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Building Trust and Confidence One Case at a Time

Building Trust and Confidence One Case at a TimeBuilding Trust and Confidence One Case at a TimeBuilding Trust and Confidence One Case at a Time

Law Office of Elizabeth J. Coviello, P.A.

6400 Madison Street

New Port Richey, Florida 34652

(727) 777-3330

Welcome to The Law Office of Elizabeth J. Coviello, PA

Although not always comfortable or entirely predictable, change is inevitable. There are certain events over the course of our lives that are almost certain to alter the dynamics or landscape of a family. Some of these major events include marriage, divorce, birth, injury and death. The Law Office of Elizabeth J. Coviello, P.A. is dedicated to helping families navigate the often complex legal issues that are likely to arise throughout the course of these family alterations. 


Discounts provided for Military Veterans.

Family Law

DIVORCE

PRE-MARITAL (PRENUPTIAL) & POST-MARITAL (POSTNUPTIAL) AGREEMENTS

PRE-MARITAL (PRENUPTIAL) & POST-MARITAL (POSTNUPTIAL) AGREEMENTS

For a significantly large number of married couples, divorce will unfortunately be the inevitable outcome, and it can truly be one of life's most difficult and painful experiences for all involved. A permanent break-up of a family-unit, regardless of the varying and unique circumstances, is often a devastating blow that many have compared

For a significantly large number of married couples, divorce will unfortunately be the inevitable outcome, and it can truly be one of life's most difficult and painful experiences for all involved. A permanent break-up of a family-unit, regardless of the varying and unique circumstances, is often a devastating blow that many have compared to the feelings and stages of grief one might experience following the death of a loved one. To be sure, the in-tact family-unit provides, for most of us, a necessary and important foundation of safety, security, and predictability despite whatever the degree of imperfection or dysfunction all families face. 


The Law Office of Elizabeth J. Coviello, P.A. provides legal representation to those faced with navigating the often times daunting and confusing legal process and procedure of divorce and other family law related legal actions. Our firm's primary goal is to provide sound legal advice grounded in rational and reasonable analysis and thought during a time when our clients are experiencing a period of emotional upheaval and uncertainty.

PRE-MARITAL (PRENUPTIAL) & POST-MARITAL (POSTNUPTIAL) AGREEMENTS

PRE-MARITAL (PRENUPTIAL) & POST-MARITAL (POSTNUPTIAL) AGREEMENTS

PRE-MARITAL (PRENUPTIAL) & POST-MARITAL (POSTNUPTIAL) AGREEMENTS

A premarital agreement is a written contract entered into by a couple prior to marriage that enables them to control their legal rights and obligations, and what happens when their marriage ends, either by divorce or death. A well drafted premarital agreement can save the parties time, money and stress by providing clarity and certainty w

A premarital agreement is a written contract entered into by a couple prior to marriage that enables them to control their legal rights and obligations, and what happens when their marriage ends, either by divorce or death. A well drafted premarital agreement can save the parties time, money and stress by providing clarity and certainty with regard to these issues.


A post-marital agreement is a written contract entered into by a couple after they are married. Like a premarital agreement, it enables married couples to control their legal rights and obligation when the marriage ends unexpectedly.

CHILD SUPPORT

PRE-MARITAL (PRENUPTIAL) & POST-MARITAL (POSTNUPTIAL) AGREEMENTS

TIME SHARING (CHILD CUSTODY)

Child Support is a periodic payment generally made by one parent to the other to ensure the provision of adequate financial support for the child during each parents' respective time-sharing period. Florida law sets forth guidelines to be followed in determining how much child support is owed to either parent by the other based upon the c

Child Support is a periodic payment generally made by one parent to the other to ensure the provision of adequate financial support for the child during each parents' respective time-sharing period. Florida law sets forth guidelines to be followed in determining how much child support is owed to either parent by the other based upon the combined income of the parents., the time-sharing agreement exercised by the parties, and the number of children for which support must be provided.


This is a general or simplified explanation of how child support is legally determined or established. Although there are a few different reasons or circumstances where a court might deviate from the guidelines it is important to understand that in the State of Florida child supports exists exclusively for the purpose of ensuring the financial support of the children. Therefore, the parents generally cannot agree to waive a party's child support obligation absent good cause followed by an order of the Court.

TIME SHARING (CHILD CUSTODY)

TIME SHARING (CHILD CUSTODY)

TIME SHARING (CHILD CUSTODY)

For better or worse, spouses are free to choose one another. In our culture, a Spouse is generally someone who we voluntarily choose to make a member of our family. Children, on the other hand, do not choose their parents. It is an unfortunate reality that as a result of their vulnerability, children often end up suffering the most harm, 

For better or worse, spouses are free to choose one another. In our culture, a Spouse is generally someone who we voluntarily choose to make a member of our family. Children, on the other hand, do not choose their parents. It is an unfortunate reality that as a result of their vulnerability, children often end up suffering the most harm, and often become unintended victims of an adversarial, high-conflict divorce. Appropriate care can and should be taken to lessen or altogether avoid the negative impact of divorce suffered by the children involved. Our law firm is dedicated to ensuring these appropriate measures are taken to every event necessary and possible throughout the course of all family law-related cases involving children.


Time-sharing (formerly referred to as "child custody") involves the amount and manner of time-sharing each parent will exercise with their child. The courts look to the best interests of the child ahead of all else. There are numerous factors that are considered in determining a time-sharing schedule, and there are a variety of different scheduling plans that can be implemented to fit the unique needs and circumstances of a particular family. In Florida, there is a presumption, absent evidence to the contrary, that an equal (50/50) timesharing schedule with both parents will serve the best interest of the children.


A time-sharing schedule can be agreed upon by the parents, or absent such agreement, it can be established by order of the Court. The schedule is normally included in a document referred to as a "Parenting Plan" that includes a variety of other relevant details about the responsibility of each parent with respect to matters such as expenses related to extracurricular activities, transportation, and the manner of exchange of the children between the parties.

PATERNITY ACTIONS

TIME SHARING (CHILD CUSTODY)

SPOUSAL SUPPORT (ALIMONY)

Paternity actions are brought to legal establish the identity of the biological father of a child.


Establishing disestablishing paternity affects the rights and obligations of both the father and the child in the action.


It is important to understand that in the State of Florida a child born during an intact marriage is presumed to be the l

Paternity actions are brought to legal establish the identity of the biological father of a child.


Establishing disestablishing paternity affects the rights and obligations of both the father and the child in the action.


It is important to understand that in the State of Florida a child born during an intact marriage is presumed to be the legal child of the Husband. If the Husband of the marriage is not the biological father of the child, the proceedings must be initiated in order to disestablish the Husband's presumed legal obligations and legal rights to the child.


A child born to an unmarried mother, on the other hand, results in no presumption of paternity under the law. In other words, the biological father or another interested party must initiate court proceedings for the establishment of paternity.


It is very important for a biological Father to a child born out-of-wedlock to understand that prior to the establishment of paternity including other specific relief ordered by the Court, the Father has no legal rights with respect of the child. Likewise, absentCourt Order, the Father has no legal obligations to the child.


A Father's name recorded on a child's birth certificate alone has no legal effect upon the Father's legal rights or obligations to the child. The consequences of failing to understand this legal reality can be severe. This misunderstanding of the law has resulted in many Fathers suddenly finding 

themselves the subject of an Amber Alert and suspect in a criminal kidnapping charge.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT (ALIMONY)

TIME SHARING (CHILD CUSTODY)

SPOUSAL SUPPORT (ALIMONY)

Spousal support is a legal obligation to provide financial support to a spouse that can occur both during and after a divorce. There are many different types of spousal support available in the State of Florida depending on the unique circumstances of the parties to a divorce action. Spousal support is foremost determined by establishing 

Spousal support is a legal obligation to provide financial support to a spouse that can occur both during and after a divorce. There are many different types of spousal support available in the State of Florida depending on the unique circumstances of the parties to a divorce action. Spousal support is foremost determined by establishing that one spouse has a need for financial support and the other spouse has the ability to provide the needed support. Every alimony award must be grounded first upon the establishment of need and ability. Once both a need and ability are established, the court looks to a variety of statutory criteria in determining the legally appropriate type of alimony (length or duration of financial support) and the appropriate amount of financial support owed by one spouse to the other. 

 

Early and adequate legal counsel, oftentimes as early as divorce is contemplated but not yet underway, can be helpful.  

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS

A marital settlement agreement is an agreement reached between divorcing parties wherein they agree to distribution of their assets and debts, spousal support arrangements, and a variety of other matters requiring resolution in a divorce. These agreements can vary widely and very often should include specific provisions that are legally e

A marital settlement agreement is an agreement reached between divorcing parties wherein they agree to distribution of their assets and debts, spousal support arrangements, and a variety of other matters requiring resolution in a divorce. These agreements can vary widely and very often should include specific provisions that are legally enforceable and appropriately reflect all agreed upon terms of the divorce. As with any other legally binding contract, appropriate and adequate legal representation is critical to ensure that unanticipated contingencies or events are accounted for and that the terms agreed upon by the parties are enforceable as a matter of law.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INJUNCTIONS

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS

A civil injunction for domestic violence is an action filed in the Circuit Court where a party seeks Court protection from an individual as a result of a variety of forms of violence that can exist in a domestic form of relationship. Domestic violence may be of a nature that is physical, sexual, or psychological.


Sadly, this legal remedy t

A civil injunction for domestic violence is an action filed in the Circuit Court where a party seeks Court protection from an individual as a result of a variety of forms of violence that can exist in a domestic form of relationship. Domestic violence may be of a nature that is physical, sexual, or psychological.


Sadly, this legal remedy that is desperately needed by those in very vulnerable situations is sometimes used manipulatively as a tool to gain a leg up in divorce proceedings. 


Our firm has experience in prosecuting and defending domestic violence injunctions.

DEBT & ASSET DIVISION

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS

DEBT & ASSET DIVISION

Personal property is divided into either non-marital or marital property. Generally, marital property (and debts) are those acquired during the course of the marriage. Division of assets and debts is an integral aspect of any divorce proceeding, and proper representation is necessary to appropriately determine the value, categorization an

Personal property is divided into either non-marital or marital property. Generally, marital property (and debts) are those acquired during the course of the marriage. Division of assets and debts is an integral aspect of any divorce proceeding, and proper representation is necessary to appropriately determine the value, categorization and division of the assets and debts of the marriage.


There are important legal considerations with respect to certain matters that often arise such as: the existence of non-marital property, the establishment of a business during the course of the marriage, and the dissipation or intentional depletion of marital assets in anticipation and during the course of divorce proceedings.

ABOUT ELIZABETH J. COVIELLO LAW

Elizabeth J. Coviello, PA

Attorney Elizabeth J. Coviello received a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from The University of South Florida and graduated Cum Laude from Western Michigan University with a Juris Doctor Degree in Law. She is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and is admitted to practice in all Florida Courts and the Federal Middle District of Florida. Ms. Coviello is a long-time resident of Pasco County.

What to expect at the Initial Consultation

- A thorough analysis and legal opinion about the possible outcomes of your case based upon the unique facts and circumstances surrounding your family's situation.

- An explanation of what to expect throughout the process, what is required of you, and based upon the unique facts and circumstances of your situation, an opinion as to the estimated or anticipated fees and costs associated with the case.

- A preliminary legal opinion of where your situation stands at the current time based on the facts presented. This may include some suggestions for what to do and what not to do prior to retaining counsel if you ultimately decide to do so.

- Whether considering some form of alternative dispute resolution (i.e. collaborative divorce efforts, early mediation) may be beneficial in your particular situation. 

Estate Planning & Probate Administration

Last Will & Testament - A Will that is validly executed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida will help to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes as opposed to the laws that apply when someone passes without a will. This documents is also important for the purpose of selecting individuals or entities you would desire to serve as guardians or trustees for your minor children.


Durable Power of Attorney - This legal document, if executed in accordance with State Law, can ensure that someone can act in your place to handle specified business, financial, and legal transactions in the event you are unable to handle these matters yourself.


Designation of Health Care Surrogate -  This legal document, if executed in accordance with Sate Law, can grant a specific individual with the power to make important medical decisions in your place if you are unable to make those decisions yourself.


Living Will -  This legal document dictates what actions should be taken in the event of certain terminal medical conditions. It can provide instructions as to one's preferences or desires with respect to life-prolonging medical procedures that may artificially prolong the process of dying. In order to be valid, this legal document must be executed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Florida.


Certain life changes that may warrant scheduling an estate planning consultation/evaluation:

  • Families with young children or children on the way.
  • Families relocating from another state.
  • Families who have acquired additional assets, income, or property.
  • Families who have lost a loved one named in an existing Will or Codicil.
  • Individuals who are going through a divorce.
  • Families faced with challenges associated with aging parents or grandparents.
  • Families or individuals caring for children with special needs.

Personal injury law

Few things can be as disruptive as an unexpected injury. Compounded with the healing process is the uncertainty about what to do next to get lief back to normal. It is physically, emotionally and financially taxing. Oftentimes you must take time off work to recover, all the while watching the medical bills and other expenses pile up.


There is no need to go through this traumatic experience alone. The Law Office of Elizabeth J. Coviello can help navigate the complexities of this difficult time in life by providing experienced, compassionate and zealous representation to get you through thus difficult process.


Automobile Accidents

Motorcycle Accidents

Truck Accidents

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Boating Accidents

Slip and Fall

Wrongful Death

We're Here To Help!

We're Here To Help!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Understandably, this is one of the most common questions asked by clients. For the most part, both parties to a case hold the mutual power to determine how long a divorce proceeding will last, and this will often determine how much the divorce will ultimately cost. If the parties are reasonable and cooperative with one another, a settlement agreement can be reached sooner resulting in a much less expensive resolution. Conversely, if the parties are not able to cooperatively work together, a longer more expensive divorce proceeding may result. However, regardless of either scenario, the attorney who represents a client in divorce should make certain that this very legitimate concern is always considered and discussed throughout each stage of the client's case. A client has a right to understand the purpose and cost for the strategies and recommendations of Counsel throughout the litigation.

No. In the State of Florida, a Father is presumed to be the Father of a child based upon the Father's marital status with the child's biological Mother. If a child is born out-of-wedlock the biological father generally has no legal rights or obligations to the child without establishing paternity through the Court.

This can only be accomplished through an appropriate legal proceeding. Florida Law does not permit an individual to physically or forcefully remove a person from his or her place of residence without Court or law enforcement involvement.

In a divorce, the court may order one spouse to pay the attorney's fees for the other spouse. This determination is primarily based upon one spouse's need and the other spouse's ability to pay attorney's fees. However, there are other situations and circumstances that may arise which require one party to pay the attorney's fees incurred by the other party.

Child support is calculated based upon guidelines set forth by Florida Statute. Generally, a parent's child support obligation is computed  by a formula that incorporates, among other things: the combined family income, the number of children, and the number of overnights the children spend with each parent.

Generally, the answer is no. Although the Court may exercise some discretion as to a downward deviation from the child support guidelines based upon good cause, this form of support is exclusively for the benefit of the children and neither parent can waive the legal obligation both parents have to financially support their children.

Yes. Unlike a child support obligation, alimony is negotiable. It can be waived or altered in an infinite number of ways. There are certain statutory factors the Court considers unmaking a determination as to an alimony award. The Court's analysis begins with a determination that one party has a need for spousal support. If it is established that there is a need and an ability to pay spousal support, the Court will then consider, at a minimum, the following criteria set forth in Florida Law:

(a) The standard of living established during the marriage.

(b) The duration of the marriage.

(c) The age and the physical and emotional condition of each party.

(d) The financial resources of each party, including the non-marital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each.

(e) The earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of the parties and,  when applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment.

(f) The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, not not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party.

(g) The responsibilities each party will have with regard to any minor children they have in common.

(h) The tax treatment and consequences to both parties of any alimony award, including the designation of all or a portion of the payment as a nontaxable, nondeductible payment.

(i) All sources of income available to either party, including income available to either party through investments of any assets held by the party.

(j) Any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties.

Generally, the Judge will consider, but not limited to, the following statutory criteria designed to determine a time-sharing schedule in the best interest of the children;

(a) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship, to honor the time-sharing schedule, and to be reasonable when changes are required.

(b) The anticipate division of parental responsibilities after the litigation, including the extent to which parental responsibilities will be delegated to third parties.

(c) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to determine, consider, and act upon the needs of the child as opposed to the needs or desires of the parent.

(d) The length of times the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity.

(e) The geographic viability of the parenting plan, with special attention paid to the needs of school-age children and the amount of time to be spent traveling to effectuate the parenting plan. This factor does not create a presumption for or against relocation of either parent with a child.

(f) The moral fitness of the parents.

(g) The mental and physical heath of the parents.

(h) The home school, and community record of the child.

(i) The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to express a preference. 

(j) The demonstrated knowledge, capacity, and disposition of each parent to be informed of the circumstances of the minor child, including, but not limited to, the child's friends, teachers, medical care providers, daily activities, and favorite things.

(k) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to provide a consistent routine for the child, such as discipline, and daily schedules for homework, meals, and bedtime.

(l) The demonstrated capacity of each parent to communicate with and keep the other parent informed of issues and activities regarding the minor child, and the willingness of each parent to adopt a unified front on all major issues when dealing with the child.

(m) Evidence of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect, regardless of whether a prior or pending action relating to those issues has been brought. If the Court accepts evidence of prior or pending actions regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect, the Court must specifically acknowledge in writing that such evidence was considered when evaluating the best interests of the child.

(n) Evidence that either parent has knowingly provided false information to the Court regarding any prior or pending action regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, child abandonment, or child neglect.

(o) The particular parenting tasks customarily performed by each parent and the division of parental responsibilities before the institution of litigation and during the pending litigation, including the extend to which parenting responsibilities were undertaken by third parties.

(p) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to participate and be involved in the child's school and extracurricular activities.

(q) The demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to maintain an environment for the child which is free from substance abuse.

(r) The capacity and disposition of each parent to protect the child from the ongoing litigation as demonstrated by not discussing the litigation with the child, not sharing documents or electronic media related to the litigation with the child, and refraining from disparaging comments about the other parent to the child.

(s) The developmental stages and needs of the child and the demonstrated capacity and disposition of each parent to meet the child's developmental needs.

(t) Any other factor that is relevant to the determination or a specific parenting plan, including the time-sharing schedule.


Contact Us

The Law Office of Elizabeth J. Coviello, P.A.

6400 Madison Street, New Port Richey, Florida 34652, United States

(727) 777-3330 liz@covielaw.com

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Disclaimer: This website has been prepared by The Law Office of Elizabeth J. Coviello, P.A. for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney. Contact or communication with the firm through this website in no way constitutes the establishment of an attorney-client relationship.

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