Florida courts consider domestic violence when deciding child custody in 2025, and what legal protections are in place to prioritize the child’s safety and well-being.
- [How to Fight Domestic Violence Charges](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-fight-domestic-violence-charges/): Learn the legal strategies and steps you can take to defend against domestic violence charges in Florida, including your rights, possible defenses, and why early legal help matters.
- [How to Win a Child Support Modification Case in Florida](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-win-a-child-support-modification-case-in-florida/): Learn what it takes to successfully win a child support modification case in Florida, from legal requirements to smart preparation strategies.
- [How to Create a Fair Time-Sharing Plan in Florida](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-create-a-fair-time-sharing-plan-in-florida/): Discover how to create a fair and practical time-sharing plan in Florida that puts your child’s best interests first and meets legal requirements.
- [How to Get Temporary Guardianship in Florida Without Going to Court](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-get-temporary-guardianship-in-florida-without-going-to-court/): Learn how to obtain temporary guardianship in Florida without going to court, including the steps, legal requirements, and when this option is available.
- [Annulment vs Divorce: Which Option Protects Your Rights?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/annulment-vs-divorce-which-option-protects-your-rights/): Understand the key differences between annulment and divorce in Florida, and find out which option better protects your legal rights and future.
- [Getting Divorced in Florida? Here's What No Fault Really Means](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/getting-divorced-in-florida-here-s-what-no-fault-really-means/): Learn what Florida’s no-fault divorce law really means, how it affects your case, and what you still need to prove during the divorce process.
- [Moving Out of State with Your Child in Florida? Read This First](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/moving-out-of-state-with-your-child-in-florida-read-this-first/): Find out what Florida law says about relocating with your child after divorce or separation, including the legal steps, consent requirements, and how to avoid custody violations.
- [Navigating Florida Family Law Mediation: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/navigating-florida-family-law-mediation-a-step-by-step-guide/): Learn how family law mediation works in Florida, including key rules, each step of the process, and how to prepare for a successful outcome without going to trial.
- [Separation vs Divorce: Hidden Facts Most Couples Don't Know](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/separation-vs-divorce-hidden-facts-most-couples-don-t-know/): Discover key differences between separation and divorce, uncovering hidden facts most couples overlook to protect your rights and future.
- [How to Get a Restraining Order in Florida: Required Evidence Guide](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-get-a-restraining-order-in-florida-required-evidence-guide/): Learn exactly what evidence you'll need to successfully obtain a restraining order in Florida, ensuring your safety and protection.
- [How to File a Paternity Petition in Florida](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-file-a-paternity-petition-in-florida/): Learn the steps to file a paternity petition in Florida and establish legal fatherhood, parental rights, and child support obligations.
- [How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Florida?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-long-does-a-contested-divorce-take-in-florida/): Learn what affects the timeline of a contested divorce in Florida and what to expect at each stage of the process.
- [Why Most Parents Lose Custody Disputes: A Family Lawyer Overview](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/why-most-parents-lose-custody-disputes-a-family-lawyer-overview/): Discover the key reasons parents lose custody disputes, from common legal mistakes to overlooked evidence, explained by a family law expert.
- [Parental Alienation in Court: What Judges Really Look For (2026 Guide)](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/parental-alienation-in-court-what-judges-really-look-for-2026-guide/): Learn what judges actually consider in parental alienation cases, how to present strong evidence, and what behaviors can impact custody decisions in 2025.
- [How to Protect Your 401(k) in a Florida Divorce](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-401k-in-a-florida-divorce/): Learn how to safeguard your 401(k) during a Florida divorce with practical, attorney-backed strategies that protect your retirement and financial future.
- [How to Win Your Slip and Fall Lawsuit: A Simple Guide for 2026](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-win-your-slip-and-fall-lawsuit-a-simple-guide-for-2025/): This 2025 guide breaks down exactly how to win a slip and fall lawsuit in Florida, from gathering evidence to proving negligence and securing compensation.
- [Postnuptial Agreement vs Divorce in Florida: Which Better Protects Your Assets? (2026)](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/postnuptial-agreement-vs-divorce-in-florida-which-better-protects-your-assets-2025/): This 2025 guide examines the differences between postnuptial agreements and divorce in Florida, helping you determine the best strategy to protect your assets.
- [How to Make Shared Custody Work: A Parent's Step-by-Step Guide](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-make-shared-custody-work-a-parent-s-step-by-step-guide/): Shared custody doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide walks parents through simple, effective steps to create a healthy co-parenting routine that supports your child’s well-being.
- [Co-Parenting in 2026: A Parent's Guide to Peaceful Child-Raising After Separation](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/co-parenting-in-2025-a-parent-s-guide-to-peaceful-child-raising-after-separation/): Co-parenting in 2025 comes with new challenges but also new tools and insights. This guide helps separated parents work together to raise emotionally healthy kids in a peaceful, cooperative way.
- [Why You Don’t Need a Pricey Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce (2026)](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/why-you-don-t-need-an-expensive-lawyer-the-truth-about-uncontested-divorce-in-2025/): Thinking of divorce but worried about legal costs? This 2025 guide explains why uncontested divorces don’t require expensive lawyers and how you can keep the process smooth and affordable.
- [How to Handle Property Division in Divorce](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-handle-property-division-in-divorce/): This practical 2025 guide breaks down how property division works in divorce, covering assets, debts, and key tips to ensure a fair and informed outcome
- [How Long After Marriage Can You Get an Annulment?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-long-after-marriage-can-you-get-an-annulment/): Find out how long you have to get an annulment after marriage, the legal conditions that apply, and when annulment is a better option than divorce.
- [How to Handle Divorce and Bankruptcy in Florida](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-handle-divorce-and-bankruptcy-in-florida/): Divorce and bankruptcy often happen together—and the order in which you file can impact everything from debt relief to asset protection. This guide breaks down how Florida law treats both processes, what risks to avoid, and how to make smart legal moves that protect your finances and peace of mind.
- [How to Create a Florida Marital Settlement Agreement: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-create-a-florida-marital-settlement-agreement-a-simple-step-by-step-guide/): A marital settlement agreement (MSA) in Florida helps couples avoid court battles and secure fair divorce terms. This guide walks you through every step, from negotiating terms to final court approval, while protecting your rights and financial future.
- [How to Get Full Custody in Florida: Essential Steps That Actually Work](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/how-to-get-full-custody-in-florida-essential-steps-that-actually-work/): Florida custody laws have changed, and getting "full custody" means understanding how the courts define sole parental responsibility. This guide walks you through who qualifies, how to file, what evidence you'll need, and what judges look for when deciding custody. Whether you're facing safety concerns or navigating a complex parenting situation, this article gives you a clear path forward under Florida law.
- [Legal Custody vs Physical Custody in Florida](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/legal-custody-vs-physical-custody-in-florida/): Florida custody law separates parental rights into two main areas: legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (daily care and time-sharing). This guide explains what each means, how courts handle joint versus sole custody, and what factors affect final custody arrangements. Whether you're filing for custody or modifying an agreement, understanding these differences is key to protecting your parental rights and your child’s wellbeing.
- [The Ultimate Guide to Negligent Security Lawsuits: Real Examples & Your Rights](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/negligence-security-lawsuits/): Negligent security is a serious issue that can lead to life-changing injuries or even death when property owners fail to provide basic safety measures. This in-depth guide explores what negligent security means under Florida law, common examples like poor lighting or broken locks, and where these cases most often happen in Coral Gables.
- [How to Win an Alimony Modification Case in Florida](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/win-alimony-modification-florida/): Following the July 1, 2023 implementation of Senate Bill 1416, Florida eliminated permanent (lifetime) alimony and introduced strict criteria for modifications—including limitations on durational and rehabilitative alimony, new rules around retirement and supportive relationships, and mandated mediation. This comprehensive guide explains who qualifies for modification, how to file the petition, what documentation to gather, and expert strategies to present a winning case.
- [Why Florida Divorce Mediation Costs 60% Less Than Court Battles](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/why-florida-divorce-mediation-costs-60-less-than-court-battles/): Florida divorce mediation offers a 60% cost reduction, quicker resolution, and lower conflict compared to court. Learn what affects pricing and how to prepare.
- [Negligent Security Cases in Miami](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/negligent-security-cases-in-miami/): Property owners in Florida must provide reasonable safety measures for people entering their premises. Many businesses and property managers don't meet these basic requirements. They fail to install security cameras, proper lighting, appropriate fencing, or hire security guards. These security lawsuits typically emerge from high-crime areas. Miami negligent security lawyers can show that property owners should have anticipated the potential risks.
- [Divorce Help for Domestic Violence Victims](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/divorce-help-for-domestic-violence-victims/): Legal help for domestic violence victims saves lives. Research shows that legal aid reduces domestic violence by 21% – a better result than shelters or counseling services alone can achieve. My experience shows how lawyers make a real difference. Survivors with legal support succeed in getting protective orders 83% of the time, while those without lawyers succeed only 32% of the time. Domestic violence touches people across Florida regardless of their age, gender, nationality, or economic status. Women face the highest risk of becoming targets. The damage spreads to children, even when they don’t suffer physical abuse. Your legal options matter…
- [How to File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in Florida: Legal Guidance from a Family Law Attorney](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/petition-for-dissolution-of-marriage-florida/): Filing for divorce is one of the most personal and legally significant decisions you’ll ever make and, if you're in Florida, it all begins with a document called the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. But what exactly does that mean? What are the legal requirements, what steps should you expect, and how do you avoid the common mistakes that delay or complicate the process?
- [How Does One Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Accident in Florida?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/prove-negligence-slip-fall-florida/): Proving negligence in a slip and fall case is one of the most critical steps to recovering compensation for your injuries. In Florida, simply showing that you fell on someone’s property is not enough to win your case. You must go a step further, demonstrating that the property owner acted unreasonably, failed to fix a known hazard, or didn’t warn you about a dangerous condition. If your fall happened in a grocery store, a hotel, or a residential complex, the burden of proof lies with you, the injured party.
- [Do I Need a Lawyer to File for Divorce in Florida?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/do-i-need-a-lawyer-to-file-for-divorce-florida/): Filing for divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating it for the first time. Between legal paperwork, deadlines, and emotional strain, many people wonder whether hiring a lawyer is truly necessary. While Florida law allows individuals to file for divorce without legal representation, the real question is whether you should go through it alone. Understanding the process and knowing when professional guidance can help is key to protecting your rights and future. At The Law Office of John P. Sherman, we’ve helped countless individuals through the dissolution of marriage process. We know that every situation is different, and deciding whether…
- [Is Florida a 50/50 Child Custody State?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/is-florida-a-5050-child-custody-state/): When going through a divorce or separation in Florida, one of the biggest concerns for parents is how time with their children will be divided. It’s common to hear people refer to "50/50 custody" as the default, but what does Florida law really say? Is equal time-sharing guaranteed, or simply encouraged?
- [Child Custody Agreement in Florida: How to Draft a Parenting Plan That Works](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/child-custody-agreement/): Creating a child custody agreement is one of the most important, and often emotionally charged, steps in any separation or divorce involving children. In Florida, this isn’t just a private arrangement between two parents. It’s a formal legal document, known as a parenting plan, that must be approved by a court and comply with detailed state requirements. And whether you're navigating a peaceful co-parenting split or a high-conflict situation, the structure and clarity of this agreement can shape your child’s future in lasting ways.
- [Florida Restraining Orders: Legal Implications & Responsibilities](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/florida-restraining-orders-legal-guide/): In this guide, we'll walk you through the different types of restraining orders available in Florida, the legal steps for filing or responding to one, what restrictions are imposed by law, and the responsibilities for everyone involved. Whether you’re seeking protection or navigating a legal defense, understanding how these orders function is essential for protecting your rights and avoiding serious legal repercussions.
- [Is Alimony Taxable?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/is-alimony-taxable-florida/): Divorce is not only an emotional transition but also a financial one, and one of the most pressing questions for many is, is alimony taxable? This question has become more complex in recent years due to significant changes in federal tax law, which have reshaped how spousal support payments are treated. For Florida residents navigating post-divorce life, understanding these changes is critical to avoiding unexpected tax liabilities or missed financial opportunities.
- [Family Law Attorney](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/family-law-attorney-florida/): Family law matters often come during the most sensitive and stressful times in life, whether it involves divorce, child custody, alimony, or protection from domestic violence. Having the right family law attorney can make all the difference in protecting your future and ensuring that your rights are upheld. At The Law Office of John P. Sherman, PLLC, we understand that each case is more than just legal paperwork; it represents real people, real families, and real challenges. That is why our approach combines professional expertise with empathy, guiding clients in Florida through every stage of their legal journey.
- [Divorce Rate in America](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/divorce-rate-in-america/): The divorce rate in America provides valuable insight into how relationships evolve and why many marriages end in divorce. While national statistics show that nearly half of marriages may not last, the reasons behind these numbers are as varied as the families themselves. In Florida, unique legal processes add another layer of complexity, making it essential for individuals to have the right guidance.
- [Car Accident Lawyer: Your Complete Guide to Protecting Your Rights](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/car-accident-lawyer-guide/): Being involved in a car accident is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face. Beyond the immediate shock and physical pain, you may also find yourself worried about mounting medical bills, lost income, and how to deal with insurance companies. In moments like these, working with a Coral Gables car accident lawyer can provide the clarity and protection you need. At The Law Office of John P. Sherman, PLLC, we offer consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win for you.
- [How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/car-accident-lawsuit-amount-guide/): When it comes to car accident claims, there is no one-size-fits-all settlement amount. Your case’s value depends on a wide range of factors, from the severity of your injuries and the strength of your medical records, to insurance coverage, liability evidence, and even how effectively your story is presented. While online estimates or damage calculators may offer ballpark figures, they often overlook critical details that can significantly affect what you are truly entitled to.
- [Injury Lawyer](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/injury-lawyer-coral-gables/): Hiring the right injury lawyer can make all the difference when you're dealing with the aftermath of an accident. In this guide from The Law Office of John P. Sherman, PLLC, you'll learn what personal injury lawyers do, how they help you get compensation, and what to expect during the legal process. Whether you’re facing medical bills, lost income, or emotional distress, this article walks you through your legal options and explains how our firm stands by your side every step of the way.
- [What Is Negligence? Florida Guide to Duty, Breach, Causation, and Damages](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/what-is-negligence/): This guide will walk you through the essentials of negligence in Florida: how it is defined, the four elements every plaintiff must prove, the impact of the state’s modified comparative negligence rule, and the strict two-year statute of limitations now in place.  And more!
- [What Does a Paternity Lawyer Do?](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/what-does-a-paternity-lawyer-do/): DNA testing and court filings to custody and child support negotiations. Their role goes beyond paperwork, offering legal strategy, protection of rights, and solutions that prioritize a child’s stability and best interests.

## Pages

- [FAQ](https://jpshermanlaw.com/faq/)
- [Accesibility](https://jpshermanlaw.com/accesibility/): Accessibility Commitment John P. Sherman is committed to improving the accessibility and usability of https://jpshermanlaw.com for all users, including people with disabilities. We aim to provide an inclusive digital experience and continuously work toward enhancing accessibility across our website. Accessibility Target Standard We aim to align our website with WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards. This target standard guides our accessibility efforts and ongoing improvements. Current Conformance Status Based on our internal review, this website is Fully conformant with WCAG 2.2 Level AA. This status reflects our evaluation at the time of publication and is based on our internal review and…
- [Thank you for contacting us](https://jpshermanlaw.com/thank-you/): We’ll get back to you very soon.
- [Blog](https://jpshermanlaw.com/blog/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://jpshermanlaw.com/privacy-policy/): This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) describes how The Law Office of John P. Sherman (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and shares data obtained through your use of our website and online services (collectively, the “Site”). By using the Site, you agree to the practices outlined in this Policy. Please check this Policy periodically for updates, which will be indicated by the “Last Modified” date above. Table of Contents 1. Collection of Data We may collect both personal and non-personal information from users of our Site: Personal Information We may collect personal information when you voluntarily provide it to us, including: Non-Personal…
- [Terms of Service](https://jpshermanlaw.com/terms-of-service/): These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of The Law Office of John P. Sherman website (“Site”) and the services provided by The Law Office of John P. Sherman (“we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or using our Site, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Site. Table of Contents 1. Acceptance of Terms By accessing and using this Site, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. If you do not agree to abide by the above, please…
- [Contact](https://jpshermanlaw.com/contact/)
- [Meet John P. Sherman: The Founder](https://jpshermanlaw.com/about/)
- [Home](https://jpshermanlaw.com/)

## Optional

- [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/jpshermanlaw.com/mcp)

[comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)