Your Legal Corner: 
Educational content—not legal advice

If you are going through a divorce or family law matter, one of the first documents you will be asked to complete is a financial affidavit. At first glance, this document may seem overwhelming. However, it is one of the foundations of your case, so it is crucial that you fill it out accurately. What is a Financial Affidavit? A financial affidavit is a sworn legal document that provides a full snapshot of your financial life. It typically includes: Income (salary, bonuses, sel

There’s often a moment late at night when the house is quiet, and questions begin creeping into your mind, refusing to let you sleep. Questions about whether the turmoil at home is normal. Questions about what your children may be seeing or feeling each day. Questions about whether anything will ever really change. Is this how things are always going to be? Is this environment healthy for my children? Should I be doing something differently?   For many people, these late-nigh

Yesterday marked International Women's Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women around the world. It also falls during Women's History Month, a time when we reflect on the individuals whose work helped shape the institutions we rely on today, including our legal system. The legal profession, like many others, has been shaped by trailblazers who helped open doors and influence how the law is interpreted and applied. In the legal profession, two women whose

Divorce is emotional. Your finances shouldn't be. Last week, we discussed credit card debt in divorce . This week, we’re expanding on other financial mistakes that can quietly impact your case. When a marriage begins to unravel, it's natural to think about custody, living arrangements, and what happens next. But some of the biggest long-term consequences in a Florida divorce are the financial decisions made early on. Here are some of the most common financial mistakes we see

Understanding Marital Debt in Florida Divorce Some of the most common things we hear in consultations are: “That credit card is only in his name. “Those student loans are only in her name.” “So that’s not joint debt… right?” In Florida, it’s not that simple. And assuming it is can be a costly mistake. Florida Is NOT a Community Property State Let’s start here because this confusion drives everything. Florida is a common-law state , not a community-property state. That means a

February 20, 2026, is National Love Your Pet Day, which means extra treats, belly rubs, and probably a few more photos on your camera roll. But if you’re going through a divorce, loving your pet can suddenly feel complicated. Because here’s the hard truth: In Florida, pets are still legally considered property . Yes. Property. Not “fur babies.” Not “emotional support.” Not “the only one who truly understands me.” Under Florida law, courts pretty much treat pets the same way t

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love is everywhere: cards, candy, flowers, and yes, those tiny candy hearts with messages. Some say “Be Mine.” Some say “XOXO.” Some say “Kiss Me.” Not all of the phrases fit the situation. Some throw out all the kiss hearts, some don't like overly love-y phrases. But they are the same candy. Not every message resonates, but the meaning behind them isn’t all that different. Co-parenting can feel a lot like that. The heart looks the s

Do you ever feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day : waking up to the same problems, the same stress, the same arguments… over and over again? One day blends into the next. The issues don’t change. You are stuck in the same place. And no matter how hard you try, it feels like nothing will get better. It's the same argument over and over, with no solution. If you’re dealing with ongoing family conflict, custody disputes, or a high-conflict divorce, that feeling can be especi

For many people, reaching out to a family law attorney feels like a last resort, something you do only after you’ve tried everything else. There’s often fear beneath that hesitation: If I go see an attorney, does that mean I’ve failed? This is especially true if you are still hoping for things to work out. But the truth is, choosing peace doesn’t mean you are giving up. It simply means you are choosing to seek clarity and stability, often for the first time in a long while

One of the most common questions we hear from those in difficult situations is: “How do I know when it’s time to move forward, or maybe things might still get better?” Whether you’re navigating a difficult marriage, or co-parenting challenges, the truth is this: legal decisions rarely come with a clear signal that it is the perfect moment. Most people wait because they’re hoping for a clear answer. In family law, certainty is rare, but clarity is possible. Here are a few sig

As one year comes to a close and another begins, many people feel pressure to start fresh, to fix everything, set big resolutions, or finally have all the answers. For families navigating complex family situations, co-parenting challenges, or major life transitions, peace doesn’t arrive overnight on January 1. It’s something that is built slowly by asking questions, exploring options, and taking thoughtful steps forward when the time feels right. As we look ahead to 2026, we

While 2025 marked my 15th year practicing family law, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter with the launch of my own firm. As we enter our first holiday season, we pause to reflect not only on the year coming to a close but also on the journey, growth, and trust that brought us here. This Christmas marks the first holiday season at the Law Office of Kristen Bishop Ames, PLLC — one filled with deep gratitude. Starting a new law firm is about far more than opening door

Hanukkah is a festive occasion celebrating light, resilience, and tradition. As discussed in our blog last week, holidays can be challenging for families managing two households, yet they also offer opportunities to showcase a united front to your children. The same principles apply to those observing Hanukkah, with the added benefit of more meaningful days to showcase small acts of kindness and cooperation. At KBA Law, we believe that honoring a child’s traditions, whether r

For many families, Christmas is a season of excitement and tradition. But for co-parents navigating life after separation or divorce, the holidays can feel more complicated. Schedules change, traditions may look different, and the pressure to “make it perfect” can feel overwhelming. The good news? Christmas magic doesn’t have to disappear because a family lives in two homes. In fact, with cooperation, parents can create an even richer, more meaningful holiday experience for t

Can't believe it's already December, a perfect time to pause before the end-of-year festivities get hectic. Even the most organized families find their calendars getting busier and overwhelming. Many families look forward to holiday traditions, school breaks, and time spent together. But for co-parents navigating shared custody or timesharing schedules, this season can also bring added stress, uncertainty, and last-minute conflicts. That’s why this is the perfect moment for a

Every November, National Adoption Month shines awareness on adoption in all its forms, including stepparent adoption. While many people think first of newborns being adopted through private agencies, adoption happens in a variety of ways including by a stepparent who has stepped into a parental role with love, consistency, and commitment. Stepparent adoption formalizes a relationship that, in many ways, already exists — one built on trust, connection, and hope for moving forw

Each year on November 11, the nation pauses to honor Veterans Day. An interesting fact we had forgotten from our high school civics class is that it is officially celebrated at 11:00 am on 11/11, since the peace agreement took effect on the  1 1th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, marking the moment when fighting officially ceased on the Western Front. Originally known as Armistice Day , the holiday was later renamed Veterans Day  to honor all U.S. military vet

As the Halloween decorations come down and the season of gratitude begins, November invites us to slow down and reflect. At The Law Office of Kristen Bishop Ames, we know that not every season in life feels easy, but even through legal challenges, there’s room to find gratitude and peace in growth, resilience, and new beginnings. Finding Gratitude in Change Family law often represents turning points: divorce, adoption, or changes in parenting plans. While each may bring a lev

Facing a family law issue can feel like stepping into a haunted house. The unknowns, the paperwork, and the emotions involved in the process can all seem overwhelming. The truth is, it’s often the fear of starting that is the scariest part. Once you take that first step, the path forward starts to look much clearer. The Fear of the Unknown Many people delay contacting an attorney because they don’t know what to expect. Will it be expensive? Complicated? The reality is that yo

In October, we see ghosts everywhere: in decorations, costumes, and maybe even on our social feeds. But one place you don’t  want to disappear is in the middle of your family law case. Whether it’s a divorce, paternity action, or custody dispute, going silent can have real consequences that haunt your case long after Halloween. What “Ghosting” Looks Like in Family Law In everyday life, ghosting means cutting off communication without warning. In a family law case, it can mean