divorce Archives - Wagstaff and Pitelis, P.A.

The Role of a Guardian Ad Litem in Florida

Although many people think that a guardian ad litem in Florida is only used in a custody case during a divorce, that’s not always the case. The role and purpose of a guardian ad litem (GAL) is to advocate for a child’s best interest in any court proceeding. Not, as many people believe, the child’s…

5 Things You Should Do Post Divorce

No matter how long and complicated or quick and simple your divorce, there are things you need to do once it is finalized. Some things you can do yourself, other things are best done with the help of a family law attorney. These things protect you and your family in the future. 1. Change Your Beneficiaries…

Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney

Even with an amicable divorce, you need the right divorce attorney. Finding the right one takes a little research and, in most cases, an interview with the person who will have a great deal of insight to your personal life. So, how do people find the right attorney for their divorce? We have a few…

Three Things You May Not Have Thought About Regarding Divorce

Divorce can be one of the most stressful and expensive experiences of your life. Most people do not reach the decision to divorce without great thought. However, they may not know what to expect during the process or even how to get started. Even if you and your spouse agree that it is time to…

How Domestic Violence/Abuse is Relevant in Your Divorce

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. As a divorce attorney, we are saddened by how many times an individual discloses that they suffer from domestic violence or abuse. No one deserves to be abused. Not you and not your children. Although many people think of domestic abuse only as domestic violence where one party physically…

Tips for a Successful Divorce Mediation

As Florida law now requires you to try divorce through mediation or collaboration before appearing in front of a judge (in most cases), going into talks with someone you no longer care to be around can feel daunting. However, as a mediation divorce attorney, we have some tips to help you have successful divorce mediation…

Steps of a Collaborative Divorce

If you are planning to file for divorce in Pinellas County, or elsewhere in Florida, you will need to try either collaboration or mediation before taking your divorce to court. Collaborative divorce is a great option if you want and need the input of a divorce attorney throughout the process. Here are the steps you…

Should My Child Have Input to Our Timesharing Agreement?

In Pinellas County, and throughout Florida, the courts try to award joint custody arrangement with each parent having significant quality time with their children. Sometimes that means a 50/50 timesharing agreement, other times it looks a little different. However, it is not uncommon for a client to ask us whether their child’s desires can or…

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Through Mediation

Florida is a no-fault divorce state. It is also one of the few states that requires you to at least try mediation before appearing before a judge. For couples who can communicate amicably, mediation is an increasingly common means to a divorce in Clearwater. However, because it is not the traditional way to divorce, it…

Post-Divorce Myths and Mistakes

Depending on the nature of your relationship, life after divorce can follow many different paths. Some people adapt quickly and go back to their single life surrounded by friends and family, others face the juggle of time-sharing with children, and many choose to focus on their career. Over the years, many of our clients have…