Growing up in South Florida, I witnessed firsthand the complexities and emotional challenges that accompany divorce. With North Broward and South Palm Beach County as my lifelong home, the concept of divorce wasn’t foreign; my parents separated when I was young. However, they navigated this transition so smoothly that my childhood was enriched by having two happy homes. This positive experience instilled in me a deep understanding of how crucial a supportive and understanding approach is during family transitions. This early exposure shaped my path toward becoming a divorce lawyer, and specifically, fueled my passion for helping others navigate similar life changes with strength and clarity.
My journey into family law began under the guidance of my mother, Bernice Alden Dillman, a respected divorce and family lawyer in Boca Raton for over three decades. Observing her practice was my initial education. I saw clients arrive at her office feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, only to witness them regain their confidence and emerge with a renewed sense of hope for the future. This transformative process highlighted the profound impact a skilled and empathetic divorce lawyer can have on someone’s life. It was this realization that solidified my own desire to empower individuals and guide them towards a brighter future through the legal process.
My legal foundation expanded beyond family law with experience in complex business litigation and bankruptcy, handling high-stakes “bet the company” cases and financial fraud matters. This diverse background provided me with a unique and robust skillset, particularly beneficial when addressing the intricate financial aspects often present in divorce cases. Today, my practice focuses on navigating challenging divorce and family law cases, where significant assets and emotionally charged issues are at stake. While I am committed to representing both men and women, I feel a particular calling to advocate for women who are seeking to break free from marriages marked by abuse, control, manipulation, or narcissistic behaviors. Understanding the specific challenges women face in these situations drives my dedication to providing them with strong legal support and compassionate guidance.
As a divorce lawyer in West Palm Beach, my primary objective is to achieve the best possible outcome for my clients efficiently and effectively, enabling them to move forward and build the fulfilling lives they deserve. I advocate for a resolution-focused approach, believing that while strategic litigation is sometimes necessary to address unreasonable positions from opposing parties, resolving matters out of court is often in the best long-term interest of clients, both financially and emotionally. This balanced approach ensures that clients are protected while minimizing unnecessary conflict and stress.
Beyond my legal practice and cherishing time with my two young children, I am deeply committed to animal rescue, striving to make a positive impact through kindness to animals. My personal interests also include horseback riding, mountain biking, snowboarding, tennis, photography, and theater, reflecting a well-rounded approach to life and a belief in the importance of balance and personal well-being.
Education & Prior Affiliations
Family law has been ingrained in my life and family from a young age. During my high school years at Coral Springs High School, I worked alongside my mother, Bernice, as an assistant in her divorce and family law office. This early immersion confirmed my aspiration to specialize in divorce and family law, setting the stage for my future career.
I pursued a business degree with a minor in legal studies from the University of Central Florida, graduating with honors. Immediately following, I attended law school at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center, further solidifying my legal education.
Throughout law school, I was recognized with “highest grade awards” in multiple courses, including family law, demonstrating my commitment to excellence in this field. I also served as a member of the Nova Law Review and Moot Court Society, honing my legal research and advocacy skills.
Graduating magna cum laude from law school and successfully passing the Florida Bar exam, I then served as a judicial law clerk to Judge Melanie G. May on the Fourth District Court of Appeal, and subsequently to Judge Raymond B. Ray in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. These clerkships provided invaluable insights into the judicial process and refined my legal acumen.
Following my clerkships, I joined Berger Singerman, LLP, a prominent mid-size Florida business law firm, practicing for six years in their South Florida offices. There, I concentrated on complex business litigation and bankruptcy law, developing a strong foundation in financial and legal strategy that now greatly benefits my divorce law practice and my clients.
