After divorce…now what?

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire, West Palm Beach, Florida

You’ve separated, filed, gone through the divorce process, and now it’s over.  You’re divorced.  What are your options now?

Some couples stay friends.  Some stay business partners.  Intoday’s market, oftentimes couples stay real estate partners until the marital home or other real property sells.    

On the other hand, some couples part ways and go off to live life as it the marriage never happened.   Other couples are joined by the fact that they have children.  Florida Statute Chapter 61 has a provision called shared parental responsibility.  In a nutshell it says that couples who by the mere fact of having children together must co-parent, they need to be able to discuss the children’s issues, take action and come to agreement on major decision making regarding the child, all in the best interests of the child. 

This can be very difficult coming off an acrimonious divorce proceeding where the two spouses are violent, unreasonable, disrespectful or worse.    Court orders are put down to be followed and we all know how that goes sometimes.  Contempt hearings take care of violations but again that makes it very difficult to deal with a spouse. 

Every case and situation is different.  But where parties can get along if only for their children, the atmosphere is more beneficial for everyone.  However, we lawyers are usually busy post dissolution just because in some cases that is impossible.  Then we or the judge ends up micro managing a relationship. 

The conclusion is, post divorce,  the choice is yours.  Do the best you can under the circumstances, and if you need further legal help, get it.  For questions about this subject or any other divorce proceeding, call the attorneys at Robin Roshkind, P.A. at 561-835-9091, or click on the ROBIN ROSHKIND, P.A. website at www.familylawwpb.com for more information.

Get A Divorce, Get A New Life…A New Year’s Resolution.

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire, West Palm Beach, Florida

As a key player in the divorce law in Palm Beach County, Florida, I never push anyone into getting  a divorce.  It is a very serious and personal subject.  Only the client can decide the right timing of such an important life changing matter.

But there is something to be said for a fresh start.  Often after the holidays, spouses just can’t take it anymore, and they make a visit to the divorce lawyer to find out about their rights, options, and obligations under the law.

For those thinking about making a fresh start in life, my Firm website has much information.  Click on www.familylawwpb.com or call for a consultation with one of the Firm attorneys at 561-835-9091.

Divorce and New Beginnings.

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire, West Palm Beach, Florida

With the dawning of a new year, many of you who are recently divorced are going through the beginning stages as a single or as a single parent.  Once the judge’s gavel comes down on the divorce decree, you turn the page to a new life.  However, there are certain things you must address to get a fresh start.  The following is your checklist:

1.  If you are female and getting your former name back legally in the divorce proceedings,  you need to take certified copies of your divorce decree to the Dept. of Motor Vehicles. Also, don’t forget about your passport, credit card accounts, and social security.  Change your name on bank accounts, IRAs, 401Ks, insurance policies,  security accounts, leases, and any other legal documents that identify you.

2.  For husbands as well as wives, do a new will and change the beneficiary from your spouse to your children. 

3.  Same with insurance policies and benefiaries,  and trust documents.  You don’t want  your spouse to be the trustee any longer.

4.  Make necessary changes to the title of your vehicle, boat, real estate deeds.

5.  Don’t forget those frequent flier accounts.  They are worth something.

For more information, click on the Robin Roshkind, P.A. website at www.familylawwpb.com or consult with one of the attorneys at the Firm by calling 561-835-9091.

Sex and the single mother, single father.

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire, West Palm Beach, Florida

Under new laws in the State of Florida, “custody” of children has become “timesharing”.  The standard in Palm Beach County is still 38% , usually to the Former Husband, and 62% timesharing to the Former Wife, unless two things occur: either the parties come up with some other arrangement that they agree to, or the judge orders additional timesharing to the Former Husband, in which case he gets a mandatory reduction from the guidelines in his child support obligations. 

With the timesharing arrangement of the children, comes lots of free time for the parent who is not “on duty”.    What are the legal ramifications of a divorced parent who finds herself or himself in another real relationship?  Here is a list of considerations:

1.  Be careful to not be too frisky in front of the children.  This is a private matter and should stay that way.

2.  A parent is still a parent.  A new girlfriend is not the child’s mother, nor is a new boyfriend the child’s father. 

3.  Don’t bring another person around the children too soon after the divorce.  Children are still adjusting and depending upon the child, may need some time.

4.  If and when you do bring another person around the children, don’t do it at the child’s expense.  The children still deserve a parent’s attention during timesharing.

5.  Take your timesharing with your child seriously.  Don’t start using babysitters more than ever because you now have a relationship.

6.  Don’t booze it up in front of your children.

7.  Always remember, young children generally want their parents to get back together.  Proceed with that in mind.

For more information call one of the attorneys at Robin Roshkind, P.A. at 561-835-9091 or click on our website at www.familylawwpb.com.

There IS life after divorce

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire – West Palm Beach, Florida

When the divorce becomes final, and after the sadness/gladness sets in, there are certain things one must do at this moment in time.  Here is a suggested checklist for after the divorce:

1. Follow the terms of the marital settlement agreement or the judge’s order.
2. Make sure your ex does the same.  If not, you can file a motion for enforcement or contempt of court.
3. Pay off your lawyer and pick up your file.  You probably have some original documents there.
4. Purge yourself of all signs and memories of him/her.
5. Get out of town for a rest and a change of scenery.
6. While on vacation, focus on your future and set new goals.
7. Learn a new sport, take up a new hobby, get a massage at a spa and be good to yourself.
8. Pay attention to your children.  Remember they are going through adjustments as well.
9. Meet new people…you are free!

For additional information, please call my law firm, Robin Roshkind, P.A., for a consultation (561-835-9091) or visit the firm’s website at www.familylawwpb.com.