ALLISON EVANS JOINS 

ASHLEY FILIMON, P.A.

Allison has been a part of the legal person team for over a year and enjoys helping clients achieve their family goals. Allison was licensed by the Florida Bar in September, 2016 and is helping clients at Ashley Filimon, P.A. with their daily family needs.

Allison developed a strong background in research, drafting and legal argument development after serving as a legal assistant, judicial clerk and professor’s assistant before becoming an attorney. She leverages her previous experience to aid legalperson clients in successful court arguments.

Areas of Practice

            Family Law

            Divorce

             Collaborative Divorce

            Adoption

            Child Support

            Child Custody & Visitation

            Relocation

            Modifications

            Shared Parenting Plans

            Paternity

            DCF Interventions

            Guardianships

            Wills

Sibling Rivalry!

     The definition of  the nuclear "FAMILY" has certainly changed over the years. Family used to be thought of as a mom, a dad, and their biological children. These days families are more diverse and inclusive than ever-- often made up of two moms, or two dads, biological, adoptive and foster children.

     But some things never change and sibling rivalry is one of them. Brothers and sisters will inevitably find something to disagree about and when there's a mix of adoptive and biological kids it can become even more tense. So to keep the rivalry from getting too rough, remember  a few good rules:

- It's your job to set the tone. If you already have biological children prepare them for the addition of their new sibling(s).
- Many adoptive parents with biological children are proponents of respecting the birth order. While this is indeed a personal decision some families say bringing an adopted or foster child in who is older than the biological children can be disruptive.
- Remember, no two kids are the same but the rules around the house should be the same for everyone.
- Be honest with your children about their origins but let them know they are family and they hold a very special place in their new forever nuclear FAMILY now.


   

Hurricane Season is Still Here-- So Be Prepared!

    With Hurricane Joaquin barreling down on the Bahamas and heading towards the U.S. Eastern Seaboard it's a good time to remind everyone that we still have another two months of hurricane season to withstand.  Even though it's more than likely Joaquin will miss us and head back out to sea-- we should always be ready.

     Here are some basic tips to being prepared for a hurricane:

     -Have a hurricane plan made up ahead of time that includes knowing your particular evacuation route. Pet owners take your pets with you. If you are in a flood zone have sandbags to protect your property. If you don't have storm shutters have materials on hand to board up your windows. 
     -Stockpile vital supplies including: (Pre-storm) water (1 gallon a day for each family member for at least three days), non-perishable foods, manual can opener, flashlights and batteries, and a battery operated radio or TV. (Post-storm) heavy bottom pots/pans and a grill (only use out of doors) as long as the gas and electric are out.
     -Be sure to have emergency numbers in your fully charged cell-phone and back up all your computer files and photos.

      For more on Hurricane Preparedness go to http://www.orlandosentinel.com/weather/hurricane/hurricane-guide/

   

Food For Thought...

     Here are some alarming statistics about hunger in America as of last year:

-15.5 or 21 percent of children in the United States live in poverty.

-15.3 Million children under 18 live in food- insecure homes.  That means homes where kids are not able to consistently have nutritious food needed to maintain a healthy life.

-A lack of nutritious food in childhood can have lasting harmful effects.

-Stats from 2012/2013 indicate that in Central Florida alone, some 10,000 children were homeless for an extended period of time, while more than 200,000 children in Orange County, Florida count on a school lunch program for meals that often exclude meals on the weekend and during some school breaks.

   It's Hunger Action Month.  Take action!

Happy Grandparents Day!

National Grandparents Day!

    This Sunday is National Grandparents Day. Marian McQuade is credited with founding the day back in 1970, but it was President Jimmy Carter who signed National Grandparents Day into law in 1978 and the first Sunday in September, after Labor Day, has been designated as National Grandparents Day ever since.  While not a federal national holiday, it is a day to be observed in honor of grandparents across the country.

    Our grandparents play many roles in our lives and the lives of our children, and make meaningful contributions to families and society as a whole. So whether your grandparents are blood relatives, adopted or foster family-- this Sunday do something special for the grandparents in your life while remembering all the great "Grands" that were once with us as well.

    For more on National Grandparents Day go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grandparents_Day

    Looking for great gift ideas for the grandparents? Check out http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/9-3-15-gift-ideas-for-grandparents-day/

    There are many Grandparents Day celebrations in Central Florida including http://www.visitcentralflorida.org/m/events/national-grandparents-day
and http://blog.feedhopenow.org/event/grandparents-day/   

Donate During Hunger Action Month!

    Hunger in America and right here in Central Florida is a devastating reality, but we can all play a part in alleviating it.  In addition to trying our very best not to waste food, take action and donate whatever you can. Every little bit helps. You can also initiate a food drive, and the best way to do that is in conjunction with your local food bank.

    Just remember to collect only non-perishable items and never collect homemade items because you want to be one hundred percent sure that they are safe. Stay away from glass because it can break. Many food bank networks accept canned goods, fresh produce and dairy and juice with expiration dates.

    Feeding America is a great source of information: http://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/give-food/food-drives/

    Here in Central Florida contact Second Harvest Food bank: http://www.foodbankcentralflorida.org/site/PageServer#.VemGH0anxuk

    There are also food pantries that appreciate support: http://www.foodpantries.org/ci/fl-orlando