Akilah Harris
Blog

Factors to Consider When Creating an Estate Plan…
Creating an estate plan is a crucial step in ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are

Ways To Develop Constructive Communication Tactics For Divorce Mediation…
Divorce is a challenging and emotionally draining process for all parties involved, especially children. The legal and emotional aspects of divorce can be overwhelming, making

September Update – Our Office Will be Closed on September 4th for Labor Day
Our office will be closed on September 4th to celebrate Labor Day. We will be happy and ready to meet you on the 5th, if

Understanding the Role of a Guardian ad Litem in Child Custody Cases…
In child custody cases, one important figure to know is the guardian ad litem (GAL). The term “guardian ad litem” means “guardian of the case.”

Estate Planning – 10 Crucial Tips to Secure Your Legacy…
Estate planning is a critical aspect of financial planning that should not be ignored by anyone, regardless of their net worth or age. It is

What You Need to Know About Dividing Debt in a Divorce…
In the process of divorce, dividing both property and debt is a crucial aspect that can have a significant impact on your future financial well-being.

The Benefits of Hiring a Family Law Attorney And How To Find One To Best Represent Your Family…
Family law matters can be complex and emotionally challenging. Whether you are going through a divorce, dealing with child custody issues, or facing other family-related

How Having A Power Of Attorney For Your Loved One Can Give You Peace Of Mind…
A power of attorney is a written authorization to represent or act on another’s behalf in private affairs, business, or some other legal matter. The

Interaction Tips For Dealing With A Guardian Ad Litem As You Proceed With a Divorce…
Following these suggestions when dealing with a guardian ad litem will maximize your chance of making a positive impression and get you a step closer

3 Common Reasons For a US Visa Denial…
The United States of America has a very detailed and specific visa policy, according to the standards by which applications are approved or rejected. Each

Proving The Authenticity of an Immigration Marriage – Why You Should Have an Immigration Lawyer with You During a Stokes Interview…
The Stokes interview is a second chance for the married couple to convince the USCIS officer of their marriage’s authenticity. Usually, it is scheduled when

Immigration Tips – The 3 Main Categories For Green Card Eligibility…
Florida is a popular spot for immigrants looking to become citizens of the United States. A person that is not a citizen of the United

What Is A Guardian Ad Litem And Do I Need One In My Custody Case?…
In a high-conflict divorce or child custody case, a Florida court may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to help investigate the dispute and ensure

A Few Things To Keep In Mind When Preparing For Your Immigration Interview…
An immigration interview with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be a nerve-wracking experience. One of the most asked questions is what is going

How Co-parent Actions Directly Impact Their Children…
A divorce or separation is one of the greatest challenges a child can face. Divorce or separation is often filled with anger, hurt, resentment, and

How To Know When You Are Eligible For US Citizenship…
Leaving behind everything you have ever known in your country of origin takes an immense amount of courage and sacrifice. For many, once they have

A Quick Guide To The Naturalization Process…
In the state of Florida and all around the United States, there are millions of immigrants that came from various countries around the world. Packing

Expungement Tips – How To Seal And Expunge a Criminal Record…
In the state of Florida, it is legal for some people to seal and/or expunge their criminal records. By doing so, this can keep future

Why Settlements Are Advantageous For Many Divorces and Relationships With Shared Children…
For many cases, rather than going to trial, a marital settlement occurs that ends the case. Settlements serve as an alternative path from litigation through

A Quick Guide To Naturalization In Florida…
Many immigrants to Florida have a goal to become a U.S. citizen. There are many legal issues that must be resolved and an application process

Are You Eligible To Have Your Record Sealed Or Expunged In The State Of Florida?…
There are certain qualifications you must meet to have your criminal record sealed or expunged. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has established a list

Tips On Helping Your Children Adjust To A Breakup Or Divorce…
Divorce can end some unhappy, unhealthy unions, and in the end, can become the best solution for a struggling family. But if you’re a parent

4 Ways to Stay Mentally Healthy During a Divorce…
The emotional “stages” of dealing with divorce are essentially identical to the “stages of grief,” according to Reiss. These are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and

What To Expect Financially When Divorcing After Age 50…
Divorce rates in the United States are declining—except for people over 50. In fact, since 1990, the divorce rate for people over 50 has doubled.

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ask Your Friends For Divorce Advice…
Through life’s trials and tribulations, it is important to have a tribe– friends you can count on to help overcome any hardships that may come

What a Guardian Ad Litem Is And How It May Affect Your Divorce Proceedings…
A Guardian ad litem serves as an advocate for the child and is charged with the duty of representing the child’s best interest, which may

What Courts Take Into Consideration During A Custody Hearing…
Child custody battles can be painful for everyone involved. Unfortunately, when a divorce occurs with children, it can sometimes get even messier trying to decide

Tips for Understanding The Equitable Distribution Of Marital Assets In Florida…
Unforeseen things happen in life and one of them is divorce. Almost 50 percent of all marriages in the United States will end in divorce

How Child Custody Agreements In Florida Are Focusing More On Parental Responsibility and Time-Sharing…
The divorce rate in Florida is around 50% in first marriages. Many of these couples have children and require a child custody agreement. Florida abandoned

Should I Keep The House Or Should My Ex?
There are many emotions involved during a divorce and whether to keep the house or not is no exception. As stressful as it may be,

Divorce Tips – 6 Tips For A Smoother, Quicker Divorce…
Aiming for a successful outcome is probably what anyone undergoing a divorce has in mind. Unfortunately, there are no classes you can take to ensure

What To Do If Your Child Refuses To Let You See Your Grandchildren…
Oftentimes, grandparents play an integral role in their grandchildren’s lives. Whether it be simply spending quality time or actually assisting in raising their grandchildren, grandparents

Why You Should Have a Prepared Last Will and Testament…
There are many cautionary steps that one can make to insure the safety of one’s self and/or family; having an updated and prepared Last Will

5 Circumstances That May Allow You To Change a Support Order In Florida…
An order to pay child support can be changed (or modified) by the court or administrative agency that issued the order if the circumstances of

6 Tips For Working Out The Best Child Custody Plans For Everyone Involved…
Summer vacation is a time to relax, not to renew old fights with your ex over custody of your kids. You may want to take
What is Mandatory Disclosure and do I have to Comply?
Florida Family Law Rule 12.285 requires all parties involved in Florida divorce, paternity, modification and child support cases to comply with Mandatory Disclosure. Mandatory Disclosure can
The Role of a Guardian ad Litem
The Role a Guardian ad Litem in Broward County A Guardian ad Litem (GAL)is appointed by the court to protect the rights and advocate the
No Job, No Child Support?
Child support in Florida is calculated using several factors and, in many cases, unemployment does not automatically mean that a parent gets a free pass
Child Support and the Government Shutdown
If you are a federal employee and are paying child support, then this is for you! Do you know that you are still responsible for supporting
Understanding Changes in US Immigration Policy
Changes to the United States Immigration system seems to be all the frenzy among news outlets nationwide. it is clear that implementing these changes to Immigration
Why Am I Paying More in Child Support Than My Brother Who Earns a Similar Salary?
This is a common question we are asked almost on a weekly basis. The quickest answer is that the financial situation for each family or
Akilah Harris Recognized For Pro Bono Work With Broward Legal Aid
Since 2015, Ms. Harris has assisted Legal Aid clients facing a variety of family law issues and has been a key contributor to the Mission
COVID-19 Update from Akilah Harris, PLLC (4/2/20)
It is safe to say that we have experienced the most emotional and intense few weeks of our lifetime. The impact of the coronavirus has
Healthcare Surrogates
Have you ever wondered who will make decisions about your healthcare if you are unable to do so? A healthcare surrogate is a person that
Paying Child Support and Executing Time-Sharing During the Covid-19 Pandemic
The most recent child support statistics come from the “Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support” report done in 2015. This report states that
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