|
"You don’t inspire your successors by showing them how great you are. You inspire them by showing them how great they can be." – Unknown
As we enter this Bar year with a mission to mentor, what better way to support young family lawyers than by learning from some of Florida’s most experienced family law attorneys and esteemed members of the judiciary! These outstanding professionals taught, encouraged, and supported participants through lectures, Q&A sessions, and practical direct and cross-examination exercises throughout the Section’s four-day Trial Advocacy Program. The sold-out workshop was a remarkable success, showcasing the enthusiasm and dedication of lawyers who worked diligently to hone their litigation skills.
Participants conducted a full trial, from opening statements to closing arguments, while engaging in direct and cross-examinations of both lay and expert witnesses on financial and children's issues. Upon completion, some were then paired with experienced mentors to continue their training throughout the year.
This exceptional event was made possible by the tireless efforts of the Co-Chairs, Michelle Klinger Smith, Anya Cintron Stern, and Magistrate Barbara Goiran, who each dedicated countless hours to ensure its success. Their commitment to providing a valuable learning experience for all attendees, was truly commendable.
Special thanks to Josh Shilts, CPA, ASA, ABV/CFF/CGMA, CFE, of DeanDorton, for his extensive work on business valuations, financial affidavits, and tax returns, and to Dr. Deborah Day, Psy.D., for her meticulous evaluations and social investigation, integral to the fact pattern. We are also grateful to our exhibitors, FileVine, Soberlink, and OurFamilyWizard, and our sponsors, including Soman Stewart—our presenting sponsor—Berkowitz Pollack Brant, EisnerAmper, and DeanDorton, whose financial support enables the Family Law Section to offer such outstanding programming.
In continuing our focus on developing young family law attorneys, our Ad Hoc Emerging Lawyers Committee will be actively engaging with law schools this month to encourage soon-to-be lawyers to enter the family law field and demonstrate the significant impact we have on Florida’s families.
Registration will open in just a few weeks for January’s 2026 Marital and Family Law Review Course, spearheaded by the Family Law Section in conjunction with the Florida Chapter of the AAML. Applications for several course scholarships will be available soon, as well. Stay tuned!
Thank you, Amanda Tackenberg and Cash Eaton, CLE Committee Co-Chairs, for organizing an informative webinar on the Mechanics of Board Certification. Our speakers—Laura Davis Smith, Travis Johnson, Nydia Streets, and Jamie Epstein—provided valuable insights into achieving Board Certification. Don’t miss our next CLE -“Don’t Get Caught in the Drama” - scheduled for August 14 (scroll down for details.)
We look forward to seeing you again in September for our Fall Meetings. The schedule includes committee meetings on September 19; Executive Council meeting on September 20, and a welcome reception on September 18 at the Hyatt Regency in Clearwater Beach. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine work and leisure on the sandy beaches of Clearwater Beach, so join us! No registration is required, but please note that the hotel group rate closes on August 22. Secure your room(s) today.
Lastly, we express our gratitude to all our current annual sponsors for their support. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and have not yet registered, please follow this link to learn more about our wonderful opportunities.
We look forward to seeing you in Clearwater Beach!
Aimee Gross, B.C.S.
Section Chair, 2025-2026
| | Thank you, Barbara Goiran, Willie Mae Shepherd, Anya Cintron Stern, and Michelle Klinger Smith, for planning and executing an incredible (and sold out!) Trial Advocacy Workshop in Miami! Click below for the Photo Galleries! | | | | |
CLE Webinar:
'Dont Get Caught in the Drama,' presented by Christine Hammond, MS, of Psychological Affiliates. How to avoid your client's drama to have more effective client management, and how to avoid attorney drama to achieve results.
| | | | | ZOOM Happy Hour with the Emerging Family Lawyers Committee (more info below.) | | | | | |
Fall Meetings
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach. Reserve your room now!
| | | | | In-State Retreat Omni Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach. Registration and hotel now open! | | | | | Mid-Year Meetings and Marital and Family Law Review Course. Save the dates now, more info coming soon! | | | | | Out of State Retreat. The Landing Tahoe Resort & Spa, Lake Tahoe. Save the dates now, more info coming soon! | | | |
We are honored to feature our annual signature sponsor, Soman Stewart, a firm exclusively focused on forensic accounting and business valuation. With offices in Boca Raton, Tampa, Naples, and a satellite office in Orlando, Soman Stewart is dedicated to bringing their expertise to meet the needs of attorneys and their clients in divorce, trust and estates, financial planning matters, and beyond. Thank you, Soman Stewart, for your valuable support, and we look forward to continuing our partnership!
| |
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
Now’s the perfect time to get involved. Explore sponsorship opportunities and learn how your organization can gain visibility while supporting our mission.
Download the PDF here!
| |
Oral Argument for Rivera v. Salas / Brito v. Salas Before the Florida Supreme Court on September 11
The Section has filed an Amicus Brief in the case of Rivera v. Salas, 391 So. 3d 639 (Fla. 5th DCA 2024), which certified a conflict with Enriquez v. Velazquez, 350 So. 3d 147 (Fla. 5th DCA 2022). The Section also filed an Amicus Brief in Enriquez. Both cases address the interpretation and application of Florida Statute 742.14 in paternity cases where the child was not conceived through sexual intercourse and without assisted reproductive technology.
The Florida Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for Rivera v. Salas / Brito v. Salas on September 11 at 9 AM. Links to the broadcast are available on the Supreme Court's homepage on the Florida State Courts website (http://www.flcourts.org).
If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Amicus Brief, please contact the appellate committee at appeals@familylawfla.org.
| Spotlight: Special Needs Children Committee | |
By: William "Trace" Norvell, Esq.
In the spirit of progress and unity, the Special Needs Children Committee (SNCC) has had a remarkable year, marked by significant discussions and collaborations aimed at supporting families with special needs children. The committee looks forward to continuing the hard work. Over the past year, the SNCC has focused on improving legal tools, enhancing educational outreach, and addressing systemic issues, particularly in relation to legislation, judicial tools, and pro se forms.
A highlight of the past year has been the extensive discussion on special needs trusts and financial planning. The committee has explored various types of trusts, the implications for government benefits, trust setup, fees, trustee responsibilities, and ABLE accounts, in order to provide families with crucial information for future planning. The committee's efforts are currently centered around several ongoing initiatives, such as refining legal documents to better serve families with special needs children. The SNCC has also been working to address legislative inconsistencies and create a Bench Book/Card. It is the hope of the committee that these projects ultimately provide invaluable resources for legal professionals and pro se litigants alike. Additionally, the SNCC has made efforts to educate on the current legal issues affecting special needs families, including utilizing the Section’s Facebook Live to broaden educational outreach. The committee is also currently coordinating an all-day live CLE event on the legal areas and concerns impacting special needs children.
Looking ahead, the SNCC remains committed to continued collaboration, education, and policy refinement. By building on this year's momentum, the committee is poised to ensure impactful outcomes for families with special needs children, fostering a future of hope and opportunity.
| ZOOM Happy Hour with the Emerging Family Lawyers Committee, Wed., Aug. 20 at 5:30PM | |
Start the new Bar year with connection, community, and a cocktail (or mocktail!) at our first meeting of the year—and trust us, this is not your typical committee meeting.
Join the The Family Law Section’s Emerging Family Lawyers Committee for a laid-back Zoom Happy Hour, where networking meets nostalgia (yes, we’re bringing back the fun parts of those early-pandemic Zooms—pets, kids, and prizes included!).
What to expect:
- Fun & informal vibe
- Info on how The Family Law Section’s Emerging Family Lawyers Committee can help you in your practice of family law
- Info on how to get involved with in The Family Law Section’s Emerging Family Lawyers Committee
- Prizes & virtual cheers
- Your kids, your pets, and your favorite beverage are all welcome
Whether you’re new to family law, new to The Family Law Section, or just looking to reconnect with other Family Law Section members, this is the perfect way to dip your toes in and learn what the Committee is all about.
Open to all Family Law Section members — but RSVP is required to receive the Zoom link. RSVP to: TArmstrong@sasserlaw.com and amber@kornreichlaw.com.
We can’t wait to see you there—pets and all!
| | Part II: '12 Habits of Highly Successful Family Law Attorneys' | | |
In our second article, AAML Fellow, IAFL Fellow, Trustee and Former Chair of the Section Elisha Roy of West Palm Beach shares her thoughts on the importance of preparation.
| |
Preparation is Key
By Elisha Roy, Esq.
The key to success as a Marital and Family Law attorney often lies in being the most prepared person in the room. Our cases can be intricate and emotionally charged, requiring navigation of legal complexities and personal dynamics. Preparation is one of the cornerstones of effectively managing Family Law cases and bringing closure for our clients.
So, what does it mean to be the most prepared person in the room?

CLICK HERE for my top tips for building a habit of preparedness to get you on the right track.
| | | |
|
Case Law Update
By Cash Eaton, Esq.
Wiendl v. Wiendl, 2025 WL 1717252 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2025).
By Cash Eaton, Esq.
This case stems from contentious and protracted divorce proceedings that seemingly ended in 2018. Post-judgment, the Former Husband continued his overly litigious conduct.
As part of this post-judgment child support enforcement action, the Former Husband’s conduct led the trial court to sua sponte enter an order declaring the Former Husband to be an “abusive litigant.” As a sanction, the trial court forbade him from “fil[ing] any pleadings, motions, or petitions, or prosecut[ing] or defend[ing] any pleadings, motions, or petitions without being represented by a lawyer who is a member of the Florida Bar in good standing. The order also directed the parties to attend in-person mediation any time “three or more motions or petitions are pending.” The Former Husband would be “100% responsible for the costs of mediation” and must “pay the mediator's fee in advance of the mediation based on the number of hours scheduled at the mediator's hourly rate.”
As the trial court’s order was entered sua sponte, there is no doubt that the Former Husband’s due process rights were abridged because he was not afforded notice and an opportunity to be heard. The Appellate Court recognized that it is within the Court’s power to limit a party from filing and motions or pleadings. A party’s right to self-representation is not absolute, and can be restricted upon a showing of egregious abuse of the judicial process.
However, as the Appellate Court stated, “Barring a self-represented litigant from filing further papers is strong medicine.” (Emphasis added.) Although it may be within the trial court’s power to inject some of this “strong medicine” into a matter, the Appellate Court held that the party is entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard before doing so. Accordingly, the order was quashed.
| | | | | | |
