Steven Fraser

At our firm, we have a wealth of experience in representing businesses across various sectors, including insurance claims, real estate, and commercial litigation. I focus on areas such as property, premise, and personal liability, alongside real estate litigation. My services extend to representing buyers, sellers, and lenders in both residential and commercial real estate transactions. I also represent employers, carriers, third-party administrators, and self-insurers throughout all litigation phases. Additionally, my firm manages a range of other legal matters, including commercial collections, and representing creditors in wage garnishments and bankruptcy proceedings.

I understand the critical role I play in addressing our clients' issues, resolving their problems, and aiding them in achieving success at the highest level. As a law firm, I view my role as more than just providing outstanding legal services in claims defense, commercial litigation, collections, bankruptcy, and judgment enforcement. I am also a reliable team member whom our clients can depend on in their times of need. I take this responsibility very seriously and continuously strive to demonstrate the value of our relationships.

Our client base includes property management companies, multi-unit housing owners, insurance companies, contractors, subcontractors, banks, credit unions, finance companies, and other creditors involved in subrogation, commercial collections, evictions, and other litigation areas. I frequently represent governments, commercial entities, condominium and homeowners’ associations, property owners, and real estate developers. I am well-versed in business counseling, dispute resolution, contract drafting, and negotiations.

Our firm is recognized as one of Florida’s premier litigation and trial law firms. My experience is extensive, having handled over 50 jury cases and 80 non-jury cases.

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  Blended fee arrangement

District of Columbia

District of Columbia Bar

Since 1998

Florida

Since 2003

11th Circuit

Since 2004

D.C. Circuit

Since 1998

Federal Circuit

Fraser Lawyers

Current

Transaction and Litigation Lead Attorney

University of Baltimore School of Law

J.D. (1995)

1992 - 1995

Book Awards: Contracts and Remedies

Activities: Sigma Delta Kappa

Civil Litigation

Lawyers of Distinction

2022

TOP LAWYERS

Fort Lauderdale Illustrated

2021

Best Insurance Defense Attorney

North America

2017

Pro Bono Recognition

Supreme Court, Florida

2008

Recently awarded a recognition again for 2021 by the Supreme Court for providing pro bono work to assure access to the judicial system

Community Recognition

United States Senate, Paul Sarbanes

1996

Recognized for my exemplary work in the community

Association of Trial Lawyers

Member

2004 - Current

Florida Bar  # 625825

Member

2003 - Current

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2003 - Current

District of Columbia Bar  # 460026

Member

1998 - Current

TIMOTHY JENURM, Plaintiff, v. TYLER WANERKA, 30 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 91a

Florida Law Weekly

September 1, 2021

MAEGUERITA QUIRE, v. GIROLLE NOEL, 30 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 130c

Florida Law Weekly

July 23, 2021

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS OF HILLSBOROUGH LLC, 401K Plan Trust, Plaintiff, v. KIMBERLYN MARIE MORRIS, aka KIMBERLYN MORRIS, 29 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 459b

Florida Law Weekly

February 23, 2021

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS OF HILLSBOROUGH LLC, vs. ADAM C MAYO 29 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 400a

Florida Law Weekly

February 8, 2021

DOWNTOWN EAST APARTMENTS, Plaintiff, v. ERIC S. BAILEY; CARRIE A. BAILEY 29 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 459a

Florida Law Weekly

January 6, 2021

Evictions for Reasons other than Non-Payment, Jacksonville

January 30, 2019

JAX REIA

Q. Hi, Can my boyfriend take my kids away from me? As he has a job and I dont?

December 31, 2024

A: Custody and Parental Responsibility in Florida

In Florida, decisions regarding children, including custody (referred to as parental responsibility), are governed by the best interests of the child standard under Florida Statutes § 61.13. This statute outlines the factors courts consider when determining time-sharing and parental responsibility.

Key Points of Analysis:

Parental Rights:

If your boyfriend is not the biological or legal father of your children, he does not have automatic rights to custody or decision-making over them. Only biological parents, legal guardians, or others granted legal standing can seek custody.

Best Interests of the Child:

Courts prioritize the child’s best interests in determining custody arrangements. Factors include:

Stability of the home environment.

Moral fitness of the parties.

Health of the child and the parties involved.

Each parent's capacity to meet the child’s needs.

The child’s established ties to the home, school, and community.

Employment and Financial Status:

While employment and financial stability are relevant, they are not determinative factors in custody decisions. A lack of employment does not automatically disqualify a parent from custody or time-sharing. Courts consider the overall ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment.

Role of Non-Parents:

If your boyfriend is neither a biological nor adoptive parent, he must demonstrate exceptional circumstances (e.g., unfitness of the biological parents) to gain custody. Non-parents can petition for custody under Florida Statutes § 751.05 if the parents are deemed unfit.

Potential Claims of Unfitness:

If your boyfriend attempts to argue that you are unfit (e.g., due to lack of employment), he would need substantial evidence to prove this claim. Being unemployed alone is insufficient to establish unfitness.

Case Law:

Richardson v. Richardson, 900 So. 2d 656 (Fla. 2d DCA 2005): The court emphasized the importance of maintaining stability for the child and the necessity of evaluating all best interest factors comprehensively.

Hunter v. Hunter, 540 So. 2d 235 (Fla. 3d DCA 1989): A parent’s financial situation alone was deemed insufficient to deny custody if the parent demonstrated the ability to care for the child.

Von Eiff v. Azicri, 720 So. 2d 510 (Fla. 1998): Highlighted that non-parents must overcome a high evidentiary burden to prove parental unfitness or extraordinary circumstances.

Conclusion:

If your boyfriend is not the children’s father, he likely has no standing to take custody unless he can prove you are unfit, which is a high burden. Even if he is the father, unemployment alone is not grounds for losing custody. Your ability to care for the children emotionally, physically, and psychologically will carry more weight than your financial situation.

If you fear legal action, consulting a family law attorney is crucial to assess your specific situation and prepare to protect your rights. ... Read More