Growing up in South Florida, with the majority of my life spent in North Broward and South Palm Beach County, I understand the unique dynamics families face here. My parents divorced when I was young, but they navigated it so well that it was a positive experience. Instead of difficulty, I experienced two happy homes. This personal experience shaped my understanding of family transitions and the importance of making those transitions as smooth as possible. This early exposure showed me that divorce, while challenging, can be the best path forward for a family’s long-term well-being.
My journey into law, specifically divorce and family law, began with my mother, Bernice Alden Dillman. She was a respected divorce and family law attorney in Boca Raton for over three decades. Witnessing her interactions with clients was incredibly impactful. I saw people walk in feeling lost and overwhelmed, and then, under my mother’s guidance, transform into confident individuals ready for a brighter future. This transformation, from distress to empowerment, solidified my desire to help people through similar challenging times. I realized I wanted to be a Divorce And Family Law Attorney Near Me for those seeking support and guidance.
My initial experiences working alongside my mother, combined with my later work in complex business litigation and bankruptcy law, provided me with a robust foundation for handling intricate and high-stakes divorce and family law cases. My background in “bet the company” litigation and financial fraud cases honed my skills in negotiation and strategic thinking, which are invaluable in family law. While I am dedicated to representing both men and women, I am particularly passionate about assisting women in escaping abusive marriages, especially those involving controlling or narcissistic partners. I believe everyone deserves a safe and respectful environment, and I am committed to helping my clients achieve that.
As a family lawyer in West Palm Beach, my primary objective is to secure the best possible outcome for my clients efficiently and effectively. I am a strong advocate for resolution-focused strategies. While I am fully prepared to litigate aggressively when necessary – especially when a spouse is being unreasonable – I firmly believe that reaching a resolution outside of court is often the most beneficial path. This approach minimizes financial and emotional stress, allowing clients to move forward with their lives more quickly and peacefully. My aim is to provide strategic and compassionate legal counsel, ensuring my clients feel supported and empowered throughout the legal process.
Beyond my legal practice and time spent with my two young children, I am deeply committed to animal rescue and promoting kindness to animals. I also enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, snowboarding, tennis, photography, and theater. These passions outside of my professional life help me maintain balance and perspective, which I believe enhances my ability to serve my clients with empathy and understanding.
Education & Prior Affiliations
Family law has not only been my profession but also a significant part of my upbringing. Even during high school at Coral Springs High School, I worked as an assistant in my mother’s divorce and family law office. This early immersion confirmed my aspiration to specialize in this field.
I earned a business degree with a minor in legal studies from the University of Central Florida, graduating with honors. Immediately following, I pursued my law degree at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center.
During law school, I consistently achieved “highest grade awards,” including in my family law course. I was also an active member of the Nova Law Review and Moot Court Society, further developing my legal research and writing skills.
Graduating magna cum laude, I passed the Florida Bar exam and then served as a judicial law clerk. My clerkships were with Judge Melanie G. May at the Fourth District Court of Appeal and Judge Raymond B. Ray in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. These experiences provided invaluable insights into the judicial process and strengthened my legal acumen.
Following my clerkships, I joined Berger Singerman, LLP, a well-regarded Florida business law firm, where I practiced for six years in their South Florida offices. My focus on complex business litigation and bankruptcy law during this time equipped me with a unique and powerful skill set that greatly benefits my clients in divorce and family law cases today.
