• Collaborative Family Law issues
• Financial/property issues
• Legal issues

• Emotional/Relationship issues
• Mediation issues
• Real Estate issues

• "My husband says we'll save a lot of money using the collaborative approach because we will share a divorce lawyer. Is that really how collaborative family law works?"
  Weston, Florida divorce lawyer Lori Barkus answers: "In a collaborative family-law matter, each party is represented by their own divorce attorney..."
• "What role does the financial planner play in the Collaborative Divorce model? Do we need to involve one in our divorce?"
  Weston, Florida divorce attorney Lori Barkus answers: "Rather than hiring 'dueling experts', with each party hiring their own financial advisor, CPA, or financial planner..."
• "What is a divorce coach, and what role does the divorce coach play in a collaborative-divorce proceeding?"
  Weston, Florida family lawyer Lori Barkus answers: "A divorce coach is a mental-health professional specially trained in collaborative family law..."
• "What is collaborative family law?"
  South Florida family lawyers Iris Bass and Arlene Richman answer: "Collaborative family law is a process in which divorce attorneys settle their divorce out of court..."

Financial/property issues:

• "My spouse runs our jointly-owned business. He travels frequently. How can I be sure that he is not hiding assets?"
  This Miami Forensic Accountant, Stanley I. Foodman of Foodman Forensic Consulting answers: Many states are international multi-ethnic communities, and this office consults throughout the U.S..."
• "After our divorce becomes final, am I entitled to any of my ex-spouse's retirement or Social Security benefits?"
  Fort Lauderdale, FL CPA and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "If your ex-spouse is currently collecting Social Security, you may qualify for benefits..."
• "I've been ordered to pay an amount of child and/or spousal support that I can't afford. What are my options?"
  Weston, Florida family lawyer-mediator Lori Barkus answers: "In a change of circumstances, you can file for modification of child support or abatement..."
• "My ex spouse always looked after the bills, taxes, and other household expenses. I’m feeling overwhelmed -- where do I start?"
  Lake Worth, Florida CPA and CDFA Roderick Moe answers: "Take a deep breath and tell yourself that you can do this, and you will be fine..."
• "My spouse inherited a house three months after we got married. Does it qualify as part of our equitable-distribution settlement?"
  Fort Lauderdale CPA and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "Gifts and inheritances are not normally considered marital assets..."
• "My attorney mentioned that I would be entitled to Social Security benefits via my ex-husband's record. How does this work?"
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida CPA and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "Even if your ex-spouse is currently not collecting Social Security, you may qualify..."
• "I am worried that my spouse will try to hide assets from me. How can I get my fair share of his business and other assets?"
  Fort Lauderdale, FL CPA and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "The presumption is that assets and liabilities acquired during the marriage should be split evenly..."
• "I received a large lump sum settlement from my divorce. How should I invest the money?"
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida Accountant and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "Individuals receiving large sums should seek the help of a competent money manager..."
• "When will my child-support payments end?"
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida CPA and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "In Florida, child support generally stops at the age of majority..."
• "Are alimony and child support taxable? If so, is there any way of structuring support payments to my ex to lower my taxes?"
  Miami CPA Phil Shechter answers: "Where one spouse is to be making support payments to the other upon divorce or separation..."
• "After our divorce becomes final, am I entitled to any of my ex-spouse's disability, retirement or social security benefits?"
  Miami, Florida CPA Phil Shechter answers: "You are entitled to a divorced spouse's insurance benefits on the worker's Social Security record if..."
• "How could my income taxes be affected by my divorce?"
  Miami Certified Public Accountant Phil Shechter answers: "The following information can be helpful for individuals facing a divorce or legal separation..."
• "I'm transferring some of my interest in an IRA to my spouse in our divorce agreement. How should I go about doing this?"
  Miami, Florida Accountant Phil Shechter answers: "Spouse's pension benefits are often part of a property settlement..."
• "Must a house be sold if the husband and wife bought the house together during the marriage and the minor child or children have been living in the home upon a divorce being granted?"
  Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Alan Jay Braverman answers: "Under Florida divorce law, the court is to consider the desirability of retaining the marital home..."
• "I've never bought auto insurance before. Could you please give me some basic information to help me understand what I need in the way of coverage?"
  Answer Financial answers: "Auto insurance -- like all insurance -- is about risk. You buy auto insurance hoping an accident doesn’t happen..."
• "How do I prevent financial ruin because of my divorce?"
  Boca Raton, Florida CDFA Mac Tamse answers: "Consult trusted advisors such as your divorce lawyer, accountant, tax advisor, or financial advisor..."
• "I’m afraid my legal costs will escalate out of control during my divorce. How can I help keep them at a reasonable level?"
  Southern Florida divorce lawyer Joel Feldman answers: "Legal costs can become exorbitant for any number of reasons..."
• "Can my credit history affect the cost of my auto insurance?"
  Answer Financial answers: "In all states except California and Georgia, an individual’s credit rating is a key factor..."
• "What do I need to know about my family's finances before I get divorced?"
  Boca Raton, Florida CDFA Mac Tamse answers: "You should be familiar with all the family's assets and liabilities..."
• "What is the difference between marital and non-marital property?"
  Sarasota, Florida CFP and CDFA Amy Boohaker answers: "Property includes everything that you have that could be considered an asset..."
• "How can I reduce the cost of my auto insurance?"
  Answer Financial answers: "Consumers are countering rising gasoline prices and other vehicle operating costs by capitalizing on lower auto insurance rates..."

Legal issues:

• "I'm about to start a divorce. What are your general tips?"
  Clearwater, Florida divorce attorney Gary E. Williams answers: "Divorce is more than a legal problem; it is also a lifestyle change..." 
• "If I am getting a divorce, can I prevent my spouse from having access to my medical information?"
  Miami divorce lawyer Charlotte Karlan answers: "If you execute certain Life Planning Papers, you can specify who is authorized to know about your medical condition..."
• "What if I made a bad choice for my divorce lawyer? Should I switch?"
  Miami divorce attorney Charlotte Karlan answers: "It depends on why you feel the lawyer is a bad choice and where you are in the divorce process..."
• "My ex-wife has custody of our children, and she wants to move across the country with them. What can I do about it?"
  Weston, Florida divorce lawyer and mediator Lori Barkus answers: "In order to relocate, your former spouse must obtain your permission or the court's..."
• "What are your tips on finding the best divorce lawyer?"
  Weston, Florida divorce attorney-mediator Lori Barkus answers: "Find someone recommended by a trusted friend, family member, or business associate..."
• "We were only married for two years and don't have a lot of assets. Do we really have to go through the whole divorce process?"
  Weston, Florida family lawyer Lori Barkus answers: "There is a simplified divorce procedure which can be used where there are no children or assets..."
• "My spouse has had several affairs; it’s one of the reasons we split up. Can I use this against him in the divorce proceedings?"
  Weston, Florida family-law attorney Lori Barkus answers: "Evidence of an extramarital affair, by itself, is not admissible in a divorce proceeding..."
• "My divorce lawyer is telling me my divorce case is a 'sure thing' -- that I'll definitely win sole custody and a larger share of the settlement. Should I be skeptical?"
  Weston, Florida divorce lawyer Lori Barkus answers: "The only sure thing about a divorce case that goes to trial is that there are no sure things..."
• "What are the grounds necessary to file a divorce in the state of Florida?"
  Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Alan Jay Braverman answers: "In Florida, the only ground which needs to be proven is that the marriage is irretrievably broken..."
• "I just moved to Florida and wish to file for a divorce. Does Florida have a residency requirement?"
  Fort Lauderdale family lawyer Alan Jay Braverman answers: "It is necessary for a person to reside in the state of Florida at least six months..."
• "My spouse cheated on me. If I file for 'fault divorce,' am I likely to get more in terms of support and property?"
  Fort Lauderdale family-law attorney Alan Jay Braverman answers: "Florida eliminated "fault" as grounds for a divorce long ago..."
• "Is it possible for a male to get an award of spousal support?"
  Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Alan Jay Braverman answers: "In determining a proper award of spousal support, the court is to consider the following factors..."
• "While the court is determining which parent a child will reside with, does the sex of the party, the sex of the child, or the age of the child factor into the decision?"
  Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Alan Jay Braverman answers: "Under Florida divorce law, parental responsibility should be shared by both parties..."
• "Do the courts in Florida have the power to have the children of the marriage live with both of the parties 50% of the time after a divorce?"
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida family lawyer Alan Jay Braverman answers: "Under special circumstances, a court may order rotating child custody..."
• "If the primary residential parent wishes to relocate with the children far from where the other parent is living, what factors does the court consider in determining whether to permit the relocation?"
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida family-law attorney Alan Jay Braverman answers: "In Florida, there is no presumption in favor or against a request to relocate..."
• "What are some of the common mistakes people make as they are just beginning the divorce process?"
  Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Sheen Benjamin-Wise answers: "Individuals can make this process much easier by avoiding common mistakes..."
• "How do I go about finding a family-law attorney who has experience with more complicated divorce cases?"
  Tampa, Florida divorce attorney Alberto Romero, Jr. answers: "Attorneys come in varying degrees of specialization and experience..."
• "I have filed for a divorce of my husband. He doesn’t want the divorce, and has not hired a divorce attorney. He is doing everything possible to prolong things. What are my options?"
  Orlando, Florida family lawyer Brent Rainey answers: "A pro se litigant's refusal to cooperate in the divorce action can have serious ramifications..."
• "I'm confused about alimony. How does it work in Florida?"
  Miami divorce lawyer Jacqueline Valdespino answers: "Under Florida divorce law, alimony may be awarded in either lump-sum or periodic payments or both..."
• "Who decides how much child support is enough? What if the other parent and I cannot agree on the amount of child support?"
  Miami divorce attorney Jacqueline Valdespino answers: "The court determines   child support based upon the Florida Child Support Guidelines..."
• "If I move out of the family home, do I lose my rights?"
  Southern Florida family-law attorney Debra Baer answers: "Your property rights do not depend on where you live..."
• "How do I find the right lawyer for me?"
  Southern Florida divorce attorney Audrey Schneiderman answers: "One can ask friends or acquaintances for their recommendations..."
• "How soon will I be divorced? How can I shorten the process?"
  Southern Florida family lawyer William Daniel Jr. answers: "If you and your spouse can resolve everything before filing ..."
• "What information do I need to bring to an initial consultation with my divorce lawyer?"
  Southern FL divorce lawyer Victoria Calebrese answers: "You should bring financial documents that will help the divorce attorney determine the assets and liabilities of both parties..."
• "What are the main issues addressed in a divorce case?"
  South Florida divorce attorney Iris Bass answers: "With divorce, there are also certain legal requirements that must be met..."
• "Do you need to cite grounds in order to divorce in Florida?"
  Boca Raton, Florida family lawyer Valerie Kanouse answers: "It used to be a requirement in most states that there be grounds for a divorce..."
• "Can one lawyer represent both my spouse and me? I think it would save us both time and money."
  Southern Florida divorce attorney Victoria Calebrese answers: "It is not ethical for one lawyer to represent both parties in a divorce proceeding..."
• "How does a mediator differ from a divorce lawyer? Are family lawyers involved in divorce mediation?"
  Southern FL divorce lawyer Debra Baer answers: "A divorce lawyer acts on behalf of his or her client and represents the interests of that individual..."
• "A friend told me that women always do worse in divorce mediation than in the traditional process. How can I be sure I don't get ripped off?"
  Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney-mediator Kenneth Friedman answers: "Most divorce mediations are court-ordered and take place with both sides having divorce lawyers advise them..."
• "I have committed adultery. Will this affect my divorce?"
  Southern Florida family-law attorney Audrey Schneiderman answers: "Simply stated, the court does not assess blame for divorce..."
• "I don't feel like my divorce lawyer is answering my questions. What can I do to change this?"
  Southern Florida family lawyer Victoria Calebrese answers: "I would make an appointment face-to-face with the divorce attorney regarding the status of your case..."
• "How will I know if I have to pay or if I will receive alimony?"
  Southern FL divorce lawyer Audrey Schneiderman answers: "It is usual for the spouse with the greater earning capacity to provide spousal support for the other..."
• "My partner and I have two children but were never married. How are child custody and child support decided when dealing with children of unwed parents?"
  Southern Florida family lawyer Debra Baer answers: "The primordial consideration is the best interests of the children..."
• "What is the most overlooked issue for a spouse in a domestic-relations lawsuit?"
  West Palm Peach, FL family-law attorney Joel Weissman answers: "Normally, it involves credit scoring. Most of the problems involve the impecunious spouse..."
• "I've been a stay-at-home mom throughout the marriage. Do I get any Social Security retirement benefits if I get divorced?"
  Southern FL divorce lawyer Joel Feldman answers: "Even though you have not been in the workforce nor built up any Social Security retirement benefits of your own..."
• "How does a joint custody agreement usually work?"
  Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer-mediator Kenneth Friedman answers: "Generally, it is both the most preferred and most likely outcome of a divorce..."
• "Are the courts still reluctant to grant sole custody to fathers? How can I increase my chances of getting full custody of my sons?"
  Fort Lauderdale family lawyer and mediator Kenneth Friedman answers: "Most state laws require that children have continuing contact with both parents..."
• "I think my divorce lawyer has not paid attention to my case and is doing a poor job representing me. What are my options?"
  Southern Florida family-law attorney Debra Baer answers: "You engage the services of your family lawyer as you do a medical specialist or any other professional..."
• "My ex-spouse isn't living up to our divorce decree. What do I do?"
  Southern Florida divorce attorney Joel Feldman answers: "Which remedies you choose depends on exactly what your ex-spouse failed to do..."
• "My ex-spouse exercises visitation with our kids, but I want to move with them to another state. Can we go?"
  Southern Florida family lawyer Joel Feldman answers: "Florida divorce law evaluates each request to relocate with minor children on a case-by-case basis..."
• "My case is somewhat complicated. Do I need to hire a lawyer who specializes in divorce? Will a specialist be more expensive than a 'regular lawyer' will?"
  Boca Raton, FL divorce lawyer Sharon Smolar answers: "There is a certification which some divorce lawyers aspire to and some attain..."
• "Should I tell my lawyer everything? There are certain things I'd like to keep to myself."
  Boca Raton, Florida divorce attorney Sharon Smolar answers: "Unless you plan a future illegal act, whatever you tell your divorce lawyer must be kept confidential..."

Emotional/Relationship issues:

• "Will my mental-health issues affect my ability to get custody of, or access to, my children?"
  Southern Florida forensic psychiatrist Gil Lichtshein answers: "Mental-health issues (such as depression or anxiety) are often at the forefront in child custody..."
• "I've heard of people having 'divorce ceremonies'. What's that all about?"
  Charlotte Eulette, the North American Director of the Celebrant Foundation, answers: "In a ceremony of this kind, friends and family gather for their honored friend..."
• "How do I ask my spouse for a divorce?"
  Boca Raton, Florida family lawyer Sharon Smolar answers: "It may be advisable to let your spouse know that you intend to file for divorce..."
• "Should we stay together for the sake of the kids? If so, for how long?"
  Boca Raton, Florida family-law attorney Sharon Smolar answers: "No one should tell you when the right time is to get divorced, especially if there are children involved..."
• "How can I learn to separate marital anger from my parenting responsibilities?"
  Southern FL divorce mediator and therapist Irene Schatz answers: "This is often a challenging concept for many separated and divorced couples..."

Mediation issues:

• "What if we try divorce mediation and it doesn't work out? Do we have to go to court, or are there other options?"
  Weston, Florida divorce lawyer-mediator Lori Barkus answers: "Sometimes, pro se divorce mediation does not work because the parties do not have enough information..."
• "I want to mediate my divorce, but my spouse is so full of bitterness and anger that he refuses. What can I do?"
  Weston, Florida divorce attorney Lori Barkus answers: "In some cases, a party who is bitter will agree to set aside those feelings and work toward a resolution..."
• "How do I know divorce mediation is the right course for me?"
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida CPA and divorce mediator Bruce Berger answers: "Divorce mediation is appropriate in divorce cases because the parties have a direct say..."

Real Estate issues:

• "I am in the process of divorcing and am not sure whether or not to keep my house. Can you advise me?"
  Florida real-estate broker Dina Lafferty answers: "This is by far one of the most important decisions you will make concerning your divorce..."
• "Why it is so important to know your credit score prior to buying or renting a new home when you get divorced?"
  Florida real-estate broker Dina Lafferty answers: "Besides your income, your credit score is the most important factor in whether or not a landlord will approve you..."