It is the beginning of a new year.  For each new year comes our best intentions in the form of New Year's resolutions.  Among those resolutions are the ones that deal with self-care and self-help.

            This is a busy, hurly-burly world where parents have increasing demands and pressures placed upon them.  Those pressures increase when you are going through a divorce.  The Verywell Family magazine recently provided a number of ways in which parents may reinvigorate and refresh themselves.  They include:

On January 1^st of each year, the majority of people wish each other a Happy New Year.  However, among divorce attorneys, January 1 commences an upsurge in the filings and potential clients seeking to file for divorce.  Divorce attorneys are kept busy after the holidays.  While it is not an official designation the way that Women's History Month is, January has earned this nickname in the legal circles.

            Among the many reasons for the increase in divorce filings in January are the following:

Whether you are going through a divorce or are divorced, the holidays often present a daunting challenge.  The most difficult part for parents is often finding a balance for their children.  Some couples can co-parent easily, while others seem to fail dismally. 

Spending time with our children is always precious, even for a divorced parent.  While spending time during their vacation can bring joy, it can also bring frustration.  Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations loom large in children's minds.  They can also be a minefield for divorcing parents to successfully maneuver.  The following are common vacation parenting/visitation/time-sharing disputes and ways to avoid them:

As a divorce attorney, who has been practicing for over 40 years, I know the devastation that a divorce or dissolution of marriage can have on the family.  Most of us are also aware from television, Social Media, or the news about celebrity divorces that turn nasty. We also have friends, relatives and coworkers who have undergone highly acrimonious divorces.  Consequently, it may be difficult to imagine when a divorce might be helpful to children. 

The collaborative divorce facilitator (CDF) is a neutral professional who is often utilized as a collaborative divorce team leader and communication specialist within the collaborative divorce process.  A facilitator generally has been educated and is licensed in the areas of marriage and family counseling, mental health therapy, social work, psychology, or psychiatry.  However, a CDF does not engage in therapy during the collaborative divorce process.  Instead he or she will usually take on the following roles.

  A divorce can create havoc on a family regarding its finances, it can also exact an emotional and psychological toll upon its members.  Nonetheless, 90 to 95 percent of all divorce cases settle.  After legal costs, privacy concerns are probably one of the biggest reasons why divorcing couples settle.  No one wants their financial history laid out, or their dirty laundry aired out for public consideration.  However, because a divorce proceeding is a public proceeding all information within, you’re a divorce court file is available to the public.  It is rather inexpensive to obtain copies of court filings from the courthouse and in some states, they are even available to be downloaded online.  The following are some tips regarding protecting your privacy during a divorce:

You finally made the difficult decision that the marriage is over and you need to proceed with a divorce.  However, you feel some trepidation by proceeding forward.  Understandably, there are stories of divorce cases that have bankrupt families, have lasted for years and years in court with high levels of animosity frequently appear in the news. I’m sure you are asking yourself, “Is our divorce going to end up that?”. 

Pursuant to the Federal Tax Code changes, which went into effect earlier this year, the deductibility of alimony will be abolished in all divorces which are not concluded before January 1, 2019.  All divorces or decrees containing an alimony award prior to January 1, 2019 will retain the deductibility.  This change will cost individuals, who cannot conclude their divorce or obtain an alimony decree before the end of this year, tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Currently, alimony is an "above the line deduction".  This means that for every dollar you pay in alimony, you are able to deduct a dollar of income.  For example, if you pay $10,000.00 a month in alimony, you get to deduct $10,000.00 of your income.  If you are in the 40 percent tax bracket, you would pay $4,000.00 from every $10,000.00 income that you earned.  Consequently, if you get to deduct $10,000.00 for your alimony payment, then you would be saving $4,000.00.

Everyone thinks the final judgement signed by the courts is the conclusion of the divorce. However, nothing can be further from the truth. After the final judgement has been entered there are a number of task that each party must finish. At the conclusion of your divorce case, the first thing you should do is obtain several certified copies of the Final Judgment.  You must also review the Final Judgment and/or Settlement Agreement carefully with your attorney to ensure that you understand what you must complete under the terms of the Settlement Agreement and/or the terms of the Final Judgment. 

The overwhelming majority of divorces result in parties agreeing to shared parental decision-making subsequent to their divorce.  Shared parental decision-making is defined as parents discussing and agreeing upon major issues in their children's lives including, but not limited to education, non‑emergency healthcare (for example orthodontics/braces), and extracurricular activities which would occur on both parents' (both parents' timesharing/visitation).

We’re all familiar with couples who've decided to stay together in a dysfunctional marriage until their children have graduated from high school. They do so in order to provide a stable life for their children. Based on the belief that after graduating from high school their children will be adult enough to finally do without the parents' marriage. For some reason, they consider a child entering college as mature and independent enough and that their marriage has served its purpose. Unfortunately, this perspective is flawed.

Social media is all prevalent in our lives now. Almost everyone has some form of social media account be it Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or one of the many professional-oriented social media sites such as LinkedIn, Alignable, Avvo, etcetera. Consequently, social media clauses are appearing in divorce cases under the following circumstances:

There is no denying that President Trump's presidency has not created lukewarm responses from anyone in Florida or Palm Beach County.  In fact, there seems to be a clear division between those individuals who support Trump ardently, and those who are vocally opposing him.  However, politicians and people interested in politics are not the only ones who are having difficulty coming to terms with the Trump presidency and his views and actions.  Not surprisingly, married couples are now more than ever feuding over politics and over Trump's presidential policies and actions.  These arguments over Trump's presidency views and actions are increasing the divorce rate.  A recent study conducted by Wakefield Research, located in Arlington, Virginia, found that one in ten couples, whether married or unmarried, had terminated their relationship/marriages due to disagreements over the presidential politics.  Even more shocking, millennial couples had ended their relationships far more frequently (22 percent of the time).  According to the results of the study, 22 percent of Americans know a couple whose relationship has been negatively affected by Trump's election and subsequent political actions.  An example of a divorce caused by Trump politics has recently occurred in Palm Beach County, Florida.  Lynn Aronberg, the wife of Palm Beach County state attorney Dave Aronberg, recently filed for divorce.  Lynn Aronberg stated that she is "a staunch Republican and supporter of President Trump," while her husband is not.  She believes that fact led her to feel "increasingly isolated in the marriage".  The couple publicly stated that they are divorcing amicably.  Even though they may be divorcing amicably, the acrimony that occurred over their disagreement of President Trump contributed to their divorce. 

Most men groan when they think of having to watch a "chick flick" with their female significant other/spouse. For some men, it's like pulling nails. However, such reluctance may become less frequent based on the results of a recent study from Rochester University. 

For a variety of reasons including health insurance concerns, religious concerns, social security and pension benefits, and even a desire to eventually reconcile, couples in troubled relationships may opt for legal separation rather than divorce. In Florida, there are a number of surprising facts about legal separation that you should consider before deciding on that option.

Nobody wants to think about divorce before they get married, which is unfortunate because divorce lawyers have a wealth of advice they’ve developed through their experience.

When it comes to divorce, the name on a bank account doesn’t necessarily dictate who will receive its contents during the division of property. It is the job of the divorce court judge to determine whether the funds are joint property or one spouse’s separate property by applying state law.

(Note: In contrast to community property states, Florida is an equitable distribution jurisdiction. This means that the judge starts with a presumption of a 50/50 split and then considers a variety of exceptions in considering a different division (60/40, 70/30, etc.).

Communication during the course of the divorce between you and your attorney is critical, both in terms of your sanity and in terms of making sure your game plan for your case is instituted appropriately.  Unfortunately, there appears to be a breakdown in communication. Many people have come to me for second opinions where they complain that their attorney is not returning their phone calls; they do not know what is going on in their case; they can't get an appointment with their attorney.  There may be legitimate reasons why your attorney may not be in constant communication with you. 

"Nobody can hurt me without my permission."  Mahatma Gandhi 

The concept of fight fair seems to be the antithesis of a divorce.  There is very little that is "fair" about any divorce.  However, learning to fight fair during an intact marriage, during your divorce, or after your divorce can pay dividends in terms of effective parenting, co-parenting, putting closure on your divorce and getting on with your life.  

All marriages have their highs and lows, but how do you know if what you are going through is just a rough patch or a precursor to the end? Consider these 7 signs that your marriage may be headed for divorce.

You’ve made the difficult decision to divorce, but what’s next? Here are a few things to carefully consider:

It can be easy to think of our life in terms of a series of successes and failures. And while we recognize that there is something to be learned from our failures, we are certainly in no hurry to add another failure to our personal scorecard of life. When it comes to divorce, however, many of us are too quick to relegate it to the failure column. In many ways, divorce is not a failure. Here’s why:

While a do-it-yourself divorce may seem like an attractive option in terms of reduced cost and straight-forwardness, when it comes to divorce, partnering with an experienced men’s divorce attorney is not critical. For choosing an attorney for your divorce, the primary reasons should be expertise and experience.

The most frequent complaint made against lawyers in general, and divorce lawyers in particular, is their failure to respond to their client's phone calls or emails. Understandably, divorce clients are under a lot of emotional and, sometimes, financial pressure. They want to be reassured or, at least, hear the explanations that their attorneys may have concerning their concerns and/or complaints regarding their former spouse or other individuals. However, there is often a legitimate reason why your divorce attorney may not be immediately seeking you out after you have telephoned or emailed him or her. Those reasons may include:

Wondering what you should be doing in your divorce? Here is a list of strategic steps you can take before, during and after your divorce to help you obtain a smooth and successful process.

If you are an individual or entrepreneur, your divorce requires a specialized approach to ensure asset protection, minimal tax implications and personally satisfying results. Consider the following strategies, customized to high net worth divorces, to help ensure you attain your goals from the divorce process.

While the selection of a divorce attorney is a critically important decision for anyone preparing to go through a divorce, should your decision differ based on your gender?

As an individual going through a divorce, one of your biggest concerns is protecting the assets that you have spent years building during your marriage. Perhaps there is no greater example of this concern than your business.

Do you want to protect what is rightfully yours without having to step one foot into a courtroom? Learn what options (other than a traditional based Florida divorce) exist if you are going through a dissolution of marriage in Florida.

Wondering what could go wrong in your high net worth divorce? Here are 7 errors to avoid, based on the top mistakes individuals generally make:

One of the most difficult aspects of divorce is ensuring that you address all the essential considerations. While some issues are top of mind, tax issues, because of their complexity, are at greater risk to be overlooked in a complicated and/or high net worth divorce.

All divorces are different. We’ve heard that mantra time and again. But for those people going through a divorce, it is an important reality to consider. This is particularly true when it comes to Florida divorces.

Is there a way to achieve a satisfying divorce while staying out of a courtroom? More and more individuals pursuing a dissolution of their marriage are looking into courtroom-free alternatives. Find out why this trend is popular and how to keep your divorce out of court.

April showers bring May flowers and the month of April brings taxes. It's tax time again. This is the time of year when people start visiting an accountant. Generally, people are worried about their itemized deductions and how many exemptions they may be able to claim. Spouses may face another particular tax problem, whether they are single or divorced. This tax problem primarily occurs as a result of filing a joint return with your spouse.

No one disputes that divorce is difficult for parents and their children. But if you add one parent having to relocate because of a job transfer, new job, or moving closer to family for support, it can become very difficult for your children to maintain a meaningful relationship with the geographical distant parent. Consequently, you and your children may be living in different time zones. You may have less time to spend with them because of your work schedule and their vacation schedules. 

A collaborative divorce can help your patients but how can your patients choose a properly trained collaborative divorce attorney?

To the average person, Valentine's Day signifies a day of romance and loving interaction. For the more romantic couple, Valentine's Day sometimes becomes the day they may consider getting married. However, a recent study by economists at the University of Melbourne indicates that weddings that take place on Valentine's Day are 18% to 36% more likely to end up in a Valentine's Day divorce than couples who are married on another day of the year.

Divorce is unfamiliar territory for everyone. When you're first involved in this process, you feel adrift in a world that is turned upside down. You're vulnerable and you need help. When we're suffering from these circumstances in our lives, family, close friends, and business associates freely offer their advice. Their advice may be well intended, but in some circumstances can be quite harmful.

The following are some examples of bad divorce advice that friends, relatives, and sometimes even lawyers may give to you:

It is a well-known fact that successful people plan and organize their lives. Often they use a personal mission statement to assist them in doing so. Personal mission statements are an important component of leadership and personal development. It forces you to think deeply about your life, clarify purposes, and identify what is truly important for you.

While we strive to protect financial resources during divorce, our protective instinct intensifies when it comes to personal assets - - particularly collections we have cultivated over the years. Learn what is yours that can become theirs during a divorce and what you can do about it.

The star of the sitcom series "Modern Family", Sofia Vergara, and her former fiancé, Nick Loeb, have been locked in a court battle regarding eggs fertilized by his sperm. During their relationship, Ms. Vergara had a number of her embryos fertilized by Mr. Loeb's sperm.

The holidays are already a time for inherent stress. Stir in an impending divorce and the resultant mixture can be less than delightful. If you are a separated couple, try these ways for putting some joy back in your season.

Florida law requires an equitable, or fair, division of property between spouses when divorcing. All marital assets and debts (those acquired/taken on both separately and together during the marriage regardless whose name in which the asset is titled in) will be divided.  In Florida, the law presumes the marital assets will be divided equally between the divorcing parties.

If someone asks you “are you thankful for your divorce?” you might think they are crazy or, at the very least, impertinently rude. It might seem odd to give thanks for your divorce on Thanksgiving Day. But many people have experienced the heartbreak and emotional trauma of a divorce and come out stronger because of it. For them, there are few life events worthy of a toast at Thanksgiving than their divorce. Nevertheless, you're still probably asking who could ever be thankful that their life was turned upside down, their dreams devastated, their children's lives dislocated, and their financial existence devastated. How could anyone be thankful under these circumstances?

The recent announcement that Angelina Jolie has filed for divorce from Brad Pitt and is seeking sole physical custody of their children based on alleged abuse by Mr. Pitt has triggered a media frenzy about the ugly fight that is expected to develop. But knowledgeable family law commentators and experts doubt that there will be a grisly public courtroom showdown/spectacle.

I've been a family law and divorce attorney for many years.  However, it never ceases to amaze me what people do during their divorce cases that makes me scratch my head in disbelief.  As litigants, we want to win the battle of imagery, as well as the battle of facts in front of a divorce judge.  So consequently, you want to show up ready for court with clean hands, but also with a clean history.  

Palm Beach, Wellington, Boca Raton, Jupiter and other areas of Palm Beach County are home to many high net worth couples whose children are grown and gone. In the past 30 years, the divorce rate for people age 50 and over has become the fastest growing rate among married couples.

Domestic violence is a dysfunctional and abusive dynamic that occurs in relationships, in which there is a huge difference in power between the spouses. Our West Palm Beach Marital and Family Law Firm presents some of the danger signs that you may be in an abusive relationship include, but are not limited to:

America is a country where we all like to "do it ourselves". On any weekend, you can go to Home Depot, Lowe's, True Value Hardware, or any other small or big home repair stores and observe thousands of people taking classes or buying items. They then go back to their homes and attempt to do home repairs, improvements, or remodeling on their own. In doing so, they have the satisfaction of saving money, having the job done more quickly, and the satisfaction of having done it themselves. We see that spirit also in the area of divorce cases. More and more, people are attempting to begin and conclude their divorce all on their own. While doing it yourself for a home repair job may be a good idea for a handyman, it is not a great idea to do it in a highly technical area such as divorce law. A person attempting to represent themselves in a divorce case does not have the training, experience or talent to know what to do, how to do it, and when to do it.

Amicable divorce in Florida? It may sound like an oxymoron, but it is actually a concept that more and more Florida divorce couples are embracing and reaping the benefits from. Take these tips from an experienced West Palm Beach Marital and Family Law Firm.

Many people consider representing themselves in their Florida divorce case to be a good idea. They believe that it saves them money; they can do it faster; and they don't believe that a lawyer offers them much value. However, this analysis is more than just a bit short-sighted. Oftentimes, the expense of representing oneself in their Florida divorce is more costly than paying for a West Palm Beach attorney. As in life, things rarely work out for someone representing themselves in a divorce as they might have initially hoped. Protecting yourself and your interests in a divorce case is much more complicated than most people think.

In many cases, the financial situation after divorce can necessitate that a man or woman who was previously unemployed or a “stay-at-home” parent, return to the workplace. This decision involves a variety of different issues to consider and steps that should be taken to ensure that this new path to finding a job after divorce is successful.

While dividing up what you own during a divorce can be cumbersome, so can dividing up what you owe. Your new, separate lives mean all debt obligations must be assigned. Learn what happens to your existing debt when you divorce in Florida.

Getting divorced after the age of 50 presents its own unique set of challenges and issues. Understanding what these issues are and how they can ultimately impact you will help ensure that you are on the right post-divorce path both financially and emotionally.

Hiding assets during a divorce is sneaky and illegal, but it does happen. Spouses will attempt to hide assets in similar fashion, whether your marriage financial situation is complex or simple.

Choosing to divorce is one of the most life-changing decisions you may ever make - particularly if children are involved. With that in mind, it is important to carefully assess the situation to determine if it is the right step to take.

Here are 4 questions to ask yourself before filing for divorce:

April 10 was National Pet Day.  There can be no doubt that most Americans love their pets.  All you have to do is look at the Facebook pages of your friends and family members, which show pictures of family dogs, cats or other adorable pet photos. We spend our free time with our pets; we feed them, train them, and interact with them.  They become a treasured part of our family unit and we develop deep emotional ties to them.

You’ve made the decision to divorce, but what does that mean in Florida? Knowing these 7 things about getting a divorce in Florida will make the process easier from start to finish. 

It’s that time of year. Young people all across Florida are opening letters and e-mails inviting them to be a member of the freshman class this fall. It’s exciting and scary. Under normal life situations, funding higher education can be daunting. During a divorce, however, it can feel crippling. If you are divorcing and have a college savings plan, it’s important to think about how to handle those funds.

Children are often an innocent casualty of a contentious or stormy divorce. While it is clear that divorce will impact children in some way, it is important to identify if the results of that impact negative warrants professional counseling.

Divorce can be an economically challenging life transition. But, whether you're divorced or not, single or married, people are always trying to find ways to trim their budget and save money.

The following are some ways that you can tighten your budget and save money at the same time:

Divorce is an emotionally trying and financially expensive process. When you're going through a divorce, it's not always easy to be able to distinguish the forest from the trees. A major part of controlling divorce expenses is making the right decisions at the beginning of the case. You can control your divorce financially or your divorce can control your finances. Even though your attorney and his staff are more knowledgeable and experienced in the area of divorce, there are many things that you can do to keep down the expense of this very important process in your life. They include: 

What happens when the financial issues involved in a divorce are not just personal? When either spouse is an owner in a small business, there are important aspects that will be addressed. Learn what will likely happen in varying small business ownership situations and the options you have moving forward. 

If you and your spouse can come to an agreement on all of the major issues related to your divorce (such as the division of marital property and debts, child timesharing/custody, child support, and alimony), then you are good candidates for an uncontested divorce. This option is generally easier and less stressful and results in fewer court appearances and lower legal bills.

Valentine's Day is known as the day of love. This is a time when couples engage in receiving and giving flowers, romantic cards, and proclaims their undying love for one another. Unfortunately, for many people, Valentine's Day is a day for ending relationships and obtaining divorces. In recent years, lawyer rating or referral services have noticed a significant increase in the filings for divorces and referrals for divorce attorneys around Valentine’s Day.

I've been a divorce attorney for more than 35 years. I have seen good relationships go bad, bad relationships get worse and relationships on the brink of self destruction heal and become strong. I have read books and articles regarding the do's or don'ts of marriage, create and maintain strong relationships and how to avoid damaging a relationship.

If you're separated, going through a divorce, just recently divorced or somewhere else in that process, Valentine's Day can cause you to feel depressed or stressed. Valentine's Day is expected to be a day full of love and happiness. Unfortunately, for those who in the middle of or after divorce, Valentine's Day can be a day of loneliness and distress. Reminders of romance and love appear to be everywhere. Decorations and the colors of red and white and Valentine’s themed decorations seem exceptionally over the top for those dealing with separation and divorce.

 If you want to get divorced in Florida, there is a fairly straightforward legal path you must follow in order to get it done. If you are getting divorced while pregnant, however, the path can become more rocky and complicated.

 Each year we make resolutions. The majority of us quickly fail to keep them, beat ourselves up about it, and then try to forget that we ever made such promises to ourselves (to eat better, to lose weight, to exercise more and other goals for self-improvement). However, the following suggestions will definitely assist you in maintaining your resolutions, to create a better you and a better year. To help you keep your promises for self-improvement, try the following: 

I recently read an article regarding essential New Year's resolutions for your divorce authored by Diana Shepherd. Based upon my professional experience and the observations of many clients, here are the top suggestions for New Year’s resolutions for separated, divorced, or divorcing spouses. Use whichever ones apply to your situation, or use them to inspire you to create your own list:

The key to meeting with your divorce lawyer for the first time is similar to the first day of school – always come prepared. Coming equipped with the right supplies will help ensure that the process goes smoothly. So what should you do in preparation for meeting with a lawyer and what should you bring with you? Read on to find out.

It is late at night. You and your spouse are alone at home. You experience sudden chest pain radiating into your arm and shoulder. Your spouse manages to drive you to the local emergency room. The ER doctor agrees with your heart attack self-diagnosis. He tells you he's calling in a general practitioner to assess your situation and initiate treatment. You immediately protest: "A general practitioner?" "No, of course not." The likelihood is that you will be seen by a specialist, generally a cardiologist (even if you live in a modest size urban area).

 Even though November is the month of Thanksgiving, it's hard to get excited about giving thanks when you're in the middle of your divorce or have just recently divorced. Thanksgiving is a time when everyone is supposed to reflect on things for which they are thankful. However, it can be a difficult time for those who are going through a divorce or are recently divorced.

Every divorce is different. In addition, not all divorce lawyers have equal experience, equal education, or are equally competent. Consequently, the consumer/client must be continuously educating themselves to ensure that their attorney is fully advising them on all the potential issues or problem areas that could occur in their case. Similarly, consumers/clients need to know what issues may impact their divorce case.

Ashley Madison is a website that has been in existence since 2001. With the motto: "Life is short – Have an affair." It is a website dedicated to infidelity and extramarital affairs among its members. It has garnered as many as 37 million customers worldwide, the majority of which are located in the United States. The hackers have threatened to leak nude photos, sexual fantasies, real names and credit card information. The hackers have threatened to establish a searchable data site on the Internet. Consequently, the identification of the customers of Ashley Madison may become embarrassingly simple.

We often picture divorce full of disagreements, court battles and generally leaving a scorched path of earth as it progresses. In certain circumstances, however, an amicable divorce can be possible. More and more couples are finding a way to achieve a happily never after.

While going through a Florida divorce can be overwhelming, it is important to take a step back and ensure that you are doing everything you can to safeguard your interests - whether financial or those related to your children.

While people are generally familiar with the term “annulment”, many have incorrect perceptions about what it is and how it is achieved.

What is a marriage annulment?

An annulment literally means “to make void”. The key difference between a divorce and an annulment is that a divorce dissolves a marriage while an annulment establishes that a marital status never existed. In the eyes of the law, an annulled marriage stands as if never performed.

Heighten emotion and a lack of knowledge, along with other factors, can cause divorce for men to involve some common mistakes.

Many divorced couples in Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Wellington are taking vacations with their ex’s and children. Divorce can be a difficult time for children, and some divorced parents believe that taking vacations together can help children create pleasant childhood memories. 

During a divorce, a couple must confront many hard decisions, not the least of which is the sale of their marital home. Reaching a decision whether to sell the marital home contains emotional, tax, and financial consequences. Consequently, you must consider your overall situation (now and in the future), consult with any experts which you may need to provide you objective advice about the financial and tax consequences that may result from a sale of the home.

Being uninformed during divorce can be a critical mistake. While many know this is true when it comes to the legal process, it is also applicable to financial issues surrounding your Florida divorce. The last thing you want to do is pair the emotional cost of divorce with unnecessary monetary costs. Read on to learn some key financial mistakes you should avoid:

Throughout our lives, we are being told to insure against catastrophes. Consequently, we often acquire homeowner's insurance, renter's insurance, life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, automobile insurance and others. Going through a divorce is troubling enough.

People from Jupiter to Wellington and throughout Palm Beach County are familiar with high-conflict divorces involving themselves, friends, and relatives. However, one topic that’s not often addressed in such situations is the proper way for grandparents to act during such awkward and emotional circumstances. Florida divorce law does not authorize grandparent visitation nor does it permit grandparent custody (except under limited circumstances).

Jeff Landers is a certified financial planner who often comments on divorce issues. Recently he discussed reasons why a vocational expert can be useful in a dissolution of marriage. A vocational expert will evaluate a person's abilities, interests, education, experience and other qualifications against the backdrop of a current employment market. Such an expert assesses the likelihood that a person can get a job, and what he or she can expect to earn, both immediately and in the long term.

5 Frequently Asked Divorce Questions:

Is there a way to avoid litigation in divorce? 

Collaborative divorce offers a mutually respectful, open-minded process that focuses on joint problem solving.

Whether driven by new career opportunities or merely a desire to make a fresh start, relocating is an issue that many individuals deal with after divorce. When that relocation involves children, it is important to consider the legal implications surrounding your move. 

Ending a marriage in Florida is no fun. If you are an executive for a company, these steps will help you during your Florida Divorce.

Divorce is almost always an emotional and painful experience. Oftentimes, divorce costs also can be financially destructive. The following are tips that will save you money in anyone’s divorce case:

Making the decision to divorce in Florida can feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. It likely marks the end of a period of internal struggle related to how or if you would move forward. But before you take solace in your newfound inner peace, you must share your decision with your spouse. Telling a spouse you would like to end your marriage is not only very challenging, but also very delicate as it can set the tone for the dissolution of marriage proceedings that will follow.

Understanding retirement accounts, how they work, and how and when they pay you, as most divorce attorneys in West Palm Beach acknowledge, is a complicated endeavor. Then add the factors of being over 50 and divorcing and it can be paralyzing. For women, divorce after 50 can mean a challenging road financially. Statistics show that women tend to take a larger financial hit than men during a divorce.

Most of you will recognize the iconic image of Marilyn Monroe standing on the city grate in her stunning white dress while the hot air of the city rises and blows her skirt, revealing her smashing legs. What you may not know is the image hails from the play, later made into a movie, “The Seven Year Itch.” People from Jupiter to Wellington recall the plot that includes the main man, a literary publisher, “proofing a book in which psychiatrist Dr. Brubaker claims that a significant proportion of men have affairs in the seventh year of marriage.” (Source)

Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Wellington and Jupiter have been the locations where divorcing couples have had expensive dissolution of marriages. Experienced family law attorneys know that divorce in Palm Beach County can be expensive, but until recently they did not know just how much it might cost…

A divorcing couple in Palm Beach County, Florida, who owns a family business has three options. According to an article by Jennifer Morse, they can sell the business and divide the proceeds according to Florida’s equitable distribution of property statute, one spouse can buy the interest of the other, or they can stay business owners together after the divorce.

From Jupiter to Boca Raton, all parents take their children to Disney movies. Disney movies are appreciated for their positive themes. However, according to the International Business Times, Disney’s newest blockbuster is back in the news but not for its blow out box office sales. The fantasy movie created such a rift between a couple in Japan that the wife decided she wanted a divorce.

Experienced attorneys from Jupiter to West Palm Beach know that when a married couple is in a disintegrating relationship there are always warning signs. More often than not, the couple gradually drifts toward ending their marriage, rather than have dissolution of marriage occur as a sudden transition from being a happily married couple to two people sitting across from each other in an adversarial courtroom. Attorney Stann Givens recently discussed six actions people should consider doing when they see a divorce in their future:

Divorce attorneys in West Palm Beach have heard of speed dating -- but speed divorcing? A new term is making the rounds among experienced divorce attorneys in West Palm Beach. The term “speed divorcing” often conjures up images of speed dating or speed networking.

Couples in Palm Beach County know that hiring a divorce attorney is important. Attorney Howard Goldstein in the Massachusetts divorce blog recently discussed questions that people should ask themselves before hiring a divorce lawyer. These questions include:

Although the divorce rate in the US has declined slightly in recent years, one segment of the population has doubled its rate in the past 20 years: the 50+ year old category. Research sociologists Susan Brown and I-Fen Lin of Bowling Green State University will present their findings when they share their paper, "The Gray Divorce Revolution," at Ohio State University in April.

Experienced divorce attorneys from Jupiter to West Palm Beach know that being requested to speak Klingon is not a sufficient ground for divorce in the State of Florida. Florida is a No-Fault state. However, some states in the United States and some English-speaking countries still require a finding of fault in order for a divorce to be granted. In England, one of the grounds for fault to justify getting divorced is "unreasonable behavior." In a New York Times article, British divorce lawyer Vanessa Platt listed some of the grounds that her clients have alleged constituting unreasonable behavior to justify a divorce. Unbelievably, they include:

We become quite attached to our pets over time. We bond with them. We play with them. We feed and nurture them. They provide solace during our times of crises and emotional turmoil. They become one of the family. We grieve them when they die. In divorce cases, experienced divorce attorneys from Jupiter to West Palm Beach recognize that pets are important part to families. Unfortunately, the courts in Florida treat pets not as a member of the family but rather as a form of property.

Divorce is stressful. We can all agree with that. Sociological studies are proving it and demonstrating how it can affect a person’s health.

Whether you are representing yourself (as a pro se litigant) or you are represented by an experienced divorce attorney, people involved in family law cases often experience emotional turmoil, frustration, aggravation, and anger. Because they have little or no experience with the legal system, they often are overwhelmed by seemingly complicated and thorny legal questions. Loriann Hoff Oberlin in her book Surviving Separation and Divorce talks about the mistake of assuming the divorce process will be fair and cooperative. 

Divorcing executives living in Jupiter, Wellington or Palm Beach, Florida, get ready to download a bevy of applications to assist with the separation. In an age where we all know the phrase about having an application for everything, it should come as no surprise that smartphone apps for assisting with a professional's divorce abound. If you are considering settling your relationship woes through whatever smart device you own, be careful. Carol Bruess, professor of family communication at the University of St. Thomas [said], “Relationships are so incredibly complex. Can an app really offer the complexity we need?”

Divorce attorneys in West Palm Beach know that people involved in family law issues often are on an emotional roller coaster. At times, emotions get in the way of effective communication. However, communicating effectively can make or break a negotiation in a dissolution of marriage case or a negotiation in any other part of your life. 

Experienced divorce attorneys in Jupiter, Delray, Wellington and elsewhere in Palm Beach County understand that ending a marriage of any duration is stressful. While you, your spouse and the lawyers are trying to settle everything, take a few moments to remember how important your credit rating will be after you are single. Today we share some tips for protecting your credit during divorce from writer Lynnette Khalfani-Cox from an article at AARP:

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

What do Ashton Kutcher, Angelina Jolie, and Britney Spears have in common? Besides being trend-setting celebrities, they all hired Laura Wasser as their divorce lawyer. Wasser's new book, "It Doesn't Have to be That Way: How to Divorce without Destroying Your Family or Bankrupting Yourself," was released October 1, 2013.

In an article by Ashley Reich for the Huffington Post, Wasser shares top behaviors that will help facilitate the difficult transition during divorce. This week we'll look at her top five:

Divorce is challenging, not just emotionally but legally. The laws and practices for divorce vary by state and make it nearly impossible for lay people to comprehend what is involved. Add to that a very emotional time with an uncommon vocabulary used primarily during legal cases and the process becomes overwhelming and intimidating.

Divorce is complicated. We know that. But in the end, when the case is finalized, things will work their way into a new normal and life can be better. The challenge comes in getting to that point. For the spouse who has supported the bread-winner, usually the wife, though caring for a household and children, there are ways to make sure that she gets her fair share.

Plenty of mature residents from Stuart to Boca Raton enjoy life in a beautiful area of the country, have good friends, lovely homes and satisfying work. Growing a family takes years and plenty of energy but conscientious couples also find time to think about and prepare for retirement and end of life issues. Once children are on their own, couples tend to use their financial resources in new ways. Maybe it’s time for travel, to get that special car, or to downsize a home, who knows?

During my decades of practice in divorce cases, I repeatedly have heard many of the same unproductive threats, objections and protests that people say to one another in their contested family law matters. Experienced attorneys from Jupiter to Wellington know that many of these are urban legends or empty threats: not true but often believed by the inexperienced. 

Divorce attorneys are not mental health professionals. Nevertheless, whether a lawyer practices in West Palm Beach or elsewhere in Palm Beach County, many of our clients do feel out of place and out of sorts during the day devoted to romance. At times, our clients do ask us what they should do during this day devoted to love. We are not qualified to treat people with emotional pain and feelings of loneliness. Nevertheless, we often end up giving advice based on common sense and based on our experience. Some activities that separated, divorcing, or divorced people can consider include:

It’s in all the papers. Tom and Katie are divorced. Yes, the Hollywood giants, Cruise and Holmes, finalized their dissolution of marriage several days ago and some are wondering how it might affect their careers.

Experienced divorce attorneys from Palm Beach Gardens to Boynton Beach constantly seek innovative ways to assist their clients. However, an enterprising business person has created an innovative way for couples to end their marriage. “A Dutch entrepreneur is planning a luxury destination for couples who want to take a permanent vacation from each other.”

The auctioneer sported a pair of rugged jeans, well-worn chambray shirt and a visor. He hawked a collection that included leather couches, mahogany furniture, artwork, kitchen gadgets and more. He and his wife who helps in the business, live in a small town north of Denver, Colorado, and he’s selling the entire contents of a home whose owners are divorcing.

Experienced Florida divorce attorneys from Jupiter to Wellington know that divorce is an emotional event upon which the law has artificially grafted statutes and rules of procedure. Divorce is traumatic; divorce is emotional; and divorce can be frustrating, annoying and taxing. In a recent issue of Forbes, Jeff Landers recently discussed personality traits that help individuals successfully survive divorce. Among the traits he discussed were:

“If you think it is expensive to get married, you should try divorcing…” is a sentiment that could be heard in Delray or the Palm Beaches.

Whether you live in Jupiter or Boca Raton, we all know someone who has started out with an amicable divorce only to end up litigating in court and spending tens of thousands of dollars and experiencing and witnessing our friends in the divorce case acting in a hostile and adversarial fashion with one another. 

People from Jupiter to Wellington know that divorce is costly. As the rate ended marriages increases for individuals over 50, the cost can deplete retirement savings plans and doesn't give the individuals much time to recoup losses over their remaining working years. According to an article by Elizabeth MacBride, one of the keys to minimizing the damage is to stay away from a few common snags along the dissolution of marriage pathway.

For most people, the holiday period begins with anticipation and excitement. Unfortunately for some, those happy feelings dissolve into stress, frustration and/or the blues. People who have experienced the recent death of a loved one or are going through a divorce or separation often experience a sense of loss during this holiday. 

Divorce attorneys from Jupiter to West Palm Beach recognize that the number of men and women getting a divorce after 50 years old, the so called Graying of Divorce, is increasing. This fact seems to hit women harder than men but either way, actually preparing for a divorce can help you transition. Vibrant Nation, an online resource for women over 50, put together a list of 7 important areas. Men and women should find this list helpful.

Lawyers along the South Florida Coastline rely on the state’s “Equitable Distribution” laws to help unravel complicated property issues in divorce. These laws become increasingly important when a divorcing couple owns a business together. Learning about state Marital Property laws can lay a foundation for navigating its intricacies.

People from Jupiter to Wellington understand that the economy in Palm Beach County is slowly improving. Nevertheless, individuals who are seeking a divorce in Palm Beach County often still cannot afford to pay a divorce lawyer to represent them in their case. Limited scope representation, also known as unbundled legal services, allows you to hire a divorce attorney to do certain parts of your case instead of the traditional “soup to nuts” representation. Some clients choose unbundled legal services because they cannot afford full representation and they believe that some advice or representation at specific hearings is better than no advice. Other people feel capable of handling certain parts of their case, but need assistance in other components of it.

With the downturn of the economy, many individuals can no longer afford legal services for their divorce. In order to save money, an increasing number of people are shifting from professional legal aid to “do it yourself” methods. Many experienced dissolution of marriage attorneys have long offered reduced cost options called unbundled legal services, which are rapidly becoming more popular. This innovative method consists of an agreement between a lawyer and client, in which the lawyer and client agree that the lawyer will undertake certain aspects of a case for a prorated fee, instead of using the more traditional retainer fee and agreement.

Many Florida divorcees are starting to take their ex-spouses (or soon-to-be) on vacations with their children. Going through a divorce in Florida can be a difficult time for children, and some divorced parents believe that taking vacations together can help children create pleasant childhood memories. 

Lack of love and sex are the primary factors for individuals, enduring a mid-life crisis, to get divorced. Usually when we think of the term "mid-life" crisis, we think of a period of time when people change jobs, purchase fancy sports cars, or engage in risky behaviors. Why now, are people in their middle years ending their marriage?

An article published in The Daily Beast purports to provide the top 15 reasons for couples to get a divorce. The article also provides the divorce risk and percentages of why certain individuals get divorced.

Many divorce attorneys are astonished by one man’s attempt to rescind his dissolution of marriage agreement with his ex-wife. 

Anyone who has been through a bad breakup or a divorce knows that bumping into your ex after the split or divorce can be a most awkward and uncomfortable event. For those separated or divorced spouses who have been avoiding their local grocery store or favorite restaurant for fear of running into their ex-spouse, there is a way to avoid the inevitable run-in . . . that is if you both still share a love of Foursquare.

“According to a study by The National Marriage Project at Rutgers University, a woman's standard of living usually drops by 27 percent after a divorce, while a man's standard of living actually increases by 10 percent. Part of the problem is that women are more likely to be unaware of the family's financial status.”~ CNN/Money article

Divorcing couples from Jupiter to Wellington often hear about mediation from their attorneys. Mediation is a process where a neutral third party assists in divorcing couples applying common grounds and helps and attempts to assist them in resolving issues during their divorce cases. Such assistance can take tens of thousands of dollars in money and much emotional anguish and turmoil.

Living in beautiful places such as Jupiter, Palm Beach, Delray Beach, or other southeast Florida cities offers wonderful amenities and a fabulous quality of life. It doesn't, however, protect a family from facing life challenges. Even here, some marriages end in divorce. If that is happening to you, it is important to get professional help to lead the way towards settlement.

Southeast Florida beach cities, such as Jupiter, Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale and more, are the ideal place for many people to live. Within a few minutes’ walk or just a few hours drive, an adventurer can find lakes, the ocean, the Everglades, theme parks and so much more. It is the perfect place to raise a family and enjoy life.

Experienced dissolution of marriage attorneys from Jupiter to West Palm Beach report that the overall rate of divorcing among individuals may be decreasing. However, with baby boomers, the rate of ended marriages seems to be increasing. Susan L. Brown, a co-director of the National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University, recently reported in an op-ed piece in the L.A. Times that fewer than 10 percent of those who got divorced in 1990 were ages 50 or older.

Whether you reside in West Palm Beach or in Wellington, we have all had friends who have been divorced. Whether you've experienced your own divorce or witnessed a divorce with a close acquaintance, close friend or family member, you know that divorce is an emotional issue.

Florida is a "no-fault divorce" state. Prior to becoming a no-fault divorce state, parties in Florida needed to allege a major fault based cause for their divorce, such as infidelity, abandonment, cruel and unusual treatment, or impotence. When Florida became a no-fault state, a divorcing spouse only needs to assert that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

 Whether you live in Jupiter or West Palm Beach, you know that growing a family is challenging work. But when a mom and dad come to a decision to divorce, telling the children probably makes the top ten list of things people would like to skip in life.

People from Jupiter to Wellington understand that every major event has a celebration – such as a marriage or graduation. Another major turning point in people’s lives is their divorce. The ending of a relationship and commitment with a significant other for a period of time and beginning a new life will present a major transition for anyone. 

Whether they live in Jupiter or in Wellington, your friends, neighbors or relatives often have horror stories of clauses or items that they forgot to put in their settlement agreements or in their final judgments of divorce. 

According to a recent survey of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), “an overwhelming 81% of the nation’s top divorce attorneys say they have seen an increase in the number of cases using social networking evidence during the past five years.” (source)

Couples counseling has been around for many years. A married couple in a troublesome situation may come to a therapist or psychologist for help to better understand each other and to learn ways to work together and make a marriage stronger.

Blended families seem to be on the rise as divorced individuals find new love and put families together. One of the biggest challenges in this scenario is children/stepchildren. Their presence in a family can add financial and emotional complications.

We become quite attached to our pets over time. We bond with them. We play with them. We feed and nurture them. They provide solace during our times of crises and emotional turmoil. They become one of the family. We grieve them when they die. In divorce cases, experienced divorce attorneys from Jupiter to West Palm Beach recognize that pets are important part to families. Unfortunately, the courts in Florida treat pets not as a member of the family but rather as a form of property.

Whether you are representing yourself (as a pro se litigant) or you are represented by an experienced dissolution of marriage attorney, people involved in family law cases often experience emotional turmoil, frustration, aggravation, and anger. Because they have little or no experience with the legal system, they often are overwhelmed by seemingly complicated and thorny legal questions.

Divorce is challenging, not just emotionally but legally. The laws and practices for divorce vary by state and make it nearly impossible for lay people to comprehend what is involved. Add to that a very emotional time with an uncommon vocabulary used primarily during legal cases and the process becomes overwhelming and intimidating.

Just as happy married couples share qualities in common, bitter ex-spouses do as well. A recent study of divorced couples cited four specific behaviors that are directly linked to ending marriages. By recognizing and avoiding those specific aspects associated with divorcing couples, spouses may be able to save their marriage.

Divorce attorneys and financial planners in West Palm Beach and elsewhere in Palm Beach County agree that it is wise to "Divorce-Proof" your business prior to or during the early phases of your marriage. 

Thousands of apps have been created since the release of Apple’s innovative iPhone. Cell phone users from Wellington to Jupiter can now conveniently download the hottest applications for shopping, socializing, gaming, browsing, and much more. 

Experienced family attorneys from West Palm Beach to Wellington often are surprised that their clients have not prepared any documents to secure their future or the future of their children. Such security can be found with four basic documents.

More women have now established themselves as the primary or a major breadwinner for the family. But as women’s earnings continue to grow, so does their financial responsibility for spousal support in a divorce and, as a result, the amount of women paying alimony is growing.

Marriages spanning Stuart, Jupiter, and Wellington, are breaking down and ending in divorce for a multitude of reasons. One of the most cited reasons for separating is adulterous behavior. As high as 50% of marriages end with the couple divorcing; many end as the result of infidelity. 

Everywhere you turn in the media we are provided with advice on various danger signs of divorce and the rules for a healthy marriage. 

Residents from Palm Beach Gardens to West Palm Beach will not be surprised that people commonly report infidelity as a cited reason for their decision to divorce their spouse. Whether you live in Stuart or Wellington, adulterous behavior can ruin the level of trust in a relationship causing an imminent break down of marriage. 

After a divorce has been settled, many ex-spouses raise concerns or have questions about how large a role the former in-laws should play in their life after divorce. The quality of relationships and frequency of contact between divorced spouses and their in-laws greatly varies across every family. 

Once a party decides to move forward in a divorce case, there are a multitude of decisions that must be made. Women have an additional choice: whether to keep your married name or change your name back to your maiden name. 

As divorce strikes half of all married couples, disenchanted spouses must deal with the potentially devastating emotional and financial upset of the dissolution of their marriage.

In today’s age of modern technology, almost everyone  uses a smartphone to record special moments, cheesey selfies, fun events, and even silly every day occurrences. Most photos are quickly uploaded on social networking sites or photo sharing services online to allow friends and family to witness what’s new in your life. 

Divorce and family law attorneys in West Palm Beach and across Palm Beach County acknowledge that in Florida divorce courts an abused spouse can request the court to take into account the violent and otherwise abusive behavior of the other spouse when determining time sharing of the minor children, in making an asset division, and for a separate award of monetary damages.

Many Palm Beach County residents flocked to the movie theatre to see the recent release, “It’s Complicated.” Starring Meryl Strep, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin, this romantic comedy flirted with the idea that many divorcees have considered: is it possible to get back together with your ex-spouse after divorce?

Lawyers are a convenient source for jokes and tongue in cheek observations. Everyone knows a good lawyer joke. Divorce attorneys from Wellington to West Palm Beach are familiar with many of them.

During divorce proceedings, marital assets are commonly completely divided among the participants. This division is not necessarily equal or equitable.

After a bitter divorce, the temptation to cut your ex out of your life may feel overwhelming. While deleting their number from your smartphone, they are still an important part of your pre-divorce life and your future, especially when children are involved. 

Spring cleaning may take on a whole new stereotype if the results of a recent study have any validity. Men from Wellington to Jupiter may be avoiding their wives to keep from hearing the infamous, “I told you so.” In addition, women may find it increasingly difficult to contain their excitement about a new study. 

Family law attorneys in Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington and other areas of Palm Beach County know that damaging evidence can be found regarding parties in a divorce case on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others. 

Divorce attorneys in Wellington, West Palm Beach and other parts of Palm Beach County know that divorce judges in divorce court begin with a presumption that marital assets and liabilities will be divided equally between the spouses. 

I have commented on divorce celebrations before in my blog entries. I also have commented on family law attorneys and their actions in divorce cases. However, I never have commented on the two subjects together at the same time before.

If you live in Jupiter or Wellington, then you are aware of the concentration of horse owners and riders in these areas of Palm Beach County. However, horse owners are distributed throughout Palm Beach County.

Marital and family attorneys in Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, and other parts of Palm Beach County would not be surprised at the concept that a divorce can negatively affect a person's emotional and physical health. 

You do not have to be a marital and family law attorney to know that divorces can become nasty and that people in a deteriorating relationship may not use the best judgment. Under such circumstances, spouses may act in ways that they may not act ordinarily. 

When does the date of your separation matter? When you are Mel Gibson. Family lawyers in West Palm Beach, Florida know that Florida is an equitable distribution state. Consequently, the marital estate (consisting of the assets and liabilities to be divided in a divorce) commences on the date of the marriage and ends upon the filing of the divorce petition or on an alternative date agreed upon by the parties.

During my 30 years of practicing family law, I have had the opportunity to observe courtroom dress in divorce cases throughout Palm Beach County, around the State of Florida, and in several states. 

Divorce attorneys are experienced in assisting people in dissolving their marriages. Consequently, we are often asked how can one keep a marriage from breaking up West Palm Beach and elsewhere will shake their heads in disbelief regarding the results of this recent study. 

As family law attorneys around Palm Beach County have found, many potential clients are enthusiastic about the concept of collaborative divorce. They see the advantages of spending less money and time than they would in using other methods for reaching resolution of separation and divorce problems.

Divorcing families in Palm Beach County and elsewhere know that the current economic times are impacting on their budgets. Even with two incomes, many families are just barely making their monthly payments. 

Most family lawyers know that many people (although not nearly enough) who are married, prepare and execute wills, living wills, healthcare powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents. 

Jokes about spouses who spend too much are common. However, divorce attorneys ruefully acknowledge that excessive shopping or debt can cause divorces to occur. 

Divorcing can be cathartic. Divorcing can be civil. However, for many couples divorcing can be an unpleasant experience. Regardless of the experience, some individuals are celebrating the end of this phase of their life with a big party. 

Divorcing is a highly emotional topic. When children are involved the consequences are far more dramatic – and, not surprisingly, so are our opinions. I know there are many people who sincerely believe that no divorce is a good divorce. That children are always and inevitably harmed by the physical and emotional separation of their parents. And that parents should – for the sake of the kids – just stick it out and not rock the boat with divorcing or separating until the children are grown.

Divorces, whether they are civil or highly contested, often involve emotional pain, anguish, and anxiety for the participant. Divorces are never pleasant. Whether you live in
West Palm Beach, Florida or elsewhere, few people will claim that their experiences in a divorce have been pleasant. Consequently, the last thing anyone would likely think about after they have completed a divorce is throwing a party. Nevertheless, a whole industry regarding the celebration of one's divorce is developing in this country.