Can a Divorce Affect My Professional Reputation in Florida?

There are many potential concerns associated with divorce in Florida, and they may involve financial matters, parenting, and the overall reputation of spouses. If spouses feel financially secure and parenting is not an issue, the primary concern may be their own professional reputation. Even spouses who are not public figures often fret about the stigma of a divorce, and how this might affect their future relationships, family life, or even their religious faith. What kind of impact can a divorce have on your reputation from a legal standpoint?

Litigated Divorces Affect Reputations More than Mediated Divorces 

If you are concerned about how a divorce might affect your reputation going forward, consider pursuing alternative dispute resolution strategies – such as mediation or collaborative law. A litigated divorce takes the form of a trial, and it will go on public record as a result. Although a judge may make certain elements of the divorce trial confidential to protect the privacy of relevant parties, they are under no real obligation to do so.

In contrast, resolving a divorce behind closed doors allows spouses to keep disputes confidential. Mediation or collaborative law may also involve specific confidentiality agreements, such as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). If spouses reveal certain details of the divorce to the public, they may face serious financial penalties for doing so under the conditions of these contracts.

Careers that May Be Affected by Divorce 

Those who have public personas are most vulnerable to the negative effects of divorce. For example, a politician in Florida might struggle to win an election after the details of their divorce become clear – especially if these details include allegations of marital misconduct. The same basic logic may apply to the career of a famous actor – or perhaps a business leader. In serious cases, a divorce may even cause a spouse to lose income.

 Businesses May Also Suffer Due to Divorces

Business interests may be especially at risk due to the negative reputational consequences of a divorce. For example, investors may become concerned about the potential for business owners to lose shares or ownership control of their own companies due to the outcome of divorces. This may lead to serious consequences for not only business owners, but also shareholders.

The Impact of New Legislation in Florida 

Divorces can continue to affect spouses’ reputation for many years to come – even after legal matters are seemingly resolved. For example, a spouse may seek to retroactively end alimony thanks to a new piece of legislation that bans permanent alimony in Florida. The resulting petition could cause the media to report that the spouse is being unfair or unreasonable by cutting their ex off from this source of support.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Divorce Attorney in Florida? 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced divorce attorney in Orlando, look no further than Steve Marsee, P.A. We know that spouses may be concerned about their reputations as they pursue divorce in Florida. There are many steps you can take to limit these reputational impacts, and we can help you explore such strategies in greater depth during a consultation. Reach out today to get started.

Sources: 

floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/gov-desantis-signs-alimony-reform-measure/

divorcemag.com/articles/managing-your-reputation-during-divorce