New Florida Senate Bill 1128 and House Bill 971

Posted by Law Firm Admin on

New Florida Senate Bill 1128 and House Bill 971: Could Your Child Custody Hearing Happen on a Saturday?

Florida is a state in constant transition. If you’ve looked at the license plates on I-4 lately, you’ve seen the “mass migration” firsthand. People are moving here from New York, California, and beyond, seeking a better life. But as our population explodes, so does the strain on our legal system with divorce and family law. Currently, the Florida House is considering New Florida Senate Bill 1128 and House Bill 971, a revolutionary and controversial new bill that would change the face of family law: State-funded weekend hearings for domestic violence and emergency time-sharing (child custody) matters could be voted in by the Florida Legislature. At Jacobs Law Firm, we see this as a “double-edged sword”. Here is why this proposal is both a blessing and a potential burden for Florida families.

CAPTCHA image

This helps us prevent spam, thank you.

The “Wonderful” News: More Family Law Judges, More Access

The reality is that Florida’s family courts are flooded. Between the post-2019 population boom and the inherent stress of marital dissolution, our judges and general magistrates are stretched thin.

The benefits of the proposed bill include:

  • Reduced Backlog: More funding for more judges in every circuit means cases move faster.

  • Convenience for Working Families: As a firm that already offers Saturday mediations, we know that taking off work for a Tuesday morning hearing can mean lost wages or childcare nightmares. Weekend hours could make the law more accessible to the working class.

  • Urgent Relief: For true emergencies involving child safety or time-sharing, waiting until Monday morning can feel like an eternity.

The “Dreadful” Reality: The Rush to Judgment

While more “court time” sounds good, there is a significant pitfall: The loss of preparation.

In a standard family law case, attorneys and clients usually have weeks or months to compile evidence, print documents, and strategize. If weekend emergency hearings become the new “norm,” we face a “worst-case scenario” where:

  1. Evidence Vacuums: Hearings may occur before your attorney has had time to gather all the facts.

  2. Bypassing Mediation: Florida law typically requires mediation as a “threshold” before heading to court. This bill could allow parties to jump straight to a judge, potentially escalating conflict rather than resolving it.

  3. Burnout and Rushed Rulings: Imagine a high-stakes custody hearing lasting until 7:00 PM on a Saturday. Will the parties—or the court—be at their best?

Final Thoughts: A Loaded Idea

Is this bill a step toward a more modern, efficient Florida? Or is it a recipe for rushed justice? At Jacobs Law Firm, we believe in being accessible to our clients, but we also know that justice requires time and thorough preparation. As Senate Bill 1128  moves through the Florida Legislature, we will continue to monitor how it impacts your rights to time-sharing and due process.

Need Help Navigating Your Florida Family Law Case?

Whether it’s a Tuesday or a Saturday, your family’s future shouldn’t be left to chance. If you are facing a child custody dispute or need an affordable uncontested divorce, contact Jacobs Law Firm today at 407-335-8113.