Catherine Eaton, Esq.

Many people assume hiring a family law attorney has to mean full representation from beginning to end. In real life, some clients need help with only one part of the case. They may want an attorney for a temporary-relief hearing, a motion, a mediation session, document review, or one important court date. Both Florida and Tennessee allow lawyers to limit the scope of representation in appropriate … [Read more...] about Can You Hire a Divorce Lawyer for One Hearing?

When parents hear that child support is based on income, the next question is usually what the court means by “income.” Many people assume it only refers to a paycheck or salary. In real family law cases, the definition is much wider. Courts in both Florida and Tennessee can look at: This matters a great deal in child support cases. If income is understated, overlooked, or described too … [Read more...] about What Counts as Income for Child Support

When parents separate, there are a lot of questions that start flying through their heads. One of the first practical questions is how child support will be figured out. Many people expect the court to pick a number based on fairness alone, but Florida does not work that way. The state uses a statutory guideline formula that starts with both parents’ income, applies listed deductions, looks at the … [Read more...] about How Child Support Is Calculated in Florida – 2026

When parents are in the middle of a custody dispute, one of the most common questions is what a judge actually pays attention to in court. Many people assume the answer is simple. They may think a judge will focus on who loves the child more, who has more money, or which parent has spent the most time in the home. Real custody decisions are much more structured than that. In both Florida and … [Read more...] about What Judges Look for in Custody Cases

When parents separate or divorce in Tennessee, the question they often ask first is who will “get custody.” In everyday conversation, that phrasing is common. In Tennessee law, the court looks more closely at parental responsibilities, the child’s residential schedule, and the best interests of the child. Tennessee’s parenting-plan statutes say that, in proceedings between parents, the child’s … [Read more...] about How Child Custody Is Decided in Tennessee

When parents divorce or separate in Florida, one of the biggest worries is what will happen with the children. Many people still use the phrase “child custody,” yet Florida law now uses different terms. Courts focus on parental responsibility and time-sharing, and every decision is supposed to be guided by the best interests of the child. That change in wording matters. It reflects how Florida … [Read more...] about How Child Custody Is Decided in Florida