Sessums Black

10/26/2026

For decades, Alex Caballero has demonstrated a commitment to integrity, civility, leadership, and excellence in the practice of law. We are incredibly proud to celebrate his selection as a 2026 Hillsborough County Bar Association Professionalism Award recipient.

Presented annually to just two attorneys—one government and one non-government—the prestigious award recognizes those who consistently demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics.

The Honorable Christopher C. Sabella, Chief Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, presented the award during last week’s HCBA Bench Bar Conference following an introduction and remarks by attorney Jaime Garcia of Garcia Law Group.

A member of Sessums Black, P.A. since 1999, Alex is Florida Bar board-certified in Marital and Family Law and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. His distinguished career also includes service as President of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, Chair of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, and his current role as a commissioner on the Second District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission.

Alex's contributions extend far beyond the clients he represents. Through his leadership, service, and example, he has helped strengthen the legal community and the profession itself. Please join us in congratulating Alex on this well-deserved recognition and celebrating a career that reflects professionalism at its finest.

10/22/2026

Can you afford to get divorced? For many, especially primary breadwinners with young children, the answer is complicated. Divorce can bring financial hardship, but staying in an unhappy marriage carries costs of its own. Experts recommend taking stock of income, savings, debt, and housing expenses to make an informed decision based on facts, not fear.

Can I afford to get divorced? Learn how divorce affects income, housing, childcare, retirement, and long-term financial independence.

10/19/2026

When co-parents treat parenting time as something to “own,” it can limit children's opportunities. A more effective approach focuses on supporting a child’s overall growth and daily life, including school, activities, and social development. Shifting to a child-centered mindset helps reduce conflict and better supports a child’s well-being.

It’s normal for co-parents to feel pressure to make their parenting time special. And it’s easier than you’d think! Your child just wants to connect with you.

10/14/2026

Did you know? Florida law requires both parties in a divorce to take a parenting course when minor children are involved. Both you and your spouse must complete a four-hour course before the court makes a final judgment on the divorce — but you don’t have to attend together. The courses are designed to help separating and divorcing couples focus on what is in the best interests of their children and how to work more cooperatively with each other. The Florida Department of Children and Families offers a list of DCF-approved providers that offer the course in Florida.

The Florida Department of Children and Families provides services supporting strong families and communities including public assistance, child welfare, and mental health services.

10/08/2026

Moving between two homes can be challenging for young children. This storybook offers a positive perspective by describing transition days as “two-hug days.” Read it with your child to help create a simple, comforting routine that makes moving between homes a little easier.

Read this storybook to help your child come up with a simple routine on days they are going between homes.

10/01/2026

⛳ Team Sessums Black recently traded pleadings for putters at Mr. Putters Miniature Golf in Tampa. “Scoring” was loosely defined, and the rules were … open to interpretation. No official winner will be publicly declared. More important than any scorecard was the chance to relax, laugh, and spend time together away from the billable hour. Thanks to everyone who joined us for a great summer outing!

09/29/2026

Please welcome Samantha Falasca to the Sessums Black team! Samantha brings more than 15 years of legal experience with an extensive background in family law and civil litigation. She has supported attorneys and clients through divorce, paternity, modification and enforcement proceedings, complex parenting disputes, and more.

An experienced paralegal, Samantha has managed cases from intake through resolution, including discovery, financial document review, hearings and mediations, trial preparation, and client relations. She is also pursuing an Associate of Science in Social Work at Pasco-Hernando State College.

We’re delighted to have Samantha’s experience, organizational skills, and commitment to client service on our team, and we hope you’ll join us in welcoming her to Sessums Black.

Paralegal Samantha Falasca has more than 15 years of legal experience, with an extensive background in family law and civil litigation. She has supported attorneys in matters ranging from dissolution of marriage, paternity, modification, enforcement, and complex parenting disputes to high-volume civ...

09/24/2026

Divorce can affect children emotionally, academically, and socially, with reactions varying by age and temperament. Parents can ease the transition by providing reassurance, maintaining consistency between households, shielding children from adult concerns, and making their well-being the priority. Strong co-parenting and, when appropriate, group therapy can also help children adjust.

The secret is to separate your relationship with your ex or soon to be ex from the co-parenting relationship. The marriage may be over, but your family is forever.

09/21/2026

Please join us in congratulating Michele Tawzer and Marin Donnelly on their September work anniversaries with the firm!

Here's to Michele's 22nd anniversary with Sessums Black. This year, Michele tackled more complex trials than usual, handling each with the skill, patience, and professionalism that have defined her career here. Her overtime hours may be asking for a vacation, but with more trials on the horizon, Michele shows no signs of slowing down.

Congratulations to Michele on 22 years of outstanding service, and thank you for all you do for our firm.

Marin is celebrating her third anniversary with our firm. Over the past three years, she has become a familiar and valued part of the Sessums Black team, approaching her work with dedication, professionalism, and a positive attitude.

Marin continues to embrace new opportunities and challenges, and we appreciate all she contributes to the firm and our clients. Congratulations, Marin, on this milestone anniversary, and here's to many more years ahead!

09/17/2026

Effective co-parenting communication doesn’t always come naturally—but it is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and strengthened. In this article, a Guardian ad Litem introduces the “6 C’s of Effective Co-Parenting Communication” and explains how staying calm, concise, clear, child-focused, constructive, and courteous can reduce conflict, improve communication, and keep the focus where it belongs: on the children.

Learn the 6 C’s of effective co-parenting communication to reduce conflict, write clearer messages, and keep your children at the center.