Your Legal Corner: 
Educational content—not legal advice

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

When you’re going through a divorce, it can be tempting to turn to social media for support, a much-needed distraction, or even just to...

October is dedicated to Domestic Violence Awareness Month , a time to raise awareness, provide education, and empower individuals to...

For some couples, divorce doesn’t have to be long, complicated, or costly. Florida offers a Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, which is...

It is tempting to turn to Google, Facebook Communities, or even well-meaning friends for legal advice. But here's the problem: what you...

Last week, we discussed prenuptial agreements. What if you elected not to investigate whether you needed a prenup, and you are now...

“It’s not about lack of trust. It’s about clarity, peace of mind, and starting your marriage on solid ground.” What is a Prenuptial...

Blog Post 6: PEACE Framework Divorce is never simple, but, in Florida, the law provides a structured way to address the most important...

Blog Post #5 Divorce and custody cases can be emotionally overwhelming, which often causes individuals to rush through agreements in an...