What Should I Consider in Divorce?
Divorce can disrupt your entire life. By preparing for what’s to come, you can make your life easier now and in the future. If you’re filing for divorce in Florida, among the actions you will need to consider include the following:
- Gathering financial documentation, such as proof of assets, mortgages, deeds, and titles
- Resolving issues over asset and debt division before you file
- Determining what to do with the marital home if you have one
- Creating a parenting arrangement if you and your spouse have minor children
- Obtaining necessary documents like your marriage license or prenuptial agreement
- Establishing a budget to maintain your standard of living after finalizing the divorce
- Hiring a knowledgeable family law attorney from day one
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Divorce?
You don’t have to hire a family law attorney to get divorced in Florida, but you should. Filing for divorce is a complicated and time-consuming process, and even a minor error could have lasting implications.
When you come to us for help, the legal team at Florida Law Advisers, P.A., can take on the responsibility of organizing your records, preparing the petition, and handling unexpected complications. We will remain by your side and walk you through every stage of your divorce case.
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.
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.
What Types of Family Law Services Do We Provide?
The Florida attorneys at Florida Law Advisers, P.A., have extensive experience with all types of family law cases, including those involving:
- Property/Asset Division
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Alimony
- Alimony Modifications
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Child Custody Modifications / Relocation
- Step-parent Adoption
- Same-Sex Divorce
- Annulment
- Paternity Issues
- Mediation
- Post-Divorce Modification of Orders
- Court Enforcement
- Postnuptial Agreement
Talk to Our Florida Family Law and Divorce Attorneys Today
Florida Law Advisers, P.A., understands that the outcome of your family law case could affect your future and your loved ones for years to come. That’s why we work hard to provide personalized legal services and meet your unique needs.
Whether you’re going through a divorce or dealing with another family law issue, let us be your advocate during your time of need. Contact us today for a free consultation with a skilled Florida family law attorney.
If you need a family law attorney in Tampa, you can visit our office to get more information.