Sessums Black

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.

09/14/2026

Kids may be growing up with fewer traditional life skills, but they’re developing new ones for a digital world. Parents can help prepare them for independence by emphasizing communication, money management and problem-solving—including learning how to navigate challenges without relying on a cellphone.

Reading analog clocks and writing checks might seem almost obsolete given today's technology, but there are still good reasons to make sure your kids know how to do these things.

09/09/2026

When parents divorce, it can be hard for children to understand. Here are some tips to help your child cope with these changes and their feelings and behaviors.

Divorce can have many effects on children. This Helping Hand™ explains some of those ways and how to help your child during this time.