Podcast: Thrive Beyond Divorce
Hope is not a word you commonly hear when divorce is being discussed. In this episode, Bob Merlin talks with Jennifer Hetherington about how important hope is during challenging times, how lawyers can be peacemakers and practical tools to get through difficult moments. Hear my conversation with Jennifer Hetherington about the challenges many of us [...]
COVID-19 and Your Child’s Custody
A recent litigated divorce resulted in a judge entering an emergency order in which a minor child was taken away from a mother, who is an emergency room doctor. You may have heard of the case: Theresa Greene v. Eric Greene, a matter pending in Miami, Florida. The father’s attorney filed an emergency motion in [...]
My Time At The 20th Annual IACP Forum
The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals Annual Forum is always an invigorating time for me. We teach, learn, grow and share ideas with like-minded and committed Collaborative professionals from around the world. This year we all gathered in Chicago, IL for the 20th Anniversary of this terrific event. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time [...]
It Is Time To Make Financial Affidavits And Other Documents Private In Family Matters
The following article was written by Robert J. Merlin and published in the Winter Edition of the Florida Bar Magazine. In most dissolution of marriage and paternity matters, financial affidavits and many other documents are automatically filed with the court, thereby making them subject to public scrutiny. The time has come to further limit the [...]
A Heartwarming Letter From One Of My Previous Clients
It is not every day that I receive a letter from a client expressing their gratitude for the service that my staff and I provide to families on a daily basis. This letter is extra special because it truly summarizes what I stand for and what I think all family professionals should stand for. Unfortunately, [...]
Changing Alimony In Florida Divorce Cases
Last year, alimony law in Florida came one governor’s veto shy of changing significantly, and it’s possible that the Florida State Legislature could be debating the issue this year as well. Last year’s bill sought to change the duration and circumstances under which alimony was allowed, and it also addressed timesharing by establishing a legal [...]