Florida Family Law & Divorce Attorney

Family law matters are among the most complicated and stressful issues many people face in their lifetimes. Handling child custody battles, divorce proceedings, or alimony negotiations in Florida can be overwhelming, and you shouldn’t deal with these issues alone.

Florida Law Advisers, P.A., can help you navigate the complex laws and legal procedures associated with your family law case. Whether you’re starting a family, ending a relationship, or anything in between, our team can provide the advice and guidance you need.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation with a Florida family law attorney to learn more about what we can do for you.

If you need a family law attorney in Tampa, you can visit our office to get more information. To consult with an experienced Florida family lawyer, call: 1 (800) 990-7763

What Are the Steps for Filing for Divorce in Florida?

The basic steps for how to get a divorce in Florida include the following:

Gathering proof that you or your spouse meet the residency requirement, meaning either of you has lived in the state for at least six months before filing
Completing and filing the petition with your proof of residency documentation
Using a process server to deliver the divorce papers to your spouse unless they signed an Answer and Waiver of Service form, meaning they accept the documents without formal service
Completing and filing a financial affidavit with the petition or within 45 days of filing the petition
Negotiating the terms of your divorce, such as alimony and property division, with your spouse
Going to a Florida family court so a judge can decide on issues you’re unable to settle together with your spouse
Waiting for the judge to sign an order of dissolution, which legally finalizes your divorce

A single mistake at any stage of your divorce could extend the timeline, cost you money, and negatively affect your future. If you’re filing for divorce in Florida, you should hire an experienced family law attorney who can simplify the process and handle all the legal details on your behalf.

Types of Divorces in Florida

In Florida, you can file for either a simplified or regular dissolution of marriage (divorce).

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage

You can petition for simplified divorce or dissolution of marriage if both spouses ask the court to decide only on the issue of divorce and not on issues like alimony, property division, or child custody. You must meet these criteria for a simplified divorce:

You and your spouse both complete an affidavit outlining your finances.
You both agree on a property settlement arrangement to divide your assets and debts or have no significant assets or debts to divide.
You have no minor children who require legal custody or support arrangements.
Neither spouse is pregnant upon filing for divorce.
Both of you attend a hearing to finalize the divorce.

Regular Dissolution of Marriage

A regular dissolution of marriage, also called a regular divorce, is a more traditional divorce case. In a regular divorce, one spouse files for divorce as the “petitioner,” and the other is the “respondent.” A regular divorce can either be an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce.

An uncontested divorce is similar to a simplified divorce in that both spouses reach an out-of-court agreement before asking the judge to grant the petition. In a contested divorce, spouses can’t or won’t agree on one or several issues, and a judge must decide for them.

Florida, experienced family lawyer near Me 1 (800) 990-7763

How Long Does a Divorce in Florida Take to Complete?

Every divorce and family law claim is different, so it’s impossible to predict exactly how long yours could take. At a minimum, there is a 20-day waiting period from the date you file the divorce petition before you can request a final hearing in court. Additionally, simplified and uncontested divorces are often faster than contested ones because both spouses agree on key issues without court intervention. A contested divorce usually takes longer because a judge must intervene.

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Family Law Attorney

You can prepare for a productive initial consultation with Florida Law Advisers, P.A., by:

Creating a List of Questions – Focusing can be difficult when multiple thoughts, concerns, and questions are running through your head. You can keep your initial consultation on track by writing down every question you want us to answer before our meeting.
Preparing Background Details – You should also write down vital information about you and your spouse, such as your names, addresses, phone numbers, and employers. If you have kids together, you should write down your children’s names and birthdates, too.
Gathering Financial Documents – You should compile a list of every asset and debt you and your spouse have. Consider bringing bank statements, tax returns, mortgage documents, and other paperwork to give us an idea of your financial standing.
Outlining Your Goals – Before you come to us, consider what you want from the divorce. Determine how you want to divide your assets, whether you want alimony, and how custody or visitation should work if necessary.

Click to contact our Florida, experienced family lawyer today. For a FREE Consultation, Call 1 (800) 990-7763

Common Types of Divorce Cases Our Firm Handles

At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., we handle various types of divorces for our clients. Some are more complex than others and require substantial legal assistance. Two of the most challenging types include:

High Net Worth Divorces – A high net worth divorce involves one or both spouses with significant assets or high net worth, which introduces unique challenges during asset distribution.
Contested Divorces – In a contested divorce, spouses can’t or won’t agree on critical marital issues, creating problems that often extend the timeline of the divorce proceedings.