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Alimony Law
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- What is Alimony?
- Who gets alimony in Florida and why?
- Are there any guidelines in Florida for alimony, like those judges use in child support cases?
- Are there different types of alimony in Florida?
- Can a dependent spouse be forced to work in Florida?
- Can a person in Florida request alimony after the divorce is over?
- Can a spouse bankrupt his alimony obligations in Florida?
- Can alimony be modified or terminated in Florida?
- Does my ex-husband have to continue to pay alimony if I am now living with another man?
- How are support payments treated under federal income tax rules?
- How is spousal support calculated in Florida?
- If I receive an inheritance, does this affect alimony in any way in Florida?
- If a spouse commits adultery, does this behavior result in an increase in alimony in Florida?
- Can men seek alimony in Florida?
- What are the factors that go into an spousal support determination in Florida?
- When does alimony stop in Florida?
- Can a court award two kinds of alimony at the same time in Florida?
- Can a person limit their exposure to alimony by having a prenuptial agreement in Florida?
- Can a spouse be awarded temporary alimony during the pendency of the divorce proceeding in Florida?
- Can my ex-wife collect back alimony when she did nothing about my non-payment for several years?
- What is transitional alimony? Bridge the gap alimony?
- If a spouse retires, does this constitute a change in circumstances to justify a termination of alimony in Florida?
- What factors does the court consider in determining alimony in Florida?
- What is rehabilitative alimony?
- What is limited duration alimony?
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Child Custody Law
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- Are Florida courts more likely to award custody to mothers than to fathers?
- Can custody rights be modified in Florida?
- If the other parent will not allow me to see my children, do I have to pay support in Florida?
- What are some common terms that I should know in child custody cases?
- What factors go into determining custody and visitation in Florida?
- What happens in Florida when visitation rights are frustrated?
- What if the child's best interest does not coincide with the parents' personal desires?
- What if the custodial parent wants to move away from the non-custodial parent?
- At what age can my children decide where they want to live?
- Can expert witnesses be used in custody battles?
- Does a court have to decide our visitation schedule, or can the other parent and I make the schedule ourselves?
- If child support is not paid, must visitation be allowed in Florida?
- Is mediation the best approach to solving disagreements about child custody?
- I am a noncustodial parent, but my child lives with me now. Can I change the child support order?
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Child Support Law
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- Do I pay my spouse directly for child support in Florida?
- Can child support be reduced in Florida if I remarry and have more children with my new wife?
- Can my child's father be ordered to pay for my child's college education in Florida?
- Can I lower my child support payments in Florida if I spend more time with my kids?
- Can my ex-spouse make me pay for a private school for our child in Florida?
- How are child care expenses divided in Florida?
- How do I get my child support increased in Florida?
- If I get joint custody, will I still have to pay child support in Florida?
- Must the children be covered by health insurance?
- What determines how much child support I have to pay in Florida?
- Who can seek a child support modification in Florida?
- Can the Florida courts include my new spouse's income when setting child support?
- Can child support be retroactively modified in Florida?
- Can I make my support payments directly to my ex-spouse? Should I?
- My child is about to turn 18, but is still in high school and living at home. Can I still get child support?
- What does it mean to be in default of a child support order and what can happen to me if I go into default?
- What does the term combined income refer to in figuring child support in Florida?
- Will my overtime be included in child support calculations?
- How is child support calculated in Florida?
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Divorce Law
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- What are grounds for divorce in Florida?
- How is divorce initiated in Florida?
- How is annulment different from divorce?
- Can I oppose a divorce in Florida?
- How do I protect my credit when going through divorce in Florida?
- My spouse just asked for a divorce. What do I do first in Florida?
- What happens to joint debts when we divorce in Florida?
- In my Florida divorce case, what are the alternatives to going to court?
- What is a marital settlement agreement in a divorce in Florida?
- What is collaborative divorce?
- Can an out of state divorce be enforced in Florida?
- Can I file for divorce in Florida while my spouse is stationed with the military in another country?
- Can I go back to my maiden name after my divorce in Florida?
- Do I have to share my pension after my Florida divorce?
- In my Florida divorce case, how do I prove ownership of the dog?
- Is it illegal to get remarried before my divorce is final?
- In my Florida divorce case, what does the mediator do?
- What happens to retirement funds and 401k plans in a divorce?
- What if my spouse is served with the divorce papers but does not answer?
- What is an uncontested divorce?
- How are assets split in a divorce?
- Grandparents Rights >
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Marital Law
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- Can a spouse refuse to sign divorce papers in Florida?
- How can I obtain a legal divorce or dissolution of marriage in Florida?
- What is marital property?
- What is a postnuptial agreement?
- What is a prenuptial or ante nuptial agreement?
- Can I get a simplified divorce/dissolution of marriage?
- Can you get a divorce if your spouse is incarcerated?
- Can you get a divorce if you are pregnant?
- Military Divorce Law >
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Paternity Law
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- What does it mean to establish paternity?
- When is it necessary to take a paternity test?
- Can I get visitation or custody, even though I was not married to the mother, and I am not on the birth certificate?
- The father of my child will not admit paternity. What can I do in Florida?
- Who is allowed to start a paternity case?
- Can the name of the child be changed when paternity is established?
- What happens if the mother was married to another man at the time the child was born?
- What is an administrative order?
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Alimony Law
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N. Diane Holmes
Attorney at Law - Family Law
N. Diane Holmes is one of the most respected family law attorneys in the state of Florida. Consistently ranked as a Florida “Super Lawyer” (most recently by the Wall Street Journal), she is held in high regard by her peers with the coveted 5.0 Martindale-Hubbell® peer rating for “high ethical standards and professional ability”. This is the highest peer ranking possible.
She holds the impressive distinction as the first woman lawyer in Central Florida who has earned the designation as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Since 1984, Ms. Holmes has built a family law practice based on her firm belief in fairness, creative strategies and results. She will represent you with the experience and tenacity that has earned her a solid reputation in the legal community.
A pioneer in collaborative divorce, she is known for developing unique and creative solutions for the benefit of her clients. She has earned great admiration and respect from the bench, her clients and opposing counsel for the caliber of representation and experience she brings to the table.
She holds the impressive distinction as the first woman lawyer in Central Florida who has earned the designation as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Since 1984, Ms. Holmes has built a family law practice based on her firm belief in fairness, creative strategies and results. She will represent you with the experience and tenacity that has earned her a solid reputation in the legal community.
A pioneer in collaborative divorce, she is known for developing unique and creative solutions for the benefit of her clients. She has earned great admiration and respect from the bench, her clients and opposing counsel for the caliber of representation and experience she brings to the table.
Career Highlights:

- Named Florida Super Lawyer (2007-2020)
- Featured in the Top Attorneys in Florida, published by the Wall Street Journal
- Included in Orlando Home & Leisure – Top Lawyer,
- Featured as Florida Trend's Florida Legal Elite - Top Attorneys by Practice Area, Adoption, Marital & Family
Education:
Juris Doctorate Degree – University of Florida
Bachelor of Arts with Honors – University of Florida
Certifications:
- Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Board Certified in Marital & Family Law, Florida Bar
- Certified Family Mediator, Supreme Court of Florida
- 5.0 AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell®
- National Board Trial Advocacy Certification
Professional Memberships:
The Florida Bar
° Family Law Section
American Bar Association
° Family Law Section
° Law Practice Management Section
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
° Florida Chapter of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Florida Association for Women Lawyers
Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers
Seminole County Bar Association
Orange County Bar Association
° Family Law Section
George C. Young First Central Florida American Inn of Court
Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court
Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
The National Board of Trial Advocacy
Florida Trend's Florida Legal Elite™
Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals
° Family Law Section
American Bar Association
° Family Law Section
° Law Practice Management Section
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
° Florida Chapter of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Florida Association for Women Lawyers
Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers
Seminole County Bar Association
Orange County Bar Association
° Family Law Section
George C. Young First Central Florida American Inn of Court
Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court
Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
The National Board of Trial Advocacy
Florida Trend's Florida Legal Elite™
Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals
Professional Appointments:
Florida Chapter of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
° Board of Managers (2009-present)
° Newsletter Editor (2011-2019)
Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court – founding board member
° Executive Committee (2005-2011)
° President (2006-2007)
° President Elect (2005-2006)
Seminole County Family Law Advisory Committee (2003-present)
Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida – founding board member
° Representative to Collaborative Family Law Council of Florida (2008-2011)
° Board of Directors (2002-2007)
The Florida Bar – Family Law Section
° CLE Committee (2006-2007)
° Mediation & Collaborative Law; Secretary (2006-2007)
Ninth Judicial Circuit Commission on Domestic Relations Courts Commission (2003-2005)
The American Bar Association Family Law Section
° Membership, Marketing and Public Relations Committee Co-Chair (1999-2005)
° Conference Host Committee Chair (2002)
° Child Support Committee
Seminole County Bar Association – Family Law Section
° Chair (1996-1997)
° Chair-Elect (1995)
Legal Aid Society of The Orange County Bar Association, Inc.
° Member of Board of Trustees; Secretary (1983-1987)
Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers
° Founding member
° Officer
° Board of Managers (2009-present)
° Newsletter Editor (2011-2019)
Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court – founding board member
° Executive Committee (2005-2011)
° President (2006-2007)
° President Elect (2005-2006)
Seminole County Family Law Advisory Committee (2003-present)
Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida – founding board member
° Representative to Collaborative Family Law Council of Florida (2008-2011)
° Board of Directors (2002-2007)
The Florida Bar – Family Law Section
° CLE Committee (2006-2007)
° Mediation & Collaborative Law; Secretary (2006-2007)
Ninth Judicial Circuit Commission on Domestic Relations Courts Commission (2003-2005)
The American Bar Association Family Law Section
° Membership, Marketing and Public Relations Committee Co-Chair (1999-2005)
° Conference Host Committee Chair (2002)
° Child Support Committee
Seminole County Bar Association – Family Law Section
° Chair (1996-1997)
° Chair-Elect (1995)
Legal Aid Society of The Orange County Bar Association, Inc.
° Member of Board of Trustees; Secretary (1983-1987)
Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers
° Founding member
° Officer
Community Involvement:

N. Diane Holmes is a celebrated leader in our community, guiding efforts to protect children, raising money to fund breast cancer research and supporting the arts in Central Florida.
She was one of the strongest advocates to build the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association’s Guardian ad Litem program*, ensuring that thousands of abused and neglected children could rely on trained, compassionate volunteers to guide them through the sometimes scary and unfamiliar judicial process.
Ms. Holmes continues to be a dedicated mentor for young lawyers. She regularly invites young attorneys to lunch or to offer them a seat at her famous “Table for Eight.” She also inspires students to consider the profession of law.
She points to her involvement in the Florida Lawyer's Assistance Program as one of the most rewarding commitments of her career. The program was created to provide assistance to help law professionals and students who face stress-related, substance abuse and other challenges that could impact their ability to live and work effectively.
Ms. Holmes is also a proud supporter and active participant in the arts, including the Winter Park Playhouse and the Winter Park Autumn Arts Festival. Other non-profit organizations she is involved in include The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and “A Place for Children,” which is a free courthouse day care program in Orange County.
The cause most personal to her is the fight to find a cure for breast cancer. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she serves as a positive example to others. In recognition of her tireless efforts, she was recently selected as the 2011 Honorary Breast Cancer Survivor for the “Central Florida Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk in Downtown Orlando, personally raising more than $10,000 for the cause. For more than a decade, Ms. Holmes has supported the American Cancer Society as a Reach to Recovery volunteer and is featured in an American Cancer Society video, “Conqueror of Cancer: Surfing Diane.”
*In 2010 alone, the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association’s Guardian ad Litem program helped 1,300 local abused children. You, too, could volunteer by clicking here.
She was one of the strongest advocates to build the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association’s Guardian ad Litem program*, ensuring that thousands of abused and neglected children could rely on trained, compassionate volunteers to guide them through the sometimes scary and unfamiliar judicial process.
Ms. Holmes continues to be a dedicated mentor for young lawyers. She regularly invites young attorneys to lunch or to offer them a seat at her famous “Table for Eight.” She also inspires students to consider the profession of law.
She points to her involvement in the Florida Lawyer's Assistance Program as one of the most rewarding commitments of her career. The program was created to provide assistance to help law professionals and students who face stress-related, substance abuse and other challenges that could impact their ability to live and work effectively.
Ms. Holmes is also a proud supporter and active participant in the arts, including the Winter Park Playhouse and the Winter Park Autumn Arts Festival. Other non-profit organizations she is involved in include The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and “A Place for Children,” which is a free courthouse day care program in Orange County.
The cause most personal to her is the fight to find a cure for breast cancer. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she serves as a positive example to others. In recognition of her tireless efforts, she was recently selected as the 2011 Honorary Breast Cancer Survivor for the “Central Florida Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk in Downtown Orlando, personally raising more than $10,000 for the cause. For more than a decade, Ms. Holmes has supported the American Cancer Society as a Reach to Recovery volunteer and is featured in an American Cancer Society video, “Conqueror of Cancer: Surfing Diane.”
*In 2010 alone, the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association’s Guardian ad Litem program helped 1,300 local abused children. You, too, could volunteer by clicking here.