Know the Basics The First Steps in Your Divorce Case While your divorce court process may be designed to avoid litigation, it’s still important to have a general idea of what will likely happen through the court system if your case is not resolved quickly. You don’t have to know everything about the proceedings — leave that up to your attorney. You just need to know the basics of timing and process so you can be prepared to carry out an effective strategy for a smooth divorce. Here is an overview of the initial stage of most divorce cases. THE DIVORCE LAWSUIT FILING AND RESPONSES The first part of most divorce cases is filing and responses. A divorce case starts by filing a petition for divorce, which is technically a lawsuit against your spouse. So, just like any other lawsuit, it will appear in public records. This will take place in the last county where you and your spouse resided as a married couple. Location may vary if you recently moved after a divorce petition was filed. The other spouse will typically file their own petition, as well. Usually, there is a 20-day response deadline from the other party. If you’ve been served, be sure to respond within that time period. If you need more than 20 days, talk to an attorney. These petitions are basic documents and don’t detail everything that happened in the marriage. When I file them, I keep them straightforward and only include the information the judge needs to know to get you divorced, with requests for different things you want in the divorce, like alimony and division of property. Next month, we’ll take you through the next phase in proceedings: the initial exchange of financial records. You can find more information and resources on our website, FloridaDivorceLawGuide.com.
STOP THE SPREAD
PREVENT COLDS AND THE FLU WITH KID-FRIENDLY TEACHING TOOLS
School is back in session, but your child may be bringing home more than just random facts. Germs and bacteria that spread the common cold and flu are most prevalent in schools, but while these illnesses are strong, prevention is simple. Teach your kids how to prevent the spread of bacteria this season with these helpful tips. BUT MOMMY DOESN’T COVER HER NOSE! Kids learn more by watching what you do rather than listening to what you tell them to do. Get in the habit of covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and then wash your hands. Make hand sanitizer and facial tissues readily available in your home and be sure to wash your hands before every meal. In addition, stick to healthy habits when you do feel sick. Drink fluids, get plenty of rest, and seek medical attention when it’s warranted. If your children see you taking care of yourself, they will be more likely to do the same for themselves in the future. AHH ... AHH ... ACHOO! Hand washing and nose blowing are about as fun as …well, just that. It’s no wonder children don’t want to take time out of their busy play schedules to combat nasty germs. Instead of making these important steps a chore, make basic hygiene fun. Use fun songs to teach the proper way to cover a sneeze, or do a science experiment to teach your children about how the germs spread through just one sneeze. (According to research, sneezes can travel anywhere from 19–26 feet at 100 miles per hour!) For crafty kids, let them decorate tissue boxes or hand sanitizer containers to give hygiene some flair. Soon enough, you’ll find them being smarter about their health. As kids pack into classrooms this fall, germs will fly faster than this past summer did. Prevent the spread of the common cold and flu by learning more tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online at CDC.gov.
Is your friend or client in need of a guide as they prepare for divorce? our divorce strategy book can help! The book can be downloaded for FREE at ControlYourDifficultDivorce.com If your friend or client lives in the South Florida area, we will mail them a hard copy of the book upon request.
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