Florida Divorce

Things to know about Florida Divorce:

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Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Florida, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing.

Filing for Divorce

  1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The spouse seeking the divorce (the petitioner) files this document with the local circuit court.
  2. Service of Process: The petition must be formally delivered to the other spouse (the respondent), who then has 20 days to respond.

Key Issues in Divorce

1. Property Division: Florida is an equitable distribution state, meaning assets and liabilities are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally.

2. Alimony: One spouse may be required to provide financial support to the other, depending on factors like the length of the marriage and each spouse's financial situation.

3. Child Custody/Time Sharing and Support: Decisions are made based on the best interests of the child, including living arrangements and financial support.

Mediation and Trial

If the spouses cannot reach an agreement on key issues, they may need to go through mediation or have a judge decide the matters in a trial.

Final Judgment

Once all issues are resolved, the court issues a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, officially ending the marriage.

Hiring a divorce lawyer to assist with your divorce in Florida can be beneficial for several reasons:

Expertise and Knowledge

  1. Legal Expertise: Divorce lawyers understand Florida's specific divorce laws and procedures, ensuring that your case is handled correctly and efficiently.
  2. Paperwork and Documentation: They help prepare and file all necessary legal documents accurately, reducing the risk of errors that could delay the process.

Objective Advice and Representation

  1. Objective Advice: A lawyer provides an unbiased perspective and can offer practical advice based on experience.
  2. Representation in Court: If your case goes to trial, having a lawyer to represent you ensures that your interests are effectively advocated for in court.

Negotiation and Mediation

  1. Negotiation Skills: Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can help reach fair agreements on issues like property division, alimony, and child custody.
  2. Mediation Support: They can assist in mediation sessions, aiming to resolve disputes amicably and avoid a contentious court battle.

Protecting Your Rights and Interests

  1. Protecting Your Rights: A lawyer ensures that your legal rights are protected throughout the divorce process.
  2. Complex Issues: They handle complex issues such as high-asset property division, business valuations, and intricate child custody arrangements.

Reducing Stress

  1. Reducing Stress: Navigating a divorce can be emotionally taxing. Having a lawyer manage the legal aspects can reduce your stress and allow you to focus on your personal well-being.
  2. Conflict Mitigation: Lawyers can act as intermediaries, helping to reduce direct conflict between spouses and facilitating smoother communication.

Ensuring Compliance and Finalization

  1. Ensuring Compliance: They ensure that all agreements and court orders comply with Florida law.
  2. Finalizing the Divorce: A lawyer helps finalize the divorce decree and ensures all terms are properly documented and enforceable.

While it is possible to represent yourself in a divorce (known as proceeding pro se), having a lawyer can significantly improve the outcome and make the process less burdensome.

Vette Law's Palm Beach County and Boynton Beach divorce lawyers legal team are here to answer your difficult questions. We offer a FREE consultation. The decisions you make now, will affect the rest of your life. Give our family law legal team a call now at 561-531-9132.