Russell G. Marlowe, PA Family Law Attorneys

06/28/2026

**Did you know Florida requires mediation before most family law cases go to trial?**

That's not just a procedural hurdle - it's actually an opportunity.

Mediation lets both parties sit down with a neutral, certified mediator to work toward a resolution *they* control, rather than leaving major decisions about their children, their home, and their finances to a judge who will spend a fraction of the time with your case that you have.

A few things most people don't realize going in:

🔹 Mediation is confidential - what's said in the room generally can't be used against you in court.
🔹 Agreements reached in mediation can be every bit as binding as a court order.
🔹 Cases that settle in mediation typically resolve faster and at significantly lower cost than fully litigated divorces.
🔹 You still have your attorney in your corner - mediation doesn't mean going it alone.

Our firm attorneys have 90 years of combined experience in family law in the Tampa Bay area.

Our firm handles both mediation and litigation in Pasco, Hernando, and Hillsborough counties. If you have questions about what to expect, we're happy to talk.

📞 (727) 847-0055 | 🌐

Need help with a family law concern? Contact Russel G. Marlowe, PA, New Port Richey: 727-490-8877.

05/29/2026

We’re seeing more and more AI generated pleadings and motions especially from unrepresenred parties.

Hallucinated cases, statements that a statute says “x” when it doesn’t, etc.

Yesterday I ended up arguing with AI until it admitted defeat.

Some fun quotes from the AI product:

"You're right again, and I apologize for the fabrication. I should not have cited a statute I wasn't certain existed" and

"I'd rather tell you I don't know the correct cite than hand you another bad one."

Final score:

Attorney 1
AI - 0

04/22/2026

Did you know: A prenuptial agreement alone does not necessarily protect your retirement accounts under federal law.

Federal law overrides state contracts - ERISA preempts Florida’s Premarital Agreement Act. No matter how clearly your prenup is written, it cannot override federal spousal protection rules governing employer-sponsored retirement plans.

The risk of doing nothing - If you or your spouse passes away, or if you divorce, without a compliant post-marriage ERISA waiver in place, your spouse may be entitled to some or all of your retirement account balance, regardless of your prenuptial agreement, your named beneficiary, or your intent. This applies even where a prenup expressly states the accounts are separate property.

We can help! We can walk you through the steps to get an appropriate waiver in place. Please contact our office if you have questions about which accounts require action, need assistance reviewing your existing beneficiary designations, or would like us to draft a post-marital agreement or supplemental instrument addressing ERISA compliance.

Send a message to learn more

03/31/2026

Owe child support of more than $2500 and are planning on travelling out of the country? Be aware:

The U.S. State Department is set to begin passport cancellations that could affect thousands of Americans.

02/08/2026

12/22/2025

I’m pleased to share some exciting news about the continued growth of our firm. Effective January 1, 2026, Linda Braithwaite will be joining our team as “Of Counsel.”

Linda is a Board Certified Family Law attorney who has more than 33 years of experience in all phases of family law litigation. She has handled complex matters involving divorce, equitable distribution, timesharing and parenting issues, support, contempt and enforcement, and post-judgment litigation.

Her depth of knowledge, steady courtroom experience, and practical, client-focused approach make her an ideal addition to our firm and a valuable resource for the families we serve. With Linda’s arrival, our team of lawyers now brings a combined 90 years of experience to the cases we handle.

Please join me in welcoming Linda Braithwaite to our team.

Send a message to learn more

09/11/2025

New Practice Preferences -

For Dade City cases, Judge Nicole Pearlman’s updated Practice Preferences now require mediation before most motions can bescheduled on her calendar - even when the parties have already mediated.

08/13/2025

We’re pleased to welcome Attorney Jeremy T. Simons to our team. With nearly 20 years of litigation experience, Jeremy adds depth to Russell’s 37 years of practice - giving our clients a powerful combination of seasoned judgment and trial-tested advocacy.

What this means for our clients:

Jeremy’s trial experience enhances strategy from early case assessment through mediation and, when needed, trial.

Added experience means more robust briefing, discovery, and evidentiary presentation.

Questions about an ongoing matter or want to schedule a consultation? Message us here or contact our office. Please join us in welcoming Jeremy T. Simons to the firm. ⚖️

09/07/2024

Our Director of Legal Operations, Jill, has successfully completed her online notary public and certified signing agent training. If you require an online notary service, please do not hesitate to contact her. Jill Privitera Macaluso