How To Lesson The Impact Of A High Profile Divorce

Your family, your job, or aspects of your personal or social life may put you in the public spotlight. While this has its advantages, there are also major drawbacks when it comes to protecting your privacy. If you are getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, it could be considered newsworthy. Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains how to manage this situation and minimize potential impacts.

Announcing Your Impending Divorce

News of divorce is likely to get out quickly if you or your spouse has a high profile status. While it may seem counterintuitive in terms of maintaining your privacy,  the best course of action is to make a carefully worded announcement prior to filing your divorce petition.

Once divorce-related documents are filed through the Broward County Court, the information becomes part of the public record. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to search these records for the purpose of obtaining sensitive information on high-profile people. In addition to violating your privacy, this could negatively impact your reputation, career, or relationships with others. Getting out ahead of the news is generally the best idea. Follow these tips for drafting a statement:

• Keep it brief. One of two sentences acknowledging the situation is all that is needed.
• Write it in the third person. Rather than saying, “I am getting a divorce,” phrase it as if someone other than you is doing the writing.
• Avoid details. Do not provide details, such as how long you were married, whether you have children, or the reasons for filing a divorce.
• Create a united front. Avoid saying which party requested a divorce or making any disparaging statements about your spouse.
• Ask for privacy. Conclude your announcement by asking people to respect your family’s privacy.

Protecting Your Privacy In A High Profile Divorce

One of the best ways to protect your privacy when going through a high-profile divorce is to negotiate a marital settlement agreement (MSA). This allows you to address important divorce-related issues under the Florida Statutes privately, rather than in public court hearings. The steps involved in obtaining a marital settlement agreement include:

• A divorce petition is filed through the local family court;
• Prior to any scheduled hearings, a meeting will be held with both parties and their legal representatives.
• During this meeting you will negotiate important divorce-related matters, such as marital property division, alimony, child time-sharing, and child support;
• Once you reach a mutual agreement, a final draft will be presented to the judge for approval.

A marital settlement agreement keeps sensitive details about a high-profile divorce from becoming public and prevents you from having to appear at numerous court proceedings.

Discuss Your Options With Our Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer

For people who are in the public eye, negotiating a marital settlement agreement helps to avoid more public divorce proceedings. To discuss the options in your particular case, contact our office and request a private consultation with Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto today.

Sources:

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family#General

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.075.html