Tampa Divorce Attorneys
At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., we are committed to solving your divorce, bankruptcy, and immigration matters. We are a full-service law firm serving clients in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Orlando, and throughout Central Florida.
Professional & Knowledgeable Lawyers Serving Tampa & Orlando
We understand how clients need timely solutions to their problems — not overpriced legal fees or prolonged litigation. Our mission is to provide stress-free, cost-effective results. That’s why our lawyers use a personalized approach to resolving sensitive, highly complex legal issues. We’re proud to have steered thousands of Florida citizens onto the road to recovery and a better tomorrow.
Family Law & Divorce in Florida
Family law in Florida encompasses a wide range of legal issues related to familial relationships. This includes marriage, divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and adoption, among others. The state’s family law system aims to protect the rights and well-being of all family members, especially children, by ensuring fair and just outcomes in family-related disputes. Contact our experienced Tampa divorce attorneys for help with any of these family matters.
Marriage & Domestic Partnerships
Florida recognizes both traditional marriages and domestic partnerships. To marry in Florida, couples must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk’s office. There is no waiting period for non-residents, but Florida residents must wait three days after applying before the license becomes valid, unless they complete a premarital preparation course.
Divorce
Divorce is a difficult process, especially when it involves complex issues such as finances, property division, and child custody. If you’re considering a divorce in Tampa, it’s essential to understand the different types of divorce available in Florida and know how to navigate the legal process. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, Florida Law Advisers, P.A. can help ensure your rights are protected and that you get the best possible outcome.
Divorce, or the dissolution of marriage, in Florida is governed by a no-fault principle, meaning that either spouse can file for divorce without proving wrongdoing by the other party. The primary requirement is that one of the spouses must have been a resident of Florida for at least six months prior to filing. Key issues addressed in divorce proceedings include the division of marital assets and liabilities, alimony, child custody, and child support. Our Tampa divorce lawyers will walk you through the procedure and work toward the best outcome for you.
- Division of Assets: Florida follows an equitable distribution principle, meaning that marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally, between the spouses.
- Alimony: Alimony, or spousal support, may be awarded based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the financial resources and needs of each spouse.
Child Custody & Support
Child custody and support are critical components of family law in Florida. The state prioritizes the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. This includes evaluating the ability of each parent to provide a stable, loving environment.
- Child Custody: Florida law prefers shared parental responsibility, allowing both parents to make significant decisions regarding the child’s welfare. However, sole parental responsibility may be granted if shared responsibility is deemed detrimental to the child.
- Child Support: Child support is calculated based on the parents’ incomes, the number of overnight stays the child has with each parent, and other factors. The goal is to ensure that the child’s needs are adequately met despite the parents’ separation.
Adoption
Adoption in Florida is a legal process that establishes a permanent parent-child relationship between individuals who are not biologically related. Florida law allows both single individuals and married couples to adopt. The process includes several steps such as home studies, background checks, and court hearings to ensure that the adoption is in the best interests of the child.
Domestic Violence
Florida takes domestic violence seriously, providing various legal protections for victims. Individuals can seek injunctions for protection against domestic violence, which can include restraining orders that prevent the abuser from contacting or coming near the victim. Violations of these injunctions can result in criminal charges.
Common Types of Divorce in Florida
- Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all key issues, including the division of property, child custody, child support, and alimony. This type of divorce is typically faster and less expensive, as it avoids lengthy court battles. It is ideal for couples who can communicate and negotiate terms in a civil manner. In an uncontested divorce, Florida Law Advisers, P.A. can help by drafting the necessary legal documents and ensuring that everything is properly filed with the court.
- Contested Divorce: In a contested divorce, the spouses disagree on one or more significant issues, such as asset distribution, custody arrangements, or alimony. These disagreements can lead to court proceedings, where a judge will decide the outcome. A contested divorce can be lengthy, stressful, and costly, requiring experienced legal representation. Florida Law Advisers, P.A. has extensive experience in advocating for clients during contested divorces, ensuring their rights and interests are protected every step of the way.
- Simplified Divorce: Florida offers a streamlined process called a simplified dissolution of marriage. This type of divorce is available when there are no children, both spouses agree on the division of property and debts, and neither spouse is seeking alimony. The simplified divorce is quicker and more affordable but only applies to a limited set of circumstances. Florida Law Advisers, P.A. can assess your situation to determine if you qualify for a simplified divorce and guide you through the process.
- Collaborative Divorce: In a collaborative divorce, both parties agree to work together with their attorneys and other professionals, such as financial advisors and mediators, to reach a mutually agreeable settlement outside of court. The goal is to reduce conflict and find solutions that benefit both parties and any children involved. Florida Law Advisers, P.A. can represent you in a collaborative divorce, ensuring that your interests are protected while aiming for an amicable resolution.
- Military Divorce: Military divorces can be more complex due to unique legal issues, such as dividing military pensions and dealing with deployments. If one or both spouses are in the military, additional federal and state laws come into play. Florida Law Advisers, P.A. is well-versed in handling military divorces and can guide you through the legal intricacies involved.
What to Do If You’re Going Through a Divorce in Tampa
- Consult an Experienced Divorce Lawyer: One of the first steps in the divorce process is to consult with an experienced Tampa divorce lawyer. Florida divorce laws can be complex, and having a knowledgeable attorney by your side ensures that your rights are protected. Florida Law Advisers, P.A. offers comprehensive divorce consultations to help you understand your options and what to expect during the process.
- Gather Financial Documentation: Divorce requires full financial disclosure from both parties. Start by gathering documents such as bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, property deeds, and retirement account information. This will be essential for determining asset division, alimony, and child support.
- Focus on the Best Interests of Your Children: If you have children, their well-being should be your top priority. Florida courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making decisions about custody and visitation. Work with your attorney to develop a parenting plan that ensures your children’s emotional and physical needs are met.
- Prepare for Negotiations or Mediation: Most divorce cases involve some form of negotiation or mediation. During these sessions, you’ll work with your spouse and legal representatives to reach an agreement on key issues. It’s essential to approach these negotiations with a clear understanding of your rights and goals. Florida Law Advisers, P.A. can represent your interests in these discussions and help secure a fair agreement.
- Protect Your Financial Future: Divorce can have long-term financial consequences. Alimony, child support, and property division all impact your future financial stability. An experienced attorney can ensure that these matters are handled in a way that safeguards your financial well-being.
How Florida Law Advisers, P.A. Can Help with Your Tampa Divorce
Family law in Florida is designed to address the multifaceted aspects of familial relationships and disputes. From marriage and divorce to child custody and adoption, the state’s legal framework aims to ensure fairness, protect individual rights, and prioritize the welfare of children. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, the objective remains to resolve family law matters in a manner that serves the best interests of all parties involved.
Going through a divorce can be an emotionally and financially draining process. However, having skilled legal representation can make all the difference. Florida Law Advisers, P.A. is dedicated to providing personalized legal services to clients facing divorce in Tampa and throughout the state of Florida.
- Comprehensive Legal Advice: We provide tailored advice based on your unique situation, whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
- Representation in Court: If your divorce goes to court, our experienced litigators will advocate aggressively on your behalf to secure a favorable outcome.
- Negotiation & Mediation: We can help you navigate settlement negotiations, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected during mediation or collaborative divorce.
- Child Custody and Support: Our team understands the sensitivity of child-related issues and will work to ensure that the best interests of your children are prioritized.
- Asset & Property Division: Florida follows equitable distribution laws, meaning assets are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. We’ll help you get your fair share.
- Alimony & Spousal Support: If alimony is a factor in your divorce, we’ll work to ensure that you receive or pay a fair amount based on your circumstances.
Given the complexity and emotional nature of family law cases, legal representation is often crucial. Our Tampa family law attorneys are equipped to handle the nuances of each case, advocating for their clients’ rights and working towards fair resolutions. We can offer guidance on legal procedures, document preparation, and court representation, ensuring that their clients navigate the legal system effectively.
Our Tampa Divorce Lawyers Will Protect & Fight for Your Rights
At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., we understand how stressful divorce can be. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible while achieving the best possible outcome for you. No matter how difficult your situation may seem, our Central Florida attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to advise you on your next steps. We are there for you every step of the way, making sure you understand your legal rights and options. Contact our Tampa divorce lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step towards securing your future.