Entries by Christen Ritchey

Do You Have to Go to Court to Get Divorced in Florida?

When someone says they are getting divorced, one of the first questions they often have is: “Do I actually have to go to court?” The answer is: sometimes, but not necessarily in the way you might imagine. Divorce is a legal process, which means the court ultimately has to enter a judgment dissolving the marriage. […]

We Agree on Everything. Do We Really Need Lawyers?

One of the most common things I hear from couples going through divorce is, “We agree on everything. Do we really need lawyers?” It’s a fair question. When two people are communicating well, have already discussed the major issues, and feel confident about what they want, it can seem unnecessary to involve attorneys. Why add […]

What Happens When One Parent Doesn’t Follow the Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is more than a schedule on paper. In Florida, it sets out how parents will share time with their children and make important decisions about their upbringing. But what happens when one parent stops following it? Disagreements can happen in any co-parenting relationship. A parent may be late for exchanges, miss scheduled […]

Just Because You Inherited It Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Need a Prenup

I recently heard a story about someone who was getting married and had received an inheritance. Someone told them, “You don’t need a prenup. It’s inherited, so it’s yours.” It sounds simple. But family law rarely is. An inheritance may be considered separate property, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will always remain separate throughout […]

Is There an Advantage to Filing for Divorce First?

When a marriage is coming to an end, one of the questions we often hear is: “Does it matter who files for divorce first?” The answer is not always straightforward. Filing first does not automatically give one spouse a legal advantage or guarantee a more favorable outcome. However, there are several practical and strategic considerations […]

Hot Divorcée Summer: Is Divorce Getting a New Reputation?

If you have been on social media lately, you may have noticed a new phrase making its way across your feed: “Hot Divorcée Summer.” The trend has been gaining attention as a playful way of reframing life after divorce. Instead of viewing divorce solely as an ending, the trend focuses on confidence, independence, self-discovery, and […]

The Do’s and Don’ts of Co-Parenting After Divorce in Florida

Successful co-parenting after a Florida divorce comes down to three things: treating the parenting plan as a legal document, keeping communication short and factual, and keeping the kids out of the middle. Key Takeaways: A Florida parenting plan is a court order, and consistent compliance matters more than getting every small thing perfect. Short, written […]

Protecting Your Children During a Domestic Violence Divorce in Boca Raton

When a marriage ends in the context of domestic violence, the concerns are never just about the adults involved. Children feel the impact of domestic violence in ways that are both immediate and long-lasting, and protecting them through the divorce process, and beyond, requires careful legal planning, clear communication, and the right support system. For […]