In The News

  • In-Person Mediation vs. Virtual: Which Is Right for You?

    Is Virtual Mediation More Convenient? One of the biggest advantages of virtual Mediation is convenience. You and your spouse do not have to be in the same location and can participate without spending additional time traveling to an attorney’s or mediator’s office. Virtual Mediation also provides more flexibility during the day. For example, you may be able to pause Mediation to pick up your children from school and return afterward. Attorneys may also be able to handle a short hearing or another necessary task during a scheduled break. This flexibility can make it easier to accommodate everyone’s schedules. When Virtual Mediation May Feel More Comfortable For some people, virtual Mediation provides a greater sense of comfort and safety. If being in the same building as…

  • What Financial Information Must Be Disclosed in a Florida Divorce?

    Florida Requires Financial Disclosure in Divorce Florida has mandatory financial disclosure requirements in divorce cases. You and your spouse need to complete a financial affidavit and provide documents such as bank statements, tax returns, credit card statements, debt information, and proof of ownership of property. Financial disclosure is important because your spouse may not have equal knowledge about finances. You may know that your spouse has a retirement account, brokerage account, or business without knowing its value or having access to the records. Complete information helps identify and value marital assets and liabilities before decisions are made about equitable distribution. Can Your Financial Information Be Kept Private? Financial disclosure does not necessarily mean that all of your financial information becomes part of the public court…

  • Should I Consolidate My Debt or File Bankruptcy?

    Debt consolidation may seem like a way to avoid bankruptcy and protect your credit, but many debt consolidation programs can leave you further behind on payments, damage your credit score, and still lead to bankruptcy. Understanding the differences between debt consolidation and bankruptcy will help you to make a better decision for your financial future. Why Debt Consolidation Sounds Appealing If you are struggling with credit card balances and other unsecured debts, debt consolidation may seem like a simple solution. Many people choose this option because they want to avoid having a bankruptcy filing appear on their credit report. The idea of combining multiple debts into one payment sounds attractive. However, the reality is that many debt consolidation programs do not work the way consumers…

  • How Do I Choose the Right Divorce Process?

    People often assume divorce always means going to court.However, you have options for how to resolve the issues in your divorce. Choosing the right divorce process starts with understanding your family’s unique situation. By evaluating communication, financial transparency, and areas of agreement, you can determine if an Uncontested Divorce, Mediation, Collaborative Divorce, or Litigated Divorce is the best path to protect your interests and achieve the best possible outcome. 4 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Divorce Process There is no one-size-fits-all approach to divorce. The process that works well for one family may not be the best choice for another. Before deciding how to proceed, consider a few important questions: The answers to these questions can help determine which divorce process is the best…

  • Goodblatt • Leo is proud to announce that Attorney Amy Goodblatt has received the highest rating, AV, from Martindale-Hubbell!

    Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings, the gold standard in attorney ratings, recognize lawyers rated by their peers for their strong legal ability and high ethical standards. An elite group of just 8 percent of all attorneys hold an AV Preeminent Rating, a designation trusted worldwide by buyers and referrers of legal services.