Tag Archive for: divorce

Mediation FAQs

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Florida (DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties) provides the following FAQs for family mediation:

What is Family Mediation?

Family Mediation is an informal meeting where the parties work out mutually agreeable settlements in Family Court cases.  Parties have the opportunity to explore options and negotiate voluntary agreements that may be submitted to the Court for approval.

Who participates?

Family Mediation provides an opportunity for parties involved in family litigation to engage in a facilitated discussion about the specific issues in their case.  Counsel for each party may attend the conference.  Other third parties may only participate if both sides agree.

What issues can be discussed?

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Video: Psychological Stages of Divorce

The following video from eHow describes psychological stages of divorce:

Video: Reducing the Costs of Your Divorce

The following video from eHow describes how spouses may reduce the costs of their divorce:

Parties should utilize alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation to help them reach agreements and reduce time and expense.

Restrictions on Time-Sharing

Sometimes–such as when there is a history of domestic violence–courts order restrictions on time-sharing.  A video from GetLegal describes options that are available for restricted time-sharing.

Video: Another Warning About Facebook and Divorce

The following video from Fox 25 out of Boston warns family law litigants of the dangers of posting information on social networking sites such as Facebook:

Ten Tips for Divorcing Parents

The following article was written by Mike McCurley for the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers:

Divorce is never easy on kids, but there are many ways parents can lessen the impact of their break-up on their children:

  1. Never disparage your former spouse in front of your children. Because children know they are “part mom” and “part dad,” the criticism can harm the child’s self-esteem.
  2. Do not use your children as messengers between you and your former spouse.The less the children feel a part of the battle between their parents, the better. Read more

Spanish-Language Video on Children and Divorce

As I wrote in my previous post, the Virgina State Bar Association’s Family Law Section produced a video entitled “Spare the Child” which discusses how to safeguard the emotional well-being of children during divorce and other family law proceedings.  The section has also produced a Spanish-language version of the video, entitled “Proteger al Niño.”  You may access this video after the jump:

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Helping Children Cope With Divorce

The Virginia State Bar’s Family Law Section has produced a video which discusses the impact of divorce on children and how parents can go about easing the transition.  The video, entitled “Spare the Child,” utilizes personal stories and everyday language to promote the emotional well-being of children as they go through a family law proceeding.  You may access the video after the jump (click “continue reading”):

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Diana Mercer: 10 Best Ways to Screw Up Your Divorce

The Huffington Post offers an intriguing read entitled 10 Best Ways to Screw Up Your Divorce.  This article, authored by a mediator and former family law attorney, explains how to waste money and minimize your opportunity for a successful outcome.  It includes the following tidbits:

  • “Be Disorganized…Either bring none of your financial records to your attorney’s office or court hearing, or bring all your financial records in a paper sack overflowing with miscellaneous papers.”

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Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Affidavit

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (known as the “UCCJEA”) is the body of law that provides Florida courts with authority to rule on issues of child custody.  In virtually every family law proceeding that involves child custody–including divorce, paternity, and relocation–each party is required to file an affidavit that contains certain information and demonstrates to the court that it has jurisdiction over the child. This UCCJEA affidavit must include the following information:

  • The current address of the child;
  • Each address at which the child has lived during the past five years;

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