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Financial myths commonly believed in a high-asset divorce

On behalf of Platt Hopwood Russell & Cole PLLC posted in High-Asset Divorce on Friday, September 25, 2020.

During the process of getting divorced in Florida, individuals may naturally wonder how their finances will be impacted. Unfortunately, erroneous thinking about the impacts of finances on divorce can lead to negative long-term consequences. This is particularly true in a high-asset divorce. Here are some common myths about how finances affect divorce in the Sunshine State.

First, some people think they can keep money hidden from their spouses simply by stashing the money in other accounts. This, however, is not the case. The reality is that both parties are required to disclose any assets they have accumulated during the marriage and placed in other accounts. In fact, they must fill out affidavits stating that they have indeed provided this information accurately.

Tips may make high-asset divorce more amicable

On behalf of Platt Hopwood Russell & Cole PLLC posted in High-Asset Divorce on Friday, September 11, 2020.

Getting divorced in Florida can understandably be challenging at every stage. This is especially true during a high-asset divorce situation, where emotions can run high. However, some pointers may help people who are going through divorce to cope with it more easily in the months ahead.

First, divorcing individuals would be wise to communicate with each other in a civil and caring manner. This is especially important when tensions are mounting. The more that the two parties can maintain positive and open communication, the more amicable the divorce process will be for both of them.

Woman faces DUI/DWI charge in Florida

On behalf of Platt Hopwood Russell & Cole PLLC posted in DUI/DWI on Thursday, August 27, 2020.

A woman is facing manslaughter charges among others after the death of a motorcyclist in Largo, according to local sources. The woman was arrested the night of Aug. 22 after the accident that claimed the life of an unknown person. She is now facing DUI/DWI charges as well as manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crime.

According to the limited information in the report, it appears the woman was driving in the area of South Missouri Avenue around 10:40 when the accident occurred. The woman, reportedly driving an SUV, apparently changed lanes rapidly at a high rate of speed, striking the motorcyclist and his vehicle. He was thrown from his motorcycle and was later pronounced dead. The woman reportedly fled the scene.

Sex crimes: Child-centered businesses may be banned for offenders

On behalf of Platt Hopwood Russell & Cole PLLC posted in sex crimes on Monday, August 10, 2020.

Crimes against minors that relate to sexual offenses are often considered especially troubling by society. Though there is good reason for this, there are times when those convicted of sex crimes haven't had their chance to tell their side of the matter, or may have even been falsely accused. They not only have to contend with punishment by the criminal justice system here in Florida, but with the social stigma. This could get worse in the future, as one Brevard County Commissioner wants to prevent convicted sex offenders from being allowed near any business that caters to children.

Most jurisdictions around the nation limit how close someone convicted of a sex crime can get to a school, park or day care center. In Brevard County, offenders cannot go within 1,000 feet of these types of places. Commissioner John Tobia is pushing an ordinance that would stop offenders from coming within that same range of any business considered child-focused. This could include arcades, trampoline parks and more.

Man charged with 9th DUI, other offenses

On behalf of Platt Hopwood Russell & Cole PLLC posted in DUI/DWI on Sunday, July 26, 2020.

Being arrested for a crime can change a person's life forever, though many people don't always realize this. Some even assume that nonviolent crimes can't have serious consequences, even when the person repeatedly commits the offense. The truth is that the judicial system pursues conviction for nonviolent crimes, such as driving under the influence, just as doggedly as any other crime. This is particularly the case for people who have multiple DUI arrests, as one Florida man, charged with his ninth DUI, may soon discover.

According to police, they received a call about a possible drunk driver in a truck on local roads. The witness allegedly followed the truck and police arrived to pull it over. Officers claimed that the man driving seemed intoxicated, and that he refused to take a field sobriety test, Breathalyzer or have his blood drawn.

Motor vehicle accidents: Fatal multi-car crash on Turnpike

On behalf of Platt Hopwood Russell & Cole PLLC posted in Motor Vehicle Accidents on Sunday, July 12, 2020.

A crash on the Florida Turnpike that killed one person and injured several others has left police with a number of questions. Fatal motor vehicle accidents are devastating for the victims, obviously, and their loved ones. Being left without knowing the precise cause, as is currently the case with this crash, often exacerbates a family's pain.

According to authorities, the crash happened on a recent early evening. A van headed south on the Turnpike encountered some traffic, and the driver apparently did not slow down appropriately. Police say that it struck the back end of a second van, causing that vehicle to run into a pickup truck.

The road to bicycle safety may start before the journey begins

On behalf of Platt Hopwood Russell & Cole PLLC on Thursday, July 2, 2020.

You might choose to travel to and from your destinations via bicycle for a variety of reasons. In addition to the inherent health benefits involved, the decision could also help you save on fuel and vehicle maintenance costs and avoid the hustle and bustle of traffic while out on Florida roads.

Along with the list of potential advantages, there is also a certain amount of risk associated with riding a bicycle near traffic. As accidents involving cyclists can have disastrous consequences, seeking out ways to reduce the odds a collision may occur and increase your safety as a cyclist could prove imperative.

Preparing to open a new chapter in life after a divorce

On behalf of Platt Hopwood Russell & Cole PLLC on Thursday, July 2, 2020.

Going through the end of a marriage can be a stressful process, and the outcome of your divorce could have a significant impact on your life. If you and your spouse decide to part ways, you might have concerns about what to expect from the process and how best to prepare to protect your future.

As divorce will inherently bring about a variety of changes in your life, finding ways to adapt to these changes could prove imperative. Knowing some of the issues that may arise and how to handle each in turn could help you better prepare to transition into life after divorce with confidence.

Florida driver charged with DUI after pedestrian accident

On behalf of Platt Hopwood Russell & Cole PLLC posted in DUI/DWI on Monday, June 29, 2020.

When a motor vehicle accident occurs, especially one that results in serious injuries, there is an understandable desire for answers. Additionally, there is sometimes a desire to place blame. Unfortunately, these desires can lead to assumptions about the cause of an accident, often that drugs or alcohol were a factor. For example, it is unclear what evidence supports the allegations of driving under the influence, or DUI, that a young Florida driver now faces.

The accident that led to the 20-year-old man's arrest reportedly happened around midnight on a day in mid-June. Police believe that the driver struck a 35-year-old pedestrian who they say was crossing a street outside of a crosswalk. The pedestrian reportedly suffered life-threatening injuries.

Motor vehicle accident takes 3 lives

On behalf of Platt Hopwood Russell & Cole PLLC posted in Motor Vehicle Accidents on Saturday, June 13, 2020.

Most people don't think that they will be in a car crash when they are traveling. Unfortunately, it happens all too often. When the crash is fatal, it is already a devastating event for the family and friends who loved the victims, but it can be even more difficult for them to deal with when it happens in another state. A recent motor vehicle accident here in Florida resulted in the deaths of three people, all of whom were from out of state.

Law enforcement reports that the crash happened on a recent morning. A pickup truck heading south on a state road apparently crossed over the grass median and into the opposite lane. Police say the truck hit another vehicle, causing it to run into a street sign and then a utility pole. Though the truck reportedly rolled onto its side, the driver only suffered minor injuries.

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