Unmarried fathers in Florida often feel unsure about where they stand legally—especially when it comes to custody, time-sharing, and decision-making for their children. In this episode of When Split Happens, Jay Henderlite, a Jacksonville family law attorney with Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, breaks down what rights unmarried fathers do—and do not—have under Florida law.

Jay explains why fathers do not automatically receive parental rights at birth when the parents are unmarried, and why establishing paternity is the critical first step. Without paternity, a father has no enforceable right to custody, visitation, or involvement in major decisions. Once paternity is legally established, fathers may seek time-sharing, shared parental responsibility, and equal consideration in custody matters.

This episode covers how Florida courts handle parenting cases involving unmarried parents, including how paternity is established, whether mothers are favored in custody decisions, when 50/50 time-sharing may be appropriate, and how parental responsibility and child support are legally connected.

Jay also discusses why delaying action can make it harder to change an existing parenting arrangement—particularly for fathers in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, where courts prioritize stability and a child’s best interests.

If you are an unmarried father with questions about paternity, custody, or child support in Florida, this episode provides practical guidance to help you understand your rights and options.

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In this episode of When Split Happens, Jacksonville family law attorney Jay Henderlite of Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite answers a question that surprises many couples: Do you have to be legally separated before filing for divorce in Florida? The short answer is no—but Florida’s divorce laws have important rules every spouse should understand before filing.

Jay explains why Florida does not recognize legal separation, how the state’s no-fault divorce system works, and what legally replaces separation under Florida law. Listeners will learn the two requirements for filing a divorce in Florida—the six-month residency rule and the standard of “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.”

This episode also covers common concerns for couples who are living apart but not yet divorced, including:

• Whether living separately affects divorce, custody, or time-sharing decisions
• How income, debts, and marital assets are treated during separation
• What happens if one spouse disagrees that the marriage is over
• Whether Florida recognizes trial separations or separation agreements
• How parents can establish temporary support or custody without filing for divorce
• When a petition for support unconnected with dissolution may be appropriate

Jay also discusses how informal separation can impact parenting arrangements, financial rights, and future court decisions—especially for families in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.

If you’re considering divorce, recently separated, or trying to understand your legal options before taking the next step, this episode provides clear, Florida-specific guidance from an experienced Jacksonville divorce attorney.

Learn more about Florida divorce and family law at familylawyerjax.com.

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In this episode of When Split Happens, Jacksonville family law attorney Jay Henderlite of Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite breaks down when and how child support can be modified under Florida Statute 61.14. Learn what counts as a substantial, permanent, and involuntary change in circumstances, how courts recalculate support, and why timing matters more than most parents realize.

Jay covers:

• How income changes, job loss, medical needs, or therapy costs may justify a modification
• When courts impute income for voluntary underemployment
• Why agreements between parents aren’t valid until approved by a judge
• The complete modification process, including petitions, financial affidavits, and mediation
• Common issues for military and offshore-working parents in Northeast Florida
• Mistakes that can cost parents thousands in back support

If you’re navigating changes in finances, childcare costs, or your child’s needs, this Florida-specific guide helps you understand whether you meet the legal standard for modification in Jacksonville and surrounding counties.

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In this episode of When Split Happens, attorney Jay Henderlite of Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in Florida family law — the belief that mothers automatically get custody. Jay explains how Florida’s custody laws are gender-neutral, how courts apply the “best interests of the child” standard, and why both parents start on equal footing.

You’ll learn what judges look for when determining time-sharing, how the 2023 presumption of 50/50 custody works, and when equal time may not be appropriate. Jay also shares practical tips for parents in Jacksonville who are preparing for divorce, separation, or a custody case, including how to show involvement, maintain stability, and communicate effectively with the co-parent.

About Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite (Jacksonville, FL): Family law attorneys serving Northeast Florida in divorce, child custody, child support, parenting plans, and paternity cases.

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What really matters in a Florida family courtroom? It’s not about defeating the other parent—it’s about creating stability for your children. In this episode of When Split Happens, Jay Henderlite of Sasso, Guerrero & Henderlite explains how Florida family law judges decide custody and time-sharing cases based on the best interests of the child.

Learn what “stability” means in Florida custody law, how to show consistent involvement as a parent, and what behaviors can strengthen—or hurt—your case. This episode is essential for parents navigating divorce, custody, or family law issues in Jacksonville and the First Coast.

Sasso, Guerrero & Henderlite 218 E. Ashley St Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 619-1386 familylawyerjax.com Follow: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube

Are prenups just for the wealthy or a sign of distrust? In Episode 3 of "When Split Happens," Jacksonville’s board-certified family law attorney Jay Henderlite debunks prenup myths, revealing how prenuptial agreements foster trust and fairness under Florida law. Learn how prenups clarify asset division, protect businesses or inheritances, and simplify divorce, while understanding what they can’t do—like set child custody.

Jay answers key questions: Are prenups enforceable in Florida? Can you create one after marriage? How do they benefit both partners? Tailored for Northeast Florida couples planning marriage or navigating divorce, this episode delivers expert advice to secure your financial future.

Join "When Split Happens" for ongoing family law guidance, explore FamilyLawyerJax.com for tailored support from Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite’s board-certified team, or connect with us on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook or YouTube for divorce insights. Build your future with confidence today!

When can a child choose their parent in Florida custody cases? On "When Split Happens," Jacksonville family law attorney Jay Henderlite answers this in Episode 2. Debunking myths about age-based choice, Jay explains how Florida courts prioritize a child’s best interests over ages like 12 or 16. Learn how judges assess a child’s maturity, why private discussions shield kids from conflict, and what to do if a teen refuses visitation. Jay simplifies Florida custody laws, the child’s voice, and parenting plan modifications. Tailored for Northeast Florida parents navigating divorce or custody disputes, this episode delivers expert advice to ensure your child’s stability. Join "When Split Happens" for ongoing family law guidance, check out FamilyLawyerJax.com for tailored support from Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, or engage with us on Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok or Facebook for divorce tips and updates. Start your custody journey with practical advice now!

Start the school year right with "When Split Happens," your guide to navigating divorce and family law. In this premiere episode, host Jay Henderlite, a dedicated family law attorney at Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite in Jacksonville, Florida, shares expert co-parenting tips for the back-to-school season. Using a simple framework—rules, routines, and relationships—Jay explains how to minimize stress and conflict. Learn:

• Why adhering to your Florida parenting plan is crucial
• How shared calendars ensure stability
• Ways to foster positive communication for your child’s academic and emotional success

Jay answers key questions, like who covers school supplies post-divorce and whether one parent can alter schedules without consent. Tailored for parents navigating custody or co-parenting challenges, this episode delivers practical strategies to help kids thrive. Subscribe to "When Split Happens" for more family law insights, and visit familylawyerjax.com for personalized support from our experienced team. Empower your co-parenting journey with clear, actionable advice today!

Sasso, Guerrero & Henderlite 218 E. Ashley St Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 619-1386

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