Legal matters involving your family can be some of the most emotionally challenging and legally complex situations a person can face. Whether you’re going through a divorce, navigating child custody disputes, or dealing with paternity issues, the stress and uncertainty can be overwhelming.
At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., we understand the emotional toll these cases can take on our clients and their families. Our experienced St. Petersburg family law attorneys are here to provide compassionate counsel and aggressive representation. We will help you through this challenging time and onto a brighter future.
Let us put our skills to work for you so that you can focus on your goals and plans. Contact us by phone or online for a confidential case evaluation with a St. Petersburg family lawyer.
What Are Common Types of Family Law Cases?
At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., our St. Petersburg family law attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide range of family law cases, including the following:
High Net Worth Divorce
If your divorce involves substantial assets, you’ll want to hire a Florida family law attorney with specific experience handling high-net-worth cases to ensure a fair and equitable outcome. These types of cases often require the following:
- Proper valuation and division of complex financial assets, such as real estate, investment portfolios, and retirement accounts, under Florida Statute §61.075
- Protecting business interests and minimizing disruptions to its operations
- Identifying and addressing hidden assets or income streams
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce is when spouses cannot agree on critical issues such as property division, child custody, or support. If you find yourself in this situation, an experienced attorney could:
- Advocate for your rights in negotiations, mediation, or litigation
- Ensure compliance with Florida’s procedural requirements for filing for divorce under Florida Statute §61.021 and other relevant statutes
- Represent your interests at trial if you cannot reach a fair settlement
Property and Asset Division
Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution in dividing marital assets and liabilities, as outlined in Florida Statute §61.075. Because “equitable” doesn’t mean a “50/50 split,” your attorney could assist you with the following:
- Identifying and categorizing separate and marital property
- Accurately valuing assets, including real estate, investments, and personal property
- Advocating for a fair and equitable distribution of assets and debts
Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements can provide important protections and clarity on specific issues for couples entering into marriage. By hiring a lawyer to help with the prenuptial agreement, you can rest easier knowing:
- A clear and enforceable prenuptial agreement has been drafted according to the guidelines established by Florida Statute §61.079
- Existing agreements have been reviewed to ensure they meet legal requirements and protect your interests
- You understand the implications of your prenuptial agreement in the event of divorce or separation
Alimony
Alimony, also known as spousal support, can be a contentious issue in a divorce or family law case. Under Florida Statute §61.08, courts consider several factors in determining eligibility, amount, and duration of alimony. This means your St. Petersburg Family Law attorney will be responsible for:
- Evaluating your eligibility for alimony or your potential obligation to pay
- Presenting evidence to support your position on alimony
- Addressing modification or enforcement of existing alimony orders
Child Custody
Child custody disputes can be emotionally charged and legally complex. Florida Statute §61.13 establishes the determination of child custody, focusing on the child’s best interests. Some things a child custody lawyer could assist with include:
- Helping you develop a detailed parenting plan that addresses time-sharing and decision-making responsibilities
- Representing your interests in custody disputes and advocating for your rights in family court
- Assisting with modification or enforcement of existing custody orders
Child Support
Child support is crucial for parents and children in divorce or separation cases. Florida Statute §61.30 sets the guidelines for calculating child support obligations based on the parents’ combined incomes and other factors. It takes an experienced St. Petersburg family lawyer to:
- Accurately calculate child support obligations using the appropriate guidelines
- Ensure proper payment and enforcement of child support orders
- Address modifications to existing child support orders when circumstances change
Same-Sex Divorce
Although same-sex couples now enjoy the same legal rights as opposite-sex couples, there may still be unique legal challenges regarding divorce, asset division, and child custody matters. Be sure to hire a St. Petersburg lawyer with experience handling Florida same-sex divorce cases and the ability to help you navigate these issues effectively.
Mediation
Mediation can be a cost-effective and less adversarial alternative to litigation in resolving a family law claim or dispute. An attorney could facilitate negotiations and settlements by:
- Representing your interests in mediation sessions
- Drafting clear and enforceable agreements based on mediated settlements
- Advising on the legal implications of proposed settlements
Annulment
In some circumstances, an annulment may be more appropriate than a divorce. Annulments legally invalidate a marriage as if it never existed. Our knowledgeable family law attorneys can help you determine if you qualify for an annulment under Florida Statute §61.052 and guide you through the process.
Paternity Issues
Establishing legal paternity is vital when determining child custody, support, and other parental rights and responsibilities. This means you’ll want to hire a St. Petersburg family lawyer to assist with:
- Initiating paternity actions under Florida Statute §742.10
- Resolving disputes over custody and support stemming from paternity issues
- Ensuring your rights as a parent are protected and enforced
Post-Divorce Modification of Orders
Circumstances can change significantly after a divorce is finalized, necessitating modifications to existing orders for alimony, child custody, or child support. Your St. Petersburg family law attorney can help you request or oppose post-divorce modifications by:
- Demonstrating a substantial change in circumstances, as required under Florida Statute §61.14
- Addressing modifications to child custody or support orders under Florida Statute §61.13
- Protecting your rights and interests during modification proceedings
How Is Alimony Determined?
When determining whether to award alimony, the court will consider:
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The duration of the marriage
- Each spouse’s age, physical, and emotional condition
- Each spouse’s financial resources and earning capacities
- The contribution of each spouse to the marriage, including homemaking, childcare, and career support
Based on these factors, the court may award various types of alimony, including:
- Temporary alimony during the divorce process
- Bridge-the-gap alimony for short-term needs
- Rehabilitative alimony to help a spouse become self-supporting
- Durational alimony for a set period after the divorce is finalized
- Permanent alimony for long-term support
How Is Marital Property Divided?
In St. Petersburg, as in the rest of Florida, marital property is divided according to the principles of equitable distribution. This means that the court will seek to distribute assets and debts fairly between the parties, considering factors such as:
- The duration of the marriage
- Each spouse’s economic circumstances
- Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and childcare
- Keeping the marital home for the benefit of any minor children
How a St. Petersburg Family Law Attorney Can Help
A St. Petersburg family lawyer at Florida Law Advisers, P.A., is here to provide the support, guidance, and representation you need when dealing with a family legal issue like divorce, child custody, or another matter. We aim to help you achieve the best possible outcome while minimizing the emotional and financial toll it might take.
Contact us by phone or online for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation with a St. Petersburg family law attorney.
For a FREE Consultation, Call 1 (800) 990-7763
How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a St. Petersburg Family Law Attorney
To make the most of your initial consultation with a St. Petersburg family lawyer, it’s highly recommended that you:
- Gather relevant documents and information, such as financial records, prenuptial agreements, or existing court orders.
- Make a list of questions and concerns you’d like to discuss with the attorney.
- Be prepared to discuss your goals and priorities, as well as any unique circumstances or challenges you’re facing or anticipate you might face during the process.
How a St. Petersburg Family Law Attorney Can Help
A St. Petersburg family lawyer at Florida Law Advisers, P.A., is here to provide the support, guidance, and representation you need when dealing with a family legal issue like divorce, child custody, or another matter. We aim to help you achieve the best possible outcome while minimizing the emotional and financial toll it might take.
Contact us by phone or online for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation with a St. Petersburg family law attorney.
