I have practiced primarily in the area of Family law for approximately 20 years and it has never been more challenging as a practitioner and a litigant than it has been during the pandemic. Health, financial and job challenges have exacerbated prior issues between couples and led to many new ones. While I am grateful to help many people, I also have some ideas to share with you to help alleviate some of the costs – emotional and financial – of divorce and post-judgment issues (like time-sharing issues and enforcement of prior judgments) during these challenging times.
SEVEN TIPS TO STARTING A NEW CHAPTER
- Accept the fact that divorce is a process and understand that nothing happens overnight or automatically;
- Focus on your commitment, not your complaint. Your court case will go much smoother and cost you less if you don’t stay focused on the past. You cannot change the past, but you can declare, and work towards a new future.
- Don’t play family law attorney unless you are one. Too many people think they know the law and they are not attorneys. It is much better to hire one, then to act as your own attorney;
- Be aware that if you have the need for attorney’s fees and your spouse or ex has the ability to pay your attorney’s fees, he/she may be responsible to pay your fees that are reasonable;
- DO not make the divorce or the litigation your life. You have a life well outside of the differences with your ex or soon-to-be ex. It is essential that you do not look at this process as a reason to put a hold on your life;
- Create a strategy for your future and don’t be reactive during the litigation. Anticipate obstacles and work with your attorney in an open and honest fashion. When you receive a negative surprise, remember that this is a process and nothing occurs automatically. When your ex does not show for his deposition, there are no immediate sanctions. When your wife withholds your child, without a court order, you must seek relief in court to get the timesharing you want, if you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement.
- Educate yourself about the process, but don’t take legal advice from someone who is not a lawyer. I see and hear from too many people that rely on what they hear from their friends who do not practice law in Florida.
Family Law in Florida is specific to Florida and facts of every case are different. It is important to seek out not only the attorney with great experience but the attorney who is a fit for your personality and your finances.
It would be my pleasure to hear from you if you need any advice about a Florida Family Law Matter.
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