"My divorce lawyer is telling me my divorce case is a 'sure thing' -- that I'll definitely win sole custody and a larger share of the settlement. Should I be skeptical?"

The only sure thing about a divorce case that goes to trial is that there are no sure things.

I would be concerned about a divorce attorney who makes such promises, especially where sole custody is concerned. Sole custody is not something that is "won" but is awarded only in rare circumstances and generally after the court has appointed a guardian ad litem and ordered psychological evaluations of both parties, which is an extremely expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally exhausting process. As for a larger share of the assets, the court begins with the notion that assets should be divided 50-50. Certain factors and circumstances may justify an unequal division of assets, but this will depend on the unique facts and circumstances of your case.

Lori Barkus is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator and Circuit Civil Mediator and is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Collaborative Family Lawyers of South Florida. Her office is located in Weston, FL. She can be reached at (954) 349-7988. View her Divorce Magazine profile.