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"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around" â Leo Buscaglia
As we head into fall with school, football and cooler temperatures (hopefully) upon us, the Family Law Section is forging forward, focusing on CLEs and programs that support Floridaâs families, emerging lawyers, and law students.
During this âfirst halfâ of the season, weâll gather for our fall meetings in Clearwater Beach at the Hyatt Regency Sept. 18-20. While the group rate is no longer available, there is no registration required to attend. So, if youâd like to get more involved in the Section, keep apprised of new potential legislation or just want to participate on a committee, just show up! If you are newer to the section or part of our Emerging Lawyers Committee, let us know if you are attending and we can pair you with an Executive Council member to shadow. Our welcome reception is on Thursday, Sept. 18 and our post-committee meetings reception is on Friday, Sept. 19. The schedule is here.
Kicking off the âsecond halfâ of the season, weâll toss it to our In-State Retreat at the Omni Resort & Spa on Amelia Island, Oct. 29 â Nov. 2. Our chairs, Sheena Benjamin-Wise and William âTraceâ Norvell, are putting the finishing touches on what will be a fantastic weekend, including a reception at the Sprouting âHauntingâ Project under the weeping willows, perfect for Halloween with costume contests, candy and fun, for kids and grownups. The retreat dinner is at Davidâs, thereâs a great trolley tour planned, and there will be plenty of time for you to enjoy the resort and island on your own. Weâll wrap up the retreat with a tailgate party at the University of Florida-Georgia game. For details, hotel reservations and sponsorship opportunities, click here.
The Section is sponsoring the upcoming FLAFCC event in Orlando, Oct. 8-10. Iâll be attending the event for the first time, so if youâre going, please stop by and say hello!
Continuing our âsecond halfâ weâll present the stateâs premier Marital & Family Law Review Course in conjunction with the AAML Florida Chapter, Jan. 29-30. Weâll kick it off with our Family Law Sections meetings on Jan. 28 and conclude with our Executive Council meeting on Jan. 31. This is a great chance to stay at Walt Disneyâs Swan & Dolphin! I want to thank Chair, Jack Moring, and the entire MFLRC committee of Magistrate Autumn Graham, Carolyn Ware, and Jamie Epstein for the incredible hard work and dedication youâve contributed to this yearâs sure-to-be-sold out event! Registration has just opened, so reserve your room early and register TODAY (and donât forget to bring the family!) Sponsorship opportunities are still available (insert links).
Additionally, we are truly honored to fund up to 21 total scholarships to attend the Review Course (10 needs-based and 10 General Magistrate/Child Support Hearing Officer scholarships, and 2 diversity-based scholarships.) Learn more and apply HERE.
Also, the Section is offering up to one stipend to one law student at each of Floridaâs accredited law schools. Learn more about this program and apply HERE.
Our Emerging Lawyers committee had its first meeting with a great Zoom Happy Hour and have begun to work with law schools to reach those students interested in family law. Stay tuned for more info.
Be on the lookout in your (actual) mailboxes for our first Commentator magazine issue of the year. Our publication chairs, Chelsea Miller and Carolyn Ware, along with the rest of the committee, having been knee deep in compiling visuals and editing articles. Thank you to each of our amazing annual sponsors for supporting our mission â be sure to check out your ad in the issue!
And, finally, I just wanted to share a thoughtâŠAutumn is a season of harvest, reminding us that by generously sharing our abundance, whether it be our time, wisdom, or resources, we help others flourish and gather strength for the months to come. I look forward to working with each of you in sharing our collective wisdom and experience with our emerging lawyers and with the Florida families we serve every day.
ï»żAimee Gross, B.C.S.
Section Chair, 2025-2026
| CLE WEBINAR "Order in the Court: Judges on Professionalism and Civility in and out of the Courtroom," Thurs., Sept. 11, 12PM - 1PM EST | | |
Join us for an enlightening CLE featuring a distinguished panel of judges from across the state, featuring Circuit Judge Lauren Alperstein, Circuit Magistrate Stephanie Matalon, Circuit Judge Lillian Ewen, and Circuit Judge John Guy.
This panel discussion will delve into the critical topic of civility both in and out of the courtroom, offering invaluable insights from the judiciaryâs perspective. Our esteemed panelists will share their experiences and provide guidance on maintaining professionalism in interactions with opposing counsel, self-represented litigants, and judges. The discussion will address the current challenges faced by legal professionals in upholding civility, in alignment with the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct, recent disciplinary opinions, and the Bounds of Advocacy.
In this CLE you will gain judicial insights on the evolving landscape of legal ethics and how to navigate complex interactions with various parties and enhance your practice by discovering practical advice on improving your professional conduct and fostering positive relationships within the legal community.
| | SEE YOU NEXT WEEK IN CLEARWATER BEACH! | | |
Our Fall Meetings are at the Hyatt Regency in Clearwater Beach next week! While the group rate has ended, we'd still love to see you! No event registration is required, just bring your Committee Agendas and your beachwear, and enjoy the chance to mingle with fellow Section Members!
- Thursday, Sept. 18: 5:30PM - Welcome Reception
- Friday, Sept. 19: 8AM - 5PM - Committee Meetings
- Saturday, Sept. 20: 8AM - 12PM - Executive Council Meeting
| | Register today (group hotel rate ends Sept. 29!) for our In-State Retreat at the Omni Resort & Spa on Amelia Island, Oct. 29 - Nov. 2. From spooky Halloween activities and costume contests to tailgating at the Florida-Georgia game (plus a fascinating, live CLE, of course!) this will be a retreat to remember! | | Now is the time to register and reserve your hotel room(s) before this premier Family Law Review Course sells out! Click the link below to our co-presenter's website (AAML Florida Chapter). Can't wait to see you there! | | | | CLE Webinar: Order in the Courts: Judges on Professionalism and Civility in and out of the Courtroom. Judges include: Circuit Judge Lauren Alperstein, Circuit Magistrate Stephanie Matalon, Circuit Judge Lillian Ewen, Circuit Judge John Guy, and Carolyn Ware | | | | | |
Fall Meetings
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach. Reserve your room now!
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Application Deadlines - Marital & Family Review Course Scholarships
This year, we have 10 needs-based scholarships and 2 diversity-based scholarships, plus 10 scholarships for General Magistrate/Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officers
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Application Deadlines - Marital & Family Review Course Law School Student Stipend
Apply now for our FLS stipends for the Family Law Section/AAML Marital & Family Law Review Course. This year, we are offering one stipend to one law student at each accredited Florida law school
| | | | | 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 annual signature sponsor Schipani Law Group, P.A. this month, a family law firm based in Sarasota, founded by longtime Family Law Section leader, Philip J. Schipani.ï»ż
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ï»żSchipani Law Group provides personalized attention through each stage of the legal process. Attorney Phil Schipani is board-certified in marital and family law, and is a Fellow to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a recognition held by only 73 attorneys in Florida. We are beyond grateful for his longtime service to the Section, as an Executive Council Board Member, Committee Chair, and as a member of numerous committees throughout his distinguished career. Thank you so much for your support!
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Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
Nowâs 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!
| Spotlight: Marital & Family Law Review Course | |
By: Jack Moring, Chair, 2026 Marital & Family Law Review Course
ï»żThe Marital & Family Law Review Course Committee (MFLRC) is a unique committee, as membership is by invitation only. Each year, the incoming Secretary appoints a member, who then serves over the next four years, becoming chair during the year the Secretary who appointed her/him becomes Chair. The current chair is Jack Moring, appointed four years ago by Aimee Gross. The other members are Autumn Graham (appointed by Tenesia Hall), Carolyn Ware (appointed by Andrea Reid) and Jamie Epstein (appointed by Michelle Klinger Smith).
The Committee assists the Section Chair and the President of the Florida Chapter of the AAML (the Conference is co-hosted by both organizations) in the selection of presentation topics, topics for written materials, and speakers and authors. Beginning in late summer each year, the work of the Committee begins in earnest, as members review and proof the written materials submitted by our presenters and authors. It is a very time-intensive and very time-sensitive process. Once the written materials are approved, focus then turns to review and approval of the PowerPoint presentations.
The Committee hosts the annual Cert Tips and Nibbles presentation on Wednesday evening, the night before Section meetings, and two days before the Conference. This event is for those sitting for the exam. Past test-takers serve as panel members to answer questions about what to expect. Every question one can think of is generally asked (and answered). During the Conference, in addition to assisting in putting out flyers and materials each morning, Committee members introduce the speakers and are on hand to assist with any logistical or other issues as they arise.
As much as the Committee does, however, the Conference would not be the success it has perennially been without the indefatigable commitment of Susan Stafford, the Executive Director of the Florida Chapter of the AAML, and Associate Director, Almira Malley, who work practically year round to make sure that the Conference flows smoothly and that everyone leaves a more knowledgeable lawyer, judge or paralegal. Many thanks to Susan and Almira!
Registration and hotel reservations are now open and scholarships are available. We look forward to seeing everyone in January!
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Case Law Update
By Reuben Doupe, Esq. ï»ż
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Gonzalez v. Rodriguez, 50 Fla. L. Weekly D1809a (Fla. 3d DCA August 13, 2025)
In this paternity action, the mother was granted attorneyâs fees and costs. The parties had agreed to a parenting plan and child support via a settlement agreement. After a year, the parties began litigating through their âco-parenting issues.â Both parties sought temporary fees from the other.
After hearing the motions, including testimony of forensic accountants, the trial court made an oral pronouncement of its ruling, âMy findings [are] that there is a significant income disparity. I find that the mother has a need and that the father has the ability to pay. And I am specifically finding that these sums of money that the father has testified he borrows from various people; parents, girlfriend, Mr. Oliva, someone named Lia, buddies from 20 years ago. These are actually gifts that he has the ability to rely upon and expect at regular intervals. Since there are no written loan terms and since he seems to be able to get money on demand.â The trial court awarded the mother about $78,000 from the father.
The Third District found that the trial courtâs findings were lacking specificity sufficient to allow appellate review. This was especially found to be true of the decision to impute âgiftâ income to the father, seemingly in an unlimited amount. The trial court also failed to make findings of the reasonableness of the attorneyâs fees being awarded.
The takeaway from this decision is clear: before you go to court seeking relief for your client, you need to know what is going to be required to be in the order by a district court; and, if you obtain the relief you want, make sure the trial court completes its ruling with sufficient findings. If the court orally pronounces its ruling, ask questions that prompt the court to address the necessary findings that the district court will need. This is the best practice to ensure that your victory for your client will stand up to any scrutiny on appeal.
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Part III: '12 Habits of Highly Successful Family Law Attorneys' | | |
In our third article, former Family Law Section Chair and former President of AAML Florida (among many other accomplishments!) David Manz of The Manz Law Firm in Marathon, FL. shares his thoughts on professional excellence.
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Find Your Niche and Practice Professionlism
By David Manz, B.C.S.
There is no substitute for professional excellence, and more narrowly, no better way to take your practice to another level by finding a niche within a niche. Even in the specialty of family law, there are narrow sub-specialties, including but not limited to alimony, children's issues, equitable distribution, military issues, or international jurisdiction that necessitate decades to truly hone and master.
Becoming an expert on equitable distribution, alimony, paternity, military law, international jurisdiction issues, or other areas will result in other attorneys seeking out that expertise and will provide an opportunity to practice and consult in that niche at the highest, most complex and financially rewarding level. Lawyers with the most difficult and high stakes cases aren't looking for generalists.
So how do you do it? Write down your specific goals and then dive deep. There is simply no substitute for the heavy lifting necessary to become the acknowledged expert in a particular niche in question. Here are a few of my recommendations:
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Join the Florida Family Law Section. Join the legislation committee and its subcommittees. Offer to research and write a particular statutory amendment. Recognize the amendment process itself may take years, which is itself a great reward when the research project ultimately becomes law. Research the case law to the highest level.
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Publish. Write for the Commentator or other publications on that issue. Muster up the moxie to write for the Florida Bar Journal. In the internet era, practically every Bar Journal article ever written is instantly available. It is the ultimate marketing opportunity. Make no mistake; it is seriously hard, but writing a Bar Journal article is as rewarding as it is challenging. Work into the lecture circuit on that issue.
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Take the leap to Board Certification. Taking and passing the Board Certification exam by necessity mandates the degree of diligence and study that is difficult to otherwise obtain. Find a mentor who is a specialist and learn what it took to achieve it. The Florida Bar offers excellent mentorship opportunities to mentor with seasoned experts.
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Become a member of Inns of Court and your local Bar Association. Always, though, strive to practice with the highest degree professionalism and diligence. This means representing every client as zealously as possible and with the highest degree of technical and practical advocacy while at the same time practicing with the highest degree of professional ethics and treating all litigants and attorneys and jurists with courtesy and deference.
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At the same time, practice pro bono. The Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 4â6.1, specifically provides that every member of the Florida Bar, as part of that memberâs professional responsibility should render pro bono services to the poor and participate to the extent possible in other pro bono services directly relate to the legal needs of the poor. This admonition, while admirable, is critical.
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Lastly, find balance. Itâs a narrow and difficult balancing act to be the very, very best of the best and at the same time be able to walk away, not take it personally, not to define yourself by wins and losses, and not allow the law to become the jealous mistress it is rightly accused of being.
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