Hiring a family law attorney – what most people get wrong and how to get it right: Part Two
In part one of this article, we talked about a couple of the things to keep in mind when hiring a family law attorney. Here are a couple more: To litigate or not to litigate Many people think they need to hire an aggressive “pitbull” or “bulldog” lawyer. It seems the thing to do when […]
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Hiring a family law attorney – what most people get wrong and how to get it right: Part One
You’ve just been served (or threatened with) divorce or custody papers. The initial reaction is fear, shock, anger or even all of the above.” I don’t believe this!” “What’s going to happen?” “He/she is going to take our children, my money, everything!” These thoughts are common. So, what do you do? In going on twenty […]
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I need an aggressive family law attorney: Part Two
Pause. Breathe. Funny how breathing is natural and automatic (and important), but, when we are scared, we forget all about it. You get served with papers, come how to an empty house or a message that the other parent wants to leave with your child. The first instinct is that you need to fight. And […]
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I need an aggressive family law attorney: Part One
This is a common statement, especially on social media. Perhaps you’ve said it. In moments of fear when you believe your life is about to change drastically. When facing an angry or irrational spouse or co-parent whom you believe is out to take something or everything important from you, it’s easy to see why you […]
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Signs a Marriage Won’t Last
Unfortunately, not all marriages are destined to last. In the beginning, no one imagines themselves getting a divorce, or having a short marriage; they think they will beat all the odds. But sadly, some of the marriages come to an end for different reasons. Issues and disagreements are normal in any relationship, but there are […]
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Free Florida Divorce Form: Parenting Plan Forms
Going through a divorce is difficult, but it becomes even more difficult when you have children together with your spouse. As a parent, you want the best for your child or children and want them to grow up happy and well adjusted. If you are going through the divorce process in the state of Florida, […]
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Can A Divorce Affect Your Credit Score?
During the divorce process, a person has a lot on his or her mind. From the finances to the children, a divorce can affect many aspects of a person’s life; however, one aspect often doesn’t cross people’s minds: their credit score. Divorce does not directly affect a person’s credit score, but many people suffer from […]
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What Is Mediation Without Attorneys?
What Is Mediation Without Attorneys? What is mediation without attorneys? Barkus Law offers mediation without attorneys. A mediator is a neutral parties that meets with both […]
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What Are Unbundled Legal Services?
What Are Unbundled Legal Services? What Are Unbundled Legal Services? Barkus Law offers unbundled legal services for the client to control the cost of the divorce or family […]
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What Is Strategic Consultation?
WHAT IS STRATEGIC CONSULTATION? What is a Strategic Consultation? Barkus Law uses strategic consultation to negotiate or get the matter to court as quickly as possible to get the […]
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What Makes Barkus Law Different From Other Law Firms?
What Makes Barkus Law Different From Other Law Firms? What Makes Barkus Law different from other law firms? Lori Barkus has nearly two decades of experience as an attorney, […]
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Learn About the Barkus Law Firm
ABOUT BARKUS LAW Lori Barkus discusses the work of her firm Barkus Law, which serves Broward County, and other areas of South Florida. Lori Barkus is a South Florida […]
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How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer
The divorce process is a stressful, emotional time in any couple’s life. This process settles a lot of important situations in a person’s life including finances, assets, and children; both couples are hoping for the best possible outcome. With all that said, you want the best lawyer working for who has your best interests in […]
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Free Florida Divorce Form: Financial Affidavit
Can you get your divorce handled without hiring a lawyer? Yes, it may be possible to file your own divorce and complete the process without retaining a lawyer. At Barkus Law, we offer free Florida divorce forms for download on our website. You can view all the forms here. These forms are our way of […]
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Can a divorce lawyer protect finances?
Divorce is a stressful, life-altering event. Money problems are also a big life stressor. Now, combine these two parts and they can often end in disaster, if not managed properly. Many people tend to look for financial guidance and help after a divorce, which can be a mistake. The best bet is to hire a […]
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Free Florida Divorce Form: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Going through a divorce, and need help through the court system? Divorce is not only hard emotionally, but it can be a difficult process to sort through as well. Barkus Law now offers Florida family law and divorce forms on our website for people to download free of charge. We offer these documents to give […]
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Reasons to Hire a Divorce Lawyer
The divorce process is notorious for being pricey. Because of this, many people may be tempted to opt for self-representation and to file for divorce on their own. Although this may work to some people’s advantage, most people should consider hiring a divorce lawyer. If you think there may be a financial or custody battle […]
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How to Handle Finances During a Divorce
For the most part, divorce isn’t an easy process to go through. One aspect that truly can add stress to divorce is finances. No matter your age or financial situation, divorce can surely shake things up and disrupt the current flow of your finances. During a divorce, both parties are trying to protect the financial […]
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What Can Happen Without a Prenup?
Talk of a prenuptial agreement, or “prenup”, can be a very touchy subject with a significant other. Often when one party has a substantial amount of money more than his or her partner, this topic is brought up. It is worth the conversation. Some people find prenups insulting and unromantic, while others think just think […]
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Things Divorce Lawyers Wish People Knew
The divorce process usually is not a simple or cheap one, even if is handled outside the courts in an amicable manner. But, there are things people can do to make the process a better, less expensive, and less difficult one. Here at Barkus Law, we wanted to share some inside tips, advice, and thoughts […]
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Streamlining the Divorce Process
So many things can be simplified – divorce included. With a streamlined divorce, your life can be less stressful and emotionally draining. If you want the divorce to go through smoothly and quickly, it is best to devote a lot of your time and energy to it, like having a second job. By streamlining the […]
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The First Meeting with a Divorce Lawyer
First, you made the hard and personal decision of getting a divorce. Next, you found a divorce lawyer and made the first appointment to meet with him or her. Now, what? Meeting with a divorce lawyer for the first time can fill a person with an abundance of emotions like fear, anxiety, stress, and sadness. […]
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Is Limited Representation Right for You?
Legal services and representation aren’t known to be cheap; unfortunately, many people cannot afford these services and are unable (or do not want to) pay large, upfront retainers. For this reason, I offer limited representation services, also known as “unbundled” legal services. Unlike some firms and service plans available out there, I do not […]
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Divorce Filings After the Holidays
Did you know divorce filings jump up by almost one-third after the holiday season? In the new year, the first Monday after the holidays is known as Divorce Day. On this day, many attorneys get bombarded with divorce emails. January, in general, has the most legal breakups than any other month. According to research done […]
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Should I Hire A Florida Family Law Attorney?
There are a lot of online divorce, low cost divorce and flat fee divorce options available. Because of this, many people believe that they can handle their divorce or family law matter without an attorney. Some divorces are as simple as filling out family law forms, which are available online in Broward and other counties. […]
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Florida Mediation resolves divorce issues
South Florida divorce mediator Lori Barkus helps couples settle their divorce without hiring lawyers. The divorce mediation process costs less than hiring a family law attorney. Divorce mediation can be a more affordable, less emotionally charged way to divorce.
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Getting Past the Emotions of a Prenuptial Agreement
If you are getting married, plan to live in the state of Florida and are considering a prenuptial agreement, you will need to confront the emotional as well as the legal aspect of such an agreement. It is best that you do this well in advance of the wedding date, to avoid legal challenges to […]
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How is Alimony Determined in a Florida Divorce?
Are you getting a divorce in Florida? If so, you may wonder how alimony is determined. Who pays ? How much will it be? How do the courts figure out the amount? And so on. Well, alimony in Florida is basically determined by what the need is and the ability for the other party to […]
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Is Mediation Right for Me?
Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps a couple sort out and resolve issues in regards to their divorce. A mediator guides the couple through the list of decisions that are required for a divorce. This is a less stressful way of ending a marriage, especially if children are involved. In […]
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Who Gets the Family Pet in a Divorce?
Most families consider their pet as a part of the family. When it comes time in your divorce to decide who gets Fido, how is that determined? You may wonder how the courts will make that decision. In Florida, your pet is considered property. So, let’s say that you and your spouse divide everything up […]
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Parenting Class is Required for Couples Divorcing in Florida
Are you getting a divorce? Do you have children from your marriage? Did you know that to obtain a divorce in the state of Florida, you and your spouse are required to take a four-hour parenting class? Florida Statute 61.21 says that divorcing couples with children under the age of 18 years old are to […]
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What is a Facebook Divorce?
A Facebook divorce is a term that refers to the role that social media plays in separations, divorces, and even child custody cases. Facebook divorce is how it is referenced, but all other social media sites are included in the term. If you participate in social media, your whereabouts, history, and actions are all publicized […]
Read MoreALIMONY BILL SUPPORTERS AND OPPONENTS SQUARE OFF IN FLORIDA CAPITOL
As more than 100 of them crammed the waiting room and hallway of Gov. Rick Scott‘s office on Tuesday, advocates and opponents of this year’s alimony overhaul bill had a hollering battle over the contentious legislation. The opponents, led by Florida National Organization for Women lobbyist Barbara DeVane, scheduled a meeting with Scott’s staff at 11 a.m. to […]
Read MoreFlorida Collaborative Divorce Bill Signed into law
Collaborative law has been around for some time, but Governor Scott recently, and finally, signed into law, the Collaborative Law Process Act. The law allows judges to recognize and protect a couple’s agreement to participate in a collaborative divorce. For those who are not familiar with the concept, collaborative divorce is an out of court […]
Read MorePrenuptial Agreements Done Right
With Valentine’s Day approaching, many are thinking of marriages and, for those marrying later in life or not for the first time, prenuptial agreements as well. Although not romantic, prenuptial agreements, or “prenups” make sense for those who are coming into a marriage with property or money and also children whom they would like to […]
Read MoreFlorida Lawmakers Support Collaborative Divorce
Divorce is one of the most contentious life events anyone will go through. There are hard feelings, feelings of loss, perhaps betrayal and anger. As a result, many soon-to-be ex-spouses seem to go out of their way to make the process as difficult as possible. This can cost exorbitant sums of money and take its […]
Read MoreChanges in divorce law coming?
SB 250 filed to change the way divorce law and divorces are handled in Florida courts State Senator Tom Lee has filed a bill (SB 250) to amend Florida divorce law which rules on alimony and child custody. To be considered in the 2016 regular session, the bill – 41 pages in length – would change the […]
Read MoreCo-parenting Tips for Halloween!
The month of October starts a string of end of year family holidays including: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas Eve, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve, amongst many other special days and celebrations. Due to divorce, all of the days you miss with your children, regardless of age or occasion, test the relationship and communication you […]
Read MoreWhat Ashley Madison hackers can teach us about adultery and divorce
Last week Ashley Madison, the website that is marketed as an online dating service for “discreet encounters” and “extramarital affairs,” was hacked. Those responsible threatened to release information about millions of the website’s customers who have engaged in such casual encounters. This led to widespread speculation (albeit highly unlikely) that there would be a run […]
Read MoreThe importance of establishing paternity
Earlier this month R&B singer Chris Brown was reported to have filed a paternity suit to claim legal rights to his daughter Royalty. The reason, according to media reports, is because he wants to go to court and clear the air once and for all over custody and child support for his one-year-old. It’s reported […]
Read MoreAppellate case centers on length of marriage and alimony
When it comes to awarding alimony, there are several things the court must take into consideration. And, when it comes to awarding permanent alimony, one of the key issues centers on how long a couple has been married. In Banks v. Banks (Case No.2D 14-962), the Second District Court of Appeal in Tampa recently found […]
Read MoreAcross the miles: Creating a long-distance parenting plan takes work
It’s one thing to create a parenting plan when divorcing spouses live within driving distance of each other, but what happens when one parent must, for whatever reason, move far away? It happens more often than we like to think. Sometimes it’s a job that requires a parent to move, other times a divorced parent […]
Read MoreBlending families takes work, planning
Carol and Mike Brady made the whole concept of blended families look so easy. Even their trials and tribulations were resolved with smiles and handshakes among rivaling siblings. But life isn’t a television sitcom and there are countless challenges when it comes to such mergers. Your new life as a stepparent might mean having to […]
Read MoreDomestic violence often plays role in divorce
One-in-four women and one-in-seven men will become victims of severe violence during their lifetimes. Every minute 20 people become victims of intimate partner violence, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The statistics are staggering and all too familiar, particularly in cases involving divorce where emotions run high. Such was the case in […]
Read MoreFather’s Day should be all year long for divorced Dads
Just because a couple divorces it should not change a father’s relationship with his children, yet often it does. Many dads end up taking a back seat when it comes to child rearing responsibilities following a divorce. But as society has recognized the benefits of shared parenting, that’s starting to change. There is a nationwide […]
Read MoreRuling: Trial court erred in allowing modification of time-sharing plan
When parents divorce and children are involved, a time-sharing plan comes into play. This is an opportunity for both parents to work out a schedule that is in the best interest of the child. However, there are instances when circumstances change and that time-sharing plan must be modified. While there are some cases in which […]
Read MoreDispute over time-sharing hinges on best interest of the child standard
When does the “best interest of the child” standard not apply? When it’s not the biological child of the person seeking custody. That was the ruling from the First District Court of Appeal in a case involving the mother of two young children living with her ex-husband. Lisa Marie Corona appealed a trial court judge’s […]
Read MoreMilitary divorce requirements differ from civilian divorce
With Memorial Day here, what better time than now to take a look at how those either in the military, or those who have retired from the military, are impacted by divorce. The good news is that according to statistics released earlier this year by the Defense Department, the military divorce rate has actually been […]
Read MoreThe path to an amicable divorce starts with you
Divorce is one of the most contentious life events anyone will go through. There are hard feelings, feelings of loss, perhaps betrayal and anger. As a result, many soon-to-be ex-spouses seem to go out of their way to make the process as difficult as possible. Some clients will fight tooth and nail to get every […]
Read MoreChild support: One of the most contested aspects of divorce
Are you battling your ex over child support? If so, you are not alone. In 2011, 6.3 million custodial parents were due child support, according to the U.S. Census Bureau . Among those parents who had agreements for child support, $37.9 billion was due in 2011, the most recent figures available. The average amount of […]
Read MoreStudy: Children fare better in shared-parenting arrangements
There’s a new study out that pretty much supports what those who favor shared parenting arrangements have said all along: Children of divorce do better when they spend time living with both of their parents. Published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, the study, which was conducted in Sweden, looked at national data […]
Read MoreAlimony reform dies after Florida House adjourns early
Florida lawmakers’ inability to come to terms over Medicaid expansion saw this year’s legislative session come to a screeching halt three days early leaving behind a number of bills that have been more or less scattered to the wind. Among them was a bill designed to reform Florida’s antiquated alimony system. Although not a fatal […]
Read MoreGet finances in order before the divorce
If you are going through or preparing to go through a divorce, you likely know that money plays a big role in the “uncoupling finances” process. There are joint bank accounts to consider, joint credit cards, the marital home and other fiances you may own jointly. How long you were married likely will impact just how […]
Read MoreAppellate court: Ex’s behavior troubling but not cyberstalking
For divorced or divorcing couples, social media can be a double-edged sword. If you are on good terms with your ex, it can be a good way to keep in touch. But if your separation was contentious, it can quickly turn into what one or the other might consider cyberstalking. Such was the case that […]
Read MoreGrandparents and visitation rights following a divorce
With summer just around the corner, many parents struggle with what to do with the children. For parents who are divorced, the challenge may be even greater. Some are fortunate enough to have grandparents willing to take on some of the responsibility of overseeing the children’s summer activities. But not every family dynamic makes that […]
Read MoreFlorida lawmaker takes aim against same-sex adoptions
When it comes to the rights of same-sex couples in Florida, it appears that while the judicial system has been taking one step forward, some lawmakers are taking two steps back. In January, Florida courts made same-sex marriage legal, but now at least one Florida lawmaker is trying to make it more difficult for same-sex […]
Read MoreSame-sex marriage opens adoption option
For same-sex couples who have children, either through birth or adoption, often only one of the two is the legal parent. However, as the tide has changed, and same-sex marriage is becoming legal in more states, couples that have children are finding a secondary benefit to marriage – being able to legally adopt their partner’s […]
Read MoreAppellate court: Alimony too low, try again
You may have read stories recently about the divorce battle taking place between hedge fund billionaire Kenneth Griffin and his estranged wife Anne Dias Griffin. She has claimed expenses of nearly $1 million per month, which she says is needed to support herself, her three children and their four nannies. While not everyone lives that […]
Read MoreCircumcision case should serve as warning to parents when signing parenting plan
A Boynton Beach mother is facing the prospect of going to jail, all because she had a change of heart and now is refusing to turn her son over to his father so he can have the four-year-old boy circumcised. The story has grabbed national headlines and makes a good case for why it’s important […]
Read MoreSecond alimony reform bill filed
Florida Senator Kelli Stargel has joined her legislative colleague Representative Colleen Burton in filing a bill designed to change the state’s alimony reform laws. As I wrote on Tuesday, Burton’s bill ( HB 943 ) goes a long way toward changing the current system, while at the same time appeasing those who have been against […]
Read MoreFlorida lawmaker files alimony reform legislation
Florida Representative Colleen Burton has fired the first salvo in this year’s attempts to change the state’s alimony laws. In filing HB 943 on Monday, the Lakeland Republican will be working with Republican Senator Kelli Stargel toward passage of this year’s alimony reform legislation. The bill goes a long way toward changing the current system while […]
Read MoreWill 2015 be the year for alimony reform?
Last week, I attended a seminar put on by the Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar. Based on discussions that took place during the meeting, as well as discussions I had with colleagues, I suspect that a new alimony reform bill will be introduced during the upcoming Florida […]
Read MorePreparing for life after divorce
Before you got married, you may have had a good handle on all of your finances. You knew what your car payment was, how much you paid for rent, utilities, what you spent on food and all of your other living expenses. But after you were married, perhaps you let your family’s financials fall under […]
Read MoreShould you date through a divorce?
For many people going through a divorce, dating is the last thing on their mind. But for others, this might seem like the perfect opportunity to shed the past and move on to a new and hopefully brighter future. But is it a good idea to start dating before the ink is dry on your […]
Read MoreSame-sex marriage is legal in Florida, now what?
Over the last year or so I have written numerous blogs relating to same-sex marriage: From the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to how the various court rulings around Florida muddied the waters for those same-sex couples who wanted to tie the knot. The tide has finally turned and […]
Read MoreAs oil prices fall, billionaire appeals divorce settlement
Oklahoma oil billionaire Harold Hamm has quite the dilemma on his hands – how to keep up with his ex-wife’s financial demands as his net worth shrivels along with oil prices. When an Oklahoma judge initially ordered Hamm to pay his ex-wife Sue Ann Arnall $1 billion in a divorce settlement earlier this year he […]
Read MoreDebunking Divorce Myths
There are numerous misconceptions when it comes to divorce. Often, situations that could be resolved fairly amicably become highly contested because one of the parties is operating under the mistaken belief that the myth is actually the reality. Below are three of the most common misconceptions. UNLESS I HAVE CUSTODY, I WILL ONLY SEE MY […]
Read MoreInterfering with father’s parental relationships lands mother in contempt
All too often after a divorce, parents who have contempt for each other end up dragging their children into their battles with their ex-spouse. Some use the children as pawns and deliberately turn them against the other parent. Even if they have a parenting plan in place that doesn’t always mean they will follow it. […]
Read MorePermanent alimony can break the bank
Those who favor alimony reform have long suggested that no one should be forced to pay alimony for the rest of their lives, regardless of how long they were married or their financial situation. It’s not unusual for those who must pay permanent alimony to one-day find themselves in dire financial straits when circumstances in […]
Read MoreHow to survive divorce during the holidays
Divorce is tough enough, add in the holidays and it’s often a prescription for stress and sometimes disaster. There are some things you and your ex-spouse can do to make the holidays easier on yourselves, your children and other family members. If there are children involved, then you likely have an agreement in place that […]
Read MoreAll is fair in love and war: Or is it?
One of the often heard phrases in divorce mediation is “I want what is fair.” It’s a paradox of sorts as it is hard to argue that one party should settle for something that is not fair while, at the same time, it is difficult to define what is, in fact, fair. The person who […]
Read MoreConsidering adoption? Here are some things you should know
November 22 marks National Adoption Day, a nationwide event designed to bring attention to the more than 100,000 children living in foster care while awaiting their forever families. Last year, about 4,500 children living in foster care were adopted. And, since the inception of National Adoption Day 15 years ago, an estimated 50,000 children have […]
Read MoreIs there such a thing as a too simple divorce?
Many people, thankfully, are looking for a less emotionally charged way to divorce. I say thankfully because a long drawn out court battle leaves everyone drained — financially and emotionally — and is always harmful to children. I commend anyone who seeks an alternative to a messy court battle, even in cases where emotions run […]
Read MoreJoint and rotating custody: What to consider
Florida courts are considering joint and rotating custody in more and more divorce cases and there is even talk about a presumption that children should spend 50 percent of their time with each parent. There are certainly arguments in favor of this position, and I am not one to argue against it. However, there are […]
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