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SB 1080/HB 7123 substantially amends Chapter 39 to conform Florida's statutes to the Adoptions and Safe Families Act. The bill not only contains language for technical compliance but is designed to expedite permanency for children. Some of the major changes include: All sections regarding permanency are rewritten. Permanency goals are redefined and more»

Several of our ASFMA Mediators have expressed some interest in the area of Dependency Mediation. In this article, Robin Davis, Esq. gives us an introduction to this exciting and challenging mediation specialty: What is Juvenile Dependency Mediation? The Dependency Mediation program serves children and families involved in the court system because more»

I have recently received several phone calls from clients, who begin by asking "Do you do Collaborative Divorce?" When I answer in the affirmative, they are excited and usually mention that the previous attorneys they have spoken with have never heard of this new type of divorce.

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CAN ALIMONY BE TERMINATED UPON COHABITATION? The Florida Legislature, with the approval signature of Governor Jeb Bush, has now enacted an amendment to Florida Statute Section 61.14, which governs awards of alimony in divorce proceedings, as well as modifications or terminations thereof. The amendment substantially changes the law pertaining to termination more»

The War on Terror has resulted in mass mobilizations of Reservists and National Guardsmen, men and women, who often face long deployments and separations from their spouses and families. Speaking as one who has been there and done that, such situations can cause considerable strain on relationships, even healthy ones. If the relationship is weak, military more»

You don't have to be a mediator to know that emotional issues lie at the heart of conflict. As Bernard Mayer points out, "emotions are the energy that fuel conflict," but they can also be the "key to de-escalating it." The ability to deal skillfully with emotions can be essential to finding lasting resolution. Yet emotions are often overlooked, feared, more»

Here's a potential new series of episodes for "Dallas": Imagine John Ross (Jock) and Elly Ewing are planning their estate. As you know, every one of the family members is financially savvy, with their own legal representation and estates. Of course, Elly wants to consult the entire family about the disposal of their estate, which includes the family ranch more»

(This article originally appeared in Track Two (Vol. 7 No. 1 April 1998) , a quarterly publication of the Centre for Conflict Resolution and the Media Peace Centre (South Africa) "We are hopelessly lost!" exclaims the weary traveler. "I don't recognize any landmarks, and without a map we'll never find our route, arrive at a place to stay for the night or more»