Florida Divorce Attorney

At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., our divorce and family law team provides clear guidance, strategic advocacy, and steady support to clients across Tampa, Orlando, and Central Florida. If you are searching for a Florida divorce attorney who will protect your rights, your children, and your financial future, our firm is ready to help. We handle straightforward uncontested matters as well as complex, high-asset and high-conflict cases, always with a plan tailored to your goals.

Florida Divorce Basics

Florida is a no-fault divorce state. Either spouse may petition to dissolve the marriage by alleging that the marriage is irretrievably broken. One spouse must be a Florida resident for at least six months before filing, and the case is filed in the proper circuit court for your county. Core issues typically include equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, child custody and parenting plans, child support, and spousal support.

• Collaborative Divorce
• Contested Divorce
• High Net Worth Divorce
• Flat Fee Divorce Representation
• Mediation
• Military Divorce
• Uncontested Divorce

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is faster and less costly when both spouses agree on all required terms. Our attorneys draft the marital settlement agreement, parenting plan, and all court filings to ensure accuracy and enforceability. If the case is contested, we use discovery, motion practice, mediation, and, when needed, trial to protect your interests. We focus on early case strategy to narrow disputes and position you for a favorable outcome.

High-Asset and Business-Owner Divorce

Significant estates require precise financial work. We coordinate with forensic accountants, appraisers, and tax professionals to identify marital and nonmarital property, value closely held businesses, analyze executive compensation and stock units, trace separate property, and evaluate tax effects. Our approach aims to secure a fair division while preserving liquidity and long-term financial stability.

Child Custody, Time-Sharing, and Parenting Plans

Florida law centers every custody decision on the best interests of the child. Courts favor shared parental responsibility unless evidence shows it would be harmful. We develop detailed parenting plans that address school choices, medical decisions, holidays, travel, and conflict resolution. When relocation, special needs, or safety concerns exist, we build a record that supports a child-focused schedule and appropriate safeguards.

Child Support

Florida calculates child support under state guidelines using each parent’s income, health insurance costs, childcare, and time-sharing overnights. We ensure income is correctly documented, credits are applied, and deviations are justified when appropriate. For enforcement, we pursue wage withholding, contempt remedies, and arrears plans that actually work.

Alimony in Florida

Spousal support is designed to meet needs and maintain reasonable stability after divorce. Today Florida recognizes temporary alimony during the case and four primary forms after final judgment: bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational alimony, with rehabilitative plans requiring clear goals and timelines. The court evaluates need and ability to pay, the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living. We present the financial evidence necessary to support or oppose an award and to set fair amounts and durations.

Property Division and Equitable Distribution

Florida follows equitable distribution, which means fair rather than automatic 50-50. Marital assets typically include earnings during the marriage, real estate acquired together, retirement accruals, and appreciation of certain premarital assets. Nonmarital property can include premarital assets kept separate, inheritances, and gifts to one spouse. We separate and value the estate carefully and craft practical solutions for homes, pensions, businesses, and debt so your post-divorce plan is sustainable.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Well drafted agreements provide clarity and security. Our attorneys prepare, review, and enforce prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that address property rights, debt allocation, spousal support, estate planning coordination, and disclosure requirements. If an agreement becomes central to your divorce, we litigate enforceability issues such as voluntariness, full financial disclosure, and fairness at execution.

Collaborative Divorce and Mediation

Many families benefit from privacy and a cooperative process. In collaborative divorce, each party retains counsel and commits to settlement outside the courtroom with help from neutral financial and mental health professionals. Mediation is required in most Florida circuits before trial and often resolves cases efficiently. We prepare you to negotiate from strength with a clear bottom line and a well organized financial picture.

Military Divorce and Special Jurisdiction Issues

Military families face unique concerns, including deployments, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and division of military retired pay and benefits. We help active duty members and spouses navigate jurisdiction, parenting schedules around service, and complex benefit rules so that orders comply with Florida and federal law.

Modifications, Enforcement, and Appeals

When circumstances change, final judgments can be modified for parenting time, support, and sometimes alimony. If the other party violates orders, we pursue enforcement and contempt with remedies that secure compliance. In appropriate cases, we evaluate appellate options to correct legal errors that affected your result.

What To Gather Before You File

• Recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank and credit card statements
• Mortgage, deed, title, and loan documents
• Retirement and investment account statements
• Health insurance and childcare costs
• A proposed parenting plan if you share children

What to Do If You Are Considering a Divorce in Florida

Navigating a divorce in Florida requires preparation, patience, and the right legal guidance. Every case is different, but by following these steps, you can protect your interests and approach the process with confidence.

Filing for divorce is a major decision that affects your finances, family, and future. Whether your case is amicable or contested, understanding what to do before and during the process can help protect your rights and reduce unnecessary stress. The following guide outlines the key steps you should take if you are thinking about divorce in Florida.

1. Understand Florida’s Divorce Requirements

Before filing, make sure you meet the basic legal requirements for a Florida divorce:

• At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for a minimum of six months before filing.
• Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove adultery, abandonment, or misconduct. You simply need to state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
• Divorce cases are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides.

2. Gather Important Financial Documents

Financial transparency is essential in every divorce case. You and your spouse will be required to provide full disclosure of assets, debts, and income. Start organizing these documents early:

• Tax returns (last three years)
• Bank and credit card statements
• Pay stubs or proof of income
• Mortgage or lease documents
• Retirement and investment account statements
• Life insurance and medical insurance policies
• Vehicle titles and loan information

Having this documentation ready helps your attorney assess your case, prepare financial affidavits, and ensure an equitable division of property.

3. Identify Marital and Nonmarital Assets

Florida follows equitable distribution, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided fairly, though not always equally.

• Marital property generally includes assets and income earned during the marriage.
• Nonmarital property includes assets owned before marriage, inheritances, or gifts to one spouse.

Keep records showing when assets were acquired and how they were maintained to help your attorney distinguish between the two.

4. Prioritize Your Children’s Best Interests

If you have children, the court will require a detailed parenting plan that sets out time-sharing arrangements, decision-making authority, and support obligations.

• Maintain a stable environment for your children.
• Avoid discussing the divorce in front of them.
• Keep communication with your co-parent respectful and focused on the children.

Your Florida family law attorney will help you develop a parenting plan that meets legal standards and reflects your child’s needs.

5. Avoid Major Financial or Emotional Decisions Early

Divorce can cause stress and impulsive decision-making. Avoid making big changes, such as moving money, quitting your job, or selling assets, without consulting your attorney. Courts may view such actions negatively. Focus on protecting your financial stability and maintaining consistency in your daily life.

6. Consider Mediation or Collaborative Divorce

Florida encourages mediation as a way to resolve disputes before trial. This process allows both parties to work with a neutral mediator to negotiate property division, custody, and support.

• Mediation is typically faster and less expensive than litigation.
• Collaborative divorce allows both parties to reach an agreement outside of court with professional guidance.

Your Florida divorce lawyer can advise whether these methods are appropriate for your situation.

7. Seek Temporary Relief if Needed

If your spouse controls most of the finances or you need immediate support, you may request temporary relief. Temporary orders can provide:

• Temporary alimony or child support
• Temporary custody and parenting schedules
• Exclusive use of the marital home
• Restraining or protection orders in cases of abuse

Temporary relief ensures stability while your case is pending.

8. Stay Organized and Communicate With Your Attorney

Keep all divorce-related paperwork and correspondence in one place. Respond promptly to requests from your attorney and follow their guidance closely. Regular communication ensures that no deadlines or opportunities are missed.

9. Focus on Your Long-Term Goals

Divorce is not just about ending a marriage—it’s about rebuilding your future. Before making any decisions, think about what matters most to you:

• Protecting your children’s well-being
• Preserving your financial stability
• Maintaining your home or retirement assets
• Minimizing emotional conflict

A skilled Florida divorce attorney will help you align your legal strategy with your long-term priorities.

10. Take Care of Yourself

Divorce can be emotionally exhausting. Lean on trusted friends, family, or professionals for support. Therapy, support groups, and counseling can help you manage stress and make clearer decisions during the process.

If you are considering divorce, contact Florida Law Advisers, P.A. today. Our experienced Florida divorce lawyers attorneys will evaluate your situation, explain your options, and help you take the right steps toward a fair and stable resolution

Why Hire a Lawyer From Florida Law Advisers, P.A.?

Divorce affects your home, your finances, and your parenting time. You deserve a Florida divorce lawyer who combines practical problem solving with trial readiness. Our attorneys prepare every case with care, communicate in plain English, and work efficiently to avoid unnecessary expense. When negotiation is not enough, we are skilled litigators who know how to present evidence, challenge weak claims, and secure durable results in court.

From your first consultation, you receive a clear case map that explains expected timelines, required disclosures, negotiation windows, and decision points. You will always know the status of your case, the next step on the calendar, and the cost-benefit tradeoffs of settlement versus litigation. Our goal is to reduce stress, protect what matters, and position you for life after divorce.

Divorce Attorneys Serving Florida

We represent clients across the state:

• Tampa
• Dade City
• St. Petersburg
• Jacksonville
• Miami
• Orlando
• Hialeah
• Port St. Lucie
• Cape Coral
• Tallahassee
• Fort Lauderdale
• Pembroke Pines
• Hollywood
• Miramar
• Gainesville
• Coral Springs
• Miami-Dade County
• Broward County
• Palm Beach County
• Hillsborough County
• Orange County

Florida Divorce FAQs

How long does a Florida divorce take?

Uncontested cases can finish in a few weeks once paperwork is complete and court availability permits. Contested cases vary based on discovery, mediation, and trial dates and can take several months or more.

Is Florida a no-fault state?

Yes. You do not need to prove wrongdoing. You must establish that the marriage is irretrievably broken and meet the six-month residency rule.

What is the difference between marital and nonmarital property?

Marital property is generally what either spouse acquired during the marriage. Nonmarital property usually includes premarital assets kept separate, inheritances, and gifts to one spouse. Proper documentation and tracing are essential.

Can I keep the house?

Possibly, depending on equity, affordability, and whether a buyout or offset is feasible. Courts consider financial practicality and the best interests of minor children when deciding possession and timing of sale.

How is alimony determined?

Courts evaluate need and ability to pay, marriage length, earning capacity, health, contributions to the household, and the standard of living. The type and duration of alimony depend on the facts presented.

Do I need a parenting plan?

Yes. Florida requires a detailed parenting plan in cases with minor children. It covers time-sharing schedules, decision making, transportation, and communication protocols.

Will I have to go to court?

Many cases resolve at mediation without a trial. If settlement is not possible, hearings and trial may be required. We prepare you for both paths.

Can temporary orders help while the case is pending?

Yes. Temporary relief can address child support, time-sharing, exclusive use of the home, and temporary alimony to stabilize the situation until final judgment.

What if my spouse is hiding assets?

We use discovery tools, subpoenas, and forensic analysis to locate and value assets and income. Courts can impose sanctions for concealment and may award an unequal distribution.

When can I modify child support or custody?

A substantial and continuing change in circumstances can justify modification, such as income shifts, relocation, or changes in a child’s needs.

Speak With a Florida Divorce Attorney Today

You do not have to navigate divorce alone. The Florida divorce lawyers at Florida Law Advisers, P.A. are ready to explain your rights, design a personalized strategy, and protect your future. Contact our Tampa or Orlando office for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward a stable, well planned next chapter.