Blog

Oct. 30, 2019

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.

April 12, 2019

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.

April 1, 2019

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, it is in their most vulnerable time that a new client walks into my office.

July 13, 2018

I'm Bob Merlin. I'm a collaborative family attorney.

May 3, 2018

I knew there had to be a better way of handling family matters than fighting in court!

April 26, 2018

Robert J. Merlin discusses why he no longer litigates and chooses to use the Collaborative Process.

June 24, 2016

There have recently been attempts to reform Florida's alimony laws. The stated goal was to create uniformity and predictability in determining alimony. The unspoken purpose was to eliminate permanent alimony.

Feb. 15, 2016

The best case to make for a pre-nuptial agreement is that it's insurance. People who get married don't imagine that they'll get divorced, but with roughly half of marriages ending in divorce, it's certainly a strong possibility. And if a couple does get divorced, a pre-nuptial agreement that clearly states what happens to both parties? assets and income can ensure that the couple won't get into a long, costly, possibly contentious courtroom battle over those assets and income.

Feb. 8, 2016

There's been a lot of talk about the new Star Wars movie in the last few weeks. Those familiar with the franchise know that there's a powerful, universal energy in this world called The Force, and the advice given from the Jedi Masters who are training up-and-coming Jedi is to trust your feelings.

Jan. 6, 2016

An increasing number of Americans are starting their own businesses, joining the record numbers of Americans who already own and operate businesses. That's simply the way the American workforce is moving, and on the whole, I believe it's a positive thing.