Family Law Attorneys Serving Florida

getting a divorce

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 lawyer to learn more about what we can do for you.

To consult with an experienced Florida family lawyer, call: 1 (844) 265-2165

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

FLA LogoA 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 (844) 265-2165