Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
MORE HATS, SAME MISSION HELPING CLIENTS AND COLLEAGUES FIND THEIR WAY FORWARD
After nearly two decades in family law, I’ve found that helping people can mean more than representing clients. My role at Bruce Law Firm has evolved a lot over the last few years, and I’m wearing more hats than ever before. Along with practicing law, I mentor attorneys, help lead the firm, and ensure a supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Part of what’s made this evolution possible is the people I get to work alongside every day. I’ve known Chris and Ashley Bruce for over 20 years, and it’s a unique opportunity to work with someone you’ve relied on and trusted for such a long time. Chris and I met at the University of Florida when we were both pursuing our undergraduate degrees in finance. We weren’t exactly on the same path, but we ended up graduating from law school around the same time. Our working relationship has always been strong, and if one of us says we’re going to get something done, you can take that to the bank without any worries. As a lawyer, you help people navigate one of the most challenging times in their lives. Divorce or child custody is a major life event that’s not necessarily a happy one for everyone involved. When people first come to meet us, they often can’t yet see the light at the end of the tunnel. It can be a long process, and while we can’t flip a switch to instantly change their circumstances, over time, we can help them come out on the other side.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work with clients is watching people realize this chapter of their lives isn’t the end. Over the process, they begin to see new possibilities, healthier relationships, and a better future. When people think of family law, it’s the relationships, kids, and emotional side that comes to mind. But, when you are dealing with a divorce case, a significant number of financial- related issues are involved, from dividing up assets to child support and legal fees. My background in finance and Chris’s background in accounting help give us an advantage on that element of the job. While our firm works with CPAs and forensic accountants on cases, having that financial foundation is helpful. My new responsibilities have me handling some behind-the-scenes business and administrative work. It also includes assisting others, supporting attorneys on strategy, and even a bit of recruiting. We just started a summer clerkship program for law students, and working with future attorneys, young in their careers, has been really rewarding. I like being able to impart the knowledge I’ve accumulated over my career and guide them. Sharing what I’ve picked up hopefully helps them learn a little earlier than I did and gives them a leg up in a successful career. The environment here at the firm is incredibly supportive and communicative. There’s an open invitation to get guidance or talk through the complexities of a case. We have a good mix
of more senior-level attorneys and younger professionals. Everybody is readily available to help, so nobody’s ever out there on an island without support. We all ultimately want to do good work for our clients, and our common goal, along with the high level of support, helps us achieve that. The people we work with and the clients we serve continue to make this career meaningful for me. Looking back, some of my proudest moments have come from helping others grow, whether it’s a client going through an emotional transition or a new attorney developing their skills. I’m looking forward to continuing that work for many more years. –Jason Naparstek
561-810-0170 • 1
Wild at the White House WHEN PRESIDENTIAL PETS WENT OFF-LEASH
Presidential pets are usually the picture of tradition, like all-American pups and Capitol-ready cats. But every so often in history, the White House menagerie takes a walk on the wild side. From a hippo too big to officially step foot in the Oval Office to Roosevelt’s mini zoo, our commanders-in-chief have had a surprising cabinet of animal companions over the years. BILLY THE HIPPO President Calvin Coolidge was an avid animal lover, and his critters weren’t your typical pets. Along with dogs and cats, he had two lion cubs named Tax Reduction and Budget Bureau, a raccoon he was gifted on Thanksgiving, and a black bear. But the real leader of the pack was a pygmy hippopotamus named Billy. The little giant was a gift from Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1927. Too big to stay at the White House, the family sent Billy to the National Zoo. The hippo was a hit among visitors and lived out his days at the zoo until he passed in 1955. ROOSEVELT’S PECULIAR PACK Known as a dedicated naturalist and a lifelong hunter, President Theodore Roosevelt brought his passion for wildlife into the Executive Mansion. During his time in office, he cared for at least 40 animals. Among his strange pets were a couple of talkative parrots, a snake named Emily Spinach, Josiah the badger, a one-legged rooster, bears, a zebra, a pig, and many more. The family also owned five guinea pigs and multiple horses. Teddy’s favorite of the bunch was his horse, Bleistein, whom he called courageous and good-natured. SURPRISE ALLIGATOR When the French revolutionary hero, the Marquis de La Fayette, visited the White House in 1825, he had a scaly surprise for the president. He bestowed an actual alligator on John Quincy Adams. The unusual pet lived in a bathtub of the then unfinished East Room for several months. As the legend goes, Adams got a kick out of shocking unsuspecting guests by leading them into the room with the alligator on tours.
THE FINANCIAL WAKE- UP CALL OF DIVORCE PREPARING FOR THE FINANCIAL SIDE OF DIVORCE Along with the emotions that come with a marriage ending, serious financial implications and questions arise in a divorce. You may find yourself worrying about budgets, legal fees, or how you will continue to provide for yourself and your children. While every divorce is unique, understanding the financial side of what’s next can help you be more prepared through the process. THE COST OF LIVING ON YOUR OWN One of the biggest financial shifts with a separation is starting a new, independent life. You will likely be looking for a new home or apartment, or managing the everyday costs of a home with your own income instead of two. It can cause financial strain, and there are a couple of common options for the home itself. Exes may sell the home and divide the profits, maintain joint custody, or buy the other’s share. LEGAL FEES The divorce process itself also has costs to consider as you plan for your next chapter. The final price tag can vary significantly depending on how continuous the relationship is, which assets are involved, and whether you have children together. In Florida, each person will likely be responsible for their own lawyer fees if they have comparable assets and incomes. However, if one spouse has an obviously superior financial position, they may be responsible for all or a portion of their spouse’s reasonable fees. Working with a lawyer can greatly improve your outcomes, and they can discuss what you might expect in terms of expenses. A SEPARATE SPENDING PLAN During this major life transition, it’s essential to create a spending plan for yourself and be mindful of your expenses. Think about your share of assets, your individual income, and any support you may be receiving from your ex. Your immediate post- divorce needs may include large purchases, such as a new living space, a vehicle, or even new furniture. One of the biggest fears people have in leaving a marriage is how they will be able to afford it. With the right planning and working with an experienced attorney, you can make the change you need without going broke. Contact Bruce Law Firm to schedule a consultation.
Pets have kept presidents company since George Washington, with most of them bringing their four- legged friends to the White House.
The most curious critters to call the Oval Office home seemed to be wildly unconcerned about party lines.
Is your friend or client married to a controlling, manipulative, narcissistic husband?
OUR BOOKS CAN HELP!
The book can be downloaded for FREE at DivorceInformationBooks.com
2 • BrucePA.com
THE STRATEGIC BENEFITS OF FILING FOR DIVORCE FIRST SET THE TONE FROM DAY ONE
In divorce, timing matters. While filing first doesn’t guarantee you’ll get everything you want in a separation, there’s a clear strategic advantage when you take the lead. Being the first mover shows your spouse you’re serious, ready for action, and prepared to make a change. It can ultimately help save time and money, while reducing potential conflict. A PSYCHOLOGICAL EDGE Filing first helps prevent you from feeling blindsided and gives you a sense of more control in the situation. It can empower you in your choices, helping you move forward smoothly. Beyond improving your mindset and reducing personal stress, it puts a powerful bit of pressure on your spouse. Taking the first step helps prevent your soon-to-be ex from stalling or playing mind games. They might feel like they are behind, which could lead them to settle or agree on terms much more quickly. FINANCIAL PROTECTION Getting a head start on the process can also help you better protect your finances and the outcome of the case. If you file first, you can request a freeze on joint
bank accounts, preventing your partner from draining the funds. You are giving yourself a larger window to discreetly gather your financial records and details or create your own separate accounts. Ultimately, you want time on your side, and filing first gives you opportunities to prepare without risking a conflict. FIRST SAY The court will hear both sides of your story, but there is an advantage in being able to have first say in that narrative. The person who files first may be able to choose when and where the proceedings will take place, protecting your schedule. You may also be the person who gets to present their case first. The court may look at those papers before your spouse’s, and if they are narcissistic or abusive, it helps to get ahead of their potential attempts to discredit you. You will have more momentum working in your favor, which can help the proceedings from dragging on longer than necessary. It can be scary to make the first move, but it can be one of the best steps you can take in your divorce. If you’re ready to take action, contact our team at Bruce Law Firm to get started.
AIR FRYER CHICKEN FLAUTAS
Ashley’s parents at a Forum Club of the Palm Beaches event
INGREDIENTS •
12 oz cooked chicken breast, rotisserie or plain, shredded
• •
1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• • • •
1/2 lime, juiced
12 6-inch flour tortillas
1 large garlic clove, minced
• Olive oil spray Toppings • Pico de gallo, sour cream, shredded lettuce, cilantro, etc.
1 tsp ground cumin
1 4-oz can mild diced green chilies, drained
DIRECTIONS 1. Spray air fryer basket with olive oil. 2. In large bowl, combine chicken, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chilies and mix well. Add cheese. 3. Place one tortilla on clean work surface. 4. Add 1/3 heaping cup of filling onto bottom third of tortilla. 5. Roll tortilla up from the bottom to surround filling and place in air fryer basket, seam side down. 6. Repeat with remaining filling and tortillas, arranging flautas in air fryer basket in a single layer. 7. Spray tops with olive oil and cook at 400 F until the flautas are golden brown, 8–9 minutes, flipping halfway through. 8. To serve, place 2 flautas on plate and add toppings. No air fryer? Bake flautas on a parchment-lined sheet pan at 400 F for 15 minutes.
Ruby & Russell participated in their school play, “Moana.”
561-810-0170 • 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1601 Forum Pl. Ste. 1101 West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Building a Culture of Support and Success page 1
Bizarre Bipartisan Beasts
The Cost of a Fresh Start page 2
First to File, First to Prepare
Air Fryer Chicken Flautas page 3
The Hidden Errors That Drag Down Your Credit Score page 4
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CREDIT REPORT IS WRONG BAD DATA, BAD SCORE
KNOW WHAT’S BEHIND YOUR SCORE. You probably have a pretty good idea of where your credit score sits, but have you ever explored your full credit report to understand where that number comes from? Too often, we just trust the number and take it at face value. Unfortunately, mistakes can end up on our credit report and be detrimental to our score. Without action, those inaccuracies will continue to affect and lower your score. FIND AND RESOLVE CREDIT REPORT ERRORS. It’s not always obvious what to do when you notice something wrong with your credit report. The first place you should start is with the credit bureaus responsible for investigating disputes. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion all have webpages and phone numbers specifically for reporting credit disputes. Understand that this is not always an immediate process. It could take 30 days to see a correction, but if you want the fastest, most
accurate results possible, consider submitting a dispute by certified mail. This requires a return receipt, which provides a paper trail if things go quiet or remain unresolved. CONTACT THE CREDITOR. Another option is to file a dispute directly with the creditor or debt collector reporting the false incidents. Like the credit bureaus, these groups have an obligation to investigate and respond to any disputes. They could have inaccurate account balances, or it could be a creditor you’ve never even interacted with. You’ll need to contact them to correct it, and, once again, the best way to do so is by certified mail. GET EXTRA HELP. While we’d like to think filing a dispute is enough, sometimes you have to call in the big guns and get professional help to see results. If this is the route you need to take, don’t delay. Your credit is tied to just about everything in your life.
Our credit scores seem to follow us everywhere we go. Whenever we need to make a large purchase, apply for a credit card, or start utilities at a new property, someone will likely run your credit to make sure you’re financially stable and trustworthy enough to receive the loan, credit, or services. If your credit score takes a dip, it can take years to recover lost points, but here are four tips to help remedy the situation sooner rather than later.
4 • BrucePA.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator