Family Diplomacy Hires Former Physician’s Executive Assistant and Medical Interpreter

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At Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, we understand that every client’s journey begins with the first call or message. That initial connection sets the tone for the entire process. This is why we are thrilled to introduce our new Welcome Services Liaison, Isamar Abudeye.

Isamar is often the first voice and smile that clients encounter, and she ensures that each person who reaches out to our firm is met with professionalism, warmth, and discretion.

A Professional Background of Excellence

Isamar brings a rare combination of organizational expertise and creative insight. With a career spanning executive assistance, recruitment, and marketing, she knows how to create seamless systems while never losing sight of the human element. She helps streamline communication, coordinates schedules, and guides clients through the onboarding process with care and clarity. Read more →

Family Diplomacy’s Adam B. Cordover Launches LawyerFI Podcast on Financial Independence

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At Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, we are proud to share exciting news about our managing attorney, Adam B. Cordover. In addition to being a leader in Collaborative Divorce in Florida and abroad, Adam has just launched a brand-new project: the LawyerFI Podcast.

This podcast is designed for lawyers and other high earners who want to rethink their relationship with work, money, and freedom. The first official episode, released this week, dives into one of the most practical and transformative concepts in personal finance: the 4% Rule.

The podcast can be found on the LawyerFI website, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and most podcast platforms.

Why This Podcast Matters

Our team has seen firsthand how Adam has dedicated his career to helping families find healthier ways to resolve disputes without the stress of court. With this podcast, he’s taking that same problem-solving mindset to the financial side of life, giving professionals the tools to create more stability, choice, and peace of mind.

Lawyers in particular are trained to chase billable hours, not to build wealth. Financial literacy was never part of law school, and yet financial pressure weighs heavily on many professionals. Through the LawyerFI Podcast, Adam brings education and inspiration to help lawyers and other high earners design lives with more freedom—both inside and outside of their careers.  Adam is not a financial planner, accountant, or tax attorney, and the podcast is not financial, tax, or legal advice.  Adam is not selling financial products or services, he is just using his deep knowledge on complex financial topics, which has helped his divorce clients throughout the years, to educate other professionals.

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Best Collaborative Divorce Lawyer in Florida – How to Choose

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When you are facing divorce, the lawyer and process you choose can make all the difference. If privacy, respect, and control over the process are important to you, then Collaborative Divorce may be the right path. But not every attorney who calls themselves “collaborative” has the same training or experience. So how do you know you are choosing the best Collaborative Divorce lawyer in Florida?

Below are the key questions you should ask any attorney you are considering.

Has the Lawyer taken the 14-Hour Introductory Collaborative Divorce Training?

The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (“IACP”) has set Minimum Standards for Collaborative Practitioners which include a requirement to take a 14-hour introductory training.  The IACP has further created standards for what must be included in the training.This 14-hour training ensures the lawyer understands not only the legal aspects of divorce, but also how to work effectively with mental health professionals and financial professionals on your team.

Ask your potential lawyer: Did you take the 14-hour Introductory training? Who were your trainers? Have you gone beyond the basics with advanced training?

For example, Adam B. Cordover, Managing Attorney of Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, completed his Introductory Training in 2011 with the Lone Star Trainers, one of the most respected groups in the field. Since 2014, he has himself been teaching the 14-hour course as well as multi-day advanced trainings throughout the United States, Canada, Israel, and France.  Further, Adam has served as a Board Member of the International Academy of Collaborative professionals and as chair of the IACP Ethics & Standards Committee.

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How to Prevent Your Florida Divorce from Spinning Out of Control

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The greatest fear in divorce isn’t just the end of the marriage—it’s losing control. Control of your future. Control of your finances. Control of your privacy. For many professionals, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals, the last thing you want is your divorce turning into a courtroom battle where a judge makes the decisions for you.

There is a way to mitigate against that outcome. It’s called Collaborative Divorce.

Why Collaborative Divorce Keeps Lawyers Calm

In traditional divorce, lawyers often fuel conflict. The more the fight drags on, the more hours billed and the more likely your case ends up in front of a judge.

Collaborative Divorce works differently. By law, Collaborative lawyers are prohibited from representing you in court. Their role is limited to helping you resolve matters by agreement rather than by making arguments in front of a judge. If your case goes to litigation, both Collaborative lawyers must withdraw. That means your lawyer’s incentives are aligned with yours: everyone is motivated to keep the process calm and focused on reaching an agreement.  If the spouses start fighting, and they end up in court, then the Collaborative Lawyers get fired.

This safeguard gives you the confidence that your divorce will not be spun out of control by lawyers eager for a fight.  Further, Collaborative Divorce has a proven track record.  Studies by the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals and International Academy of Collaborative Professionals show that 85% and 86% of Collaborative Matters, respectively, end by reaching a full agreement.

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Intellectual Property in Florida Divorce

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If you’re a professional in Florida facing divorce, you might be wondering about the status of your intellectual property—things like patents, copyrights, or trademarks—when it comes to dividing assets. You’ve worked hard to build these creations, and it’s natural to want to protect them.

Understanding Marital vs. Non-Marital Assets

In Florida, assets and debts are generally divided into two categories: marital and non-marital. Marital assets are typically those acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title. In essence, non-marital assets are those you owned before the marriage or received individually as a gift or inheritance.

So where does intellectual property fit in? If you created the intellectual property during your marriage, it’s likely to be considered a marital asset. If it was something you created beforehand, it might remain non-marital. But as with most things in family law, it can get more complicated.

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Does Your Divorce Law Firm Have a Client Care Specialist?

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A Client Care Specialist can make or break your divorce experience—especially if you value communication, discretion, and peace of mind. One of the biggest complaints about divorce lawyers in Florida is poor communication. In fact, the Florida Bar has identified lack of communication as the number one reason clients file grievances against their attorneys (See a Florida Bar News article here). That’s not just frustrating—it’s avoidable.

At Family Diplomacy, we’ve made it a priority to solve this problem by introducing a Client Care Specialist to support you throughout the Collaborative Divorce process. This role is especially valuable for high-net-worth individuals who want regular updates, quick responses, and someone who understands the gravity of every detail.

You Deserve More Than Just a Lawyer

As a physician, attorney, executive, business owner, or other professional, you expect clear communication and timely answers. You don’t have time to chase down your lawyer or wait days to hear back. A Client Care Specialist bridges that gap. This team member keeps the lines of communication open so that nothing slips through the cracks and your questions are answered—quickly and respectfully.

Whether you’re wondering about next steps, seeking clarity on documents, or simply need to feel heard, your Client Care Specialist is here for you.

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Cordover Launches LawyerFI Podcast – Equipping Lawyers and Other Professionals to Achieve Financial Independence

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Family Diplomacy Managing Attorney Adam B. Cordover, a Florida-based Collaborative Divorce lawyer and internationally recognized leader in out-of-court dispute resolution, has launched a brand-new podcast: LawyerFI – Financial Independence for Legal and Other Professionals.

If you’re a lawyer who wants to get off the cycle of burnout, billable hours, and financial confusion, this podcast was made for you.

The preview episode is now live. Watch and listen below or on the LawyerFI website:

Welcome to the LawyerFI Podcast – A New Path for Purpose-Driven Legal Professionals

You can also find it on the following platforms:

Equipping Lawyers and Other Professionals To Achieve Financial Independence

Cordover created LawyerFI after more than a decade working with high-achieving professionals—lawyers, doctors, business owners—who were doing well on the outside but quietly struggling with money, time, and fulfillment.

He understands the problem because he lived it. Even after earning a law degree from a private university, building a successful practice, and publishing a book with the American Bar Association, he found himself wondering why financial stability still felt out of reach.  As addressed in the preview episode, he then started taking affirmative steps towards financial independence.

LawyerFI shares Adam’s story and is a podcast designed to help you take control of your finances, reclaim your time, and start building a legal or other professional career that actually supports the life you want.

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Why Your 457 Plan Might Be a Contingent Asset in a Florida Divorce, and What that Means for You

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For physicians, executives, and professionals working in government or the non-profit sector, a 457 deferred compensation plan often plays a key role in long-term financial security. These plans carry unique protections—and can contain unique risks—that require special attention during divorce.

In Florida, a 457 plan is considered a marital asset to the extent contributions occurred during the marriage, plus or minus passive gains or losses. But not all 457 plans are created equal. Whether your plan is governmental or non-governmental, 457(b) or 457(f), affects how it’s classified for division and what options are available to you.

Doctors and Non-Profit Executives Should Known: What Makes a 457 Plan Different?

A 457 plan is a type of deferred compensation plan that allows you to save for retirement. Unlike a 401(k) or IRA, ownership of the funds works differently depending on the type of employer and plan:

  • Governmental 457(b) Plans: Offered by state and local governments, these plans are held in trust or custodial accounts for the exclusive benefit of employees. This means they are protected from the employer’s creditors and are generally considered vested assets for purposes of divorce.
  • Non-Governmental 457(b) Plans: Offered by large non-profits—such as hospital systems or private universities—these plans are not held in trust. Instead, the assets remain part of the employer’s general funds until distribution, making them vulnerable to the employer’s creditors. These are considered contingent assets because your right to receive the funds depends on the employer’s financial health.
  • 457(f) Plans: These are often offered to highly compensated executives as “top-hat” plans. Unlike 457(b) plans, employees must meet specific conditions (like staying with the employer for a certain period) for the money to vest and for the employee to become eligible to receive the funds. If you don’t satisfy those conditions, you forfeit the balance. This makes 457(f) plans even more contingent and subject to greater discounts in divorce valuation.

To understand the key differences between these plans outside of the divorce context, learn more about 457 plans from Dr. Jim Dahle at the White Coat Investor here.

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Can Collaborative Divorce Work If We Don’t Get Along?

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If you’re going through a divorce and communication with your spouse is difficult—or downright hostile—you might assume Collaborative Divorce is off the table. Maybe you’ve heard it only works for couples who “get along” or “want the same things.” But the truth is, Collaborative Divorce is designed to help people exactly like you: spouses who are in conflict, but who want a better, healthier way to separate.

Let’s talk about how this works.

A Structured Process with Built-In Support

In Collaborative Divorce, each of you has your own specially trained lawyer who is committed to staying out of court. These attorneys aren’t opposing each other—they’re working as teammates to help you reach an agreement that meets your most important goals. You also get support from other neutral professionals, like a facilitator (a licensed mental health professional) and a financial professional.

The facilitator isn’t there to give therapy, but rather to help you communicate more clearly, manage emotions, and keep meetings productive. They are trained in conflict resolution and work with both of you together to help shift the conversation from fighting to problem-solving.

This team-based approach gives structure to your conversations. Instead of shouting matches or silent standoffs, you’ll have guided discussions where everyone works together to find solutions.

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How Our Refundable Evergreen Retainer Works: No Surprises, No Commitments

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How a Refundable Evergreen Retainer Works at Our Law Firm

At Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, we recently transitioned from using a non-refundable initial fee to a refundable evergreen retainer. This change creates far more flexibility for our clients and reflects the way we practice law.

Many—if not most—family law firms in Tampa Bay still use a non-refundable initial fee structure for their retainers. That means once you place a deposit with them, you don’t get it back, even if circumstances change (these fees must be reasonable, and the Florida Bar would likely still require a refund, for example, if you changed your mind immediately after retaining the firm). For years, we followed that same model. But because we work exclusively in out-of-court dispute resolution—specializing in Collaborative Divorce—we heard concerns from potential clients.

People would ask, “What happens to my non-refundable initial fee if my spouse decides they only want to fight in court?” While this is exceedingly rare (hardly anyone truly wants to battle it out in a courtroom), we understand why it gave pause. With our refundable evergreen retainer, you now have peace of mind: if you ever decide to go in a different direction, you’ll receive a refund of all unearned funds.

This client-centered approach ensures you stay in control throughout your case. Let’s break down what it means and how it works.

What Is an Evergreen Retainer?

An evergreen retainer is a predictable way for you and the firm to make sure there are always funds available to cover the work we’re doing on your case. When you hire us, you’ll place an initial refundable deposit into a special trust account. This isn’t a flat fee—it’s your money, and we only withdraw from it as we earn fees for the actual time we spend helping you or to cover certain costs, such as a filing fee with the clerk of the court.

As your case progresses, we’ll send you invoices showing how much time was spent and for what tasks. If the balance in your account drops below the agreed amount, we’ll replenish it by charging the credit or debit card you’ve placed on file. This ensures we can continue working without interruptions. And here’s the key part: when your matter is complete, any unused funds in your trust balance are refunded back to you.

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