NAVIGATING unfamiliar ground is always unsettling. But when you're going through divorce, lack of knowledge about the process can be frightening, says Lori Barkus, Esq., a South Florida family-law attorney, mediator, and collaborative lawyer. "Many people are unfamiliar with the divorce process and the options available," she explains. "They're concerned not only about the emotional impact of divorce upon themselves and their children but also about their financial resources. One of the most important functions of a divorce attorney is to impart information about the process."

The knowledge you need to weather divorce

At her Weston office, Barkus takes a hands-on, personal approach with clients: "My assistant sets up appointments, while I handle consultations. I spend at least an hour with each client." The focus is on providing them with an in-depth evaluation of their cases and the knowledge they need to weather the divorce. The initial consultation also gives clients a chance to be sure they are comfortable with her. "Take the time to find out not only about an attorney's qualifications, but also whether you can relate to him or her," she advises. It's important to feel comfortable telling the attorney everything, because the decisions you make during divorce will impact you for the rest of your life. "Not only should you trust the person you hire, you should also trust their advice and know that it's in your best interest." Effective communication skills are also an important factor when selecting an attorney, she adds: "We return calls and respond to inquiries on a same-day basis."

High-quality, client-centered services

Barkus has practiced law since 1998. A cum laude graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, she is admitted to practice in Florida, Georgia, and the District of Columbia, in addition to the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida and the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Appeals. During her first two years of practice, she worked primarily in family law and commercial litigation and has handled hundreds of contested and uncontested divorce matters. "I've always enjoyed family law," she says. "It's very dynamic because the cases are always different and there's a definite human element." Barkus opened her firm in 2005; it specializes in marital and family law; family mediation; pro se divorce mediation; collaborative family law; stepparent, grandparent, domestic, and international adoption; and paternity. She provides affordable, high-quality, client-centered services.

Alternatives to litigation

Although she will litigate a case when necessary, Barkus educates clients about non-adversarial alternatives to litigation, so they can minimize the effects of divorce on their families. "My experience as an attorney and a mediator, as well as my collaborative family-law training, helps clients find cost-effective resolutions whenever possible," she says. "This helps preserve relationships between co-parents and avoids excessive litigation, which can deplete a family's finances." Collaborative law and mediation also let parties make their own decisions, she adds.

Taking good care of clients

The divorce process can be traumatic, especially if there’s a protracted battle. But an amicable resolution is often within reach, says Barkus. "When a client tells me that they feel they can go on with their lives and move forward, when their children are doing well, I know we've taken care of them."

For more information, or to book a consultation, please contact Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer:

2883 Executive Park Drive, Suite 103A
Weston, FL 33331
Phone: (954) 349-7988
Fax: (954) 349-8088
e-mail: lbarkus@barkuslaw.com
Web: www.barkuslaw.com

We accept MasterCard and Visa.

Lori Barkus has written the following FAQs:

• "What if we try divorce mediation and it doesn't work out? Do we have to go to court, or are there other options?"
• "My ex-wife has custody of our children, and she wants to move across the country with them. What can I do about it?"
• "What are your tips on finding the best divorce lawyer?"
• "I've been ordered to pay an amount of child and/or spousal support that I can't afford. What are my options?"
• "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?"
• "What role does the financial planner play in the Collaborative Divorce model? Do we need to involve one in our divorce?"
• "We were only married for two years and don't have a lot of assets. Do we really have to go through the whole divorce process?"
• "My spouse has had several affairs; it’s one of the reasons we split up. Can I use this against him in the divorce proceedings?"
• "My husband says we'll save a lot of money using the collaborative approach because we will share a divorce lawyer. Is that really how collaborative family law works?"
• "I want to mediate my divorce, but my spouse is so full of bitterness and anger that he refuses. What can I do?"
• "What is a divorce coach, and what role does the divorce coach play in a collaborative-divorce proceeding?"

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