In Florida separations and divorces, child custody is a very contentious issue. Ideally, children should never be brought into disputes between their parents but sadly, one parent or another often does involve children in their disagreements. For example, if one parent angers the other, the angered parent may prevent the other party from visiting with their child. In other cases, one parent may threaten to strive for sole custody. In some, but not all instances, this may be possible but that is rarely the case. Below, our Tampa child custody attorney explains further. What is Sole Custody?&nbs ..read more

A contested divorce is one in which the two parties cannot agree to all the different terms of the case. These issues include property division, alimony, child support, and timesharing. A contested divorce is much more complicated than an uncontested case. The steps involved are outlined below. Filing the Petition  The party who wishes to file for divorce first must file a Petition to the Dissolution of Marriage. The petition essentially asks the court to review the issues in the case and grant a divorce. The petition is served to the other party and they then have 20 days to respond to i ..read more

Discovery is a phase of many divorce cases in Florida and during this process, mandatory disclosure occurs. Mandatory disclosure refers to the fact that both spouses are required to give their financial records to the other side. Both parties are prohibited from lying or hiding information from each other during the divorce process. Hiding property has very serious consequences. Below, one of our Tampa contested divorce attorneys explains mandatory disclosure in detail. Mandatory Disclosure and Divorce  Mandatory disclosure occurs when a divorce enters litigation. Both sides are required ..read more

Ending a marriage is never easy. However, divorce does not have to be the long and bitter courtroom battle many people think. If you and your spouse can agree to all of the different terms, including child custody, alimony, and property division, you can get an uncontested divorce. Below, one of our Tampa uncontested divorce attorneys explains further. Meet the Residency Requirements  All divorces in Florida, whether they are contested or uncontested, have a residency requirement. To get an uncontested divorce, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of six months be ..read more

When going through any family law issue, it is critical that you seek legal advice from a Tampa family attorney. A lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and obligations throughout the process and help you receive the fair settlement you deserve. Not all attorneys are created equally, though, nor do they all specialize in family law. When trying to find the right Florida family law attorney for your case, follow the tips below. Looking for Potential Attorneys  The Florida Bar has more than 111,454 members, so it is natural to feel confused as to where to even begin looking for your at ..read more

Divorce is never easy, but when couples cannot agree on the terms of their separation, the process becomes even more complicated. A contested divorce process can involve extensive negotiations, evidence collection, numerous court appearances, and a trial, which can lead to significant time, monetary costs, and emotional strain for both parties involved.  The final step in this process is often a hearing in divorce court where the judge issues the final order to finalize the divorce. However, understanding the process and the intermediary steps can help individuals navigate this challengin ..read more

The vast majority of divorce cases in Florida are settled outside of the courtroom. Instead of going to trial, the two spouses either agree to all terms, or they negotiate until they reach a settlement agreement. When a case does proceed to trial, the two spouses sometimes have to take part in a deposition. You, your spouse, the attorneys for both sides, and potentially other experts are all present at a deposition. Anything said during a deposition is said under oath and so, a court reporter is also typically present. Most people have never attended a deposition before and the prospect can be ..read more

Getting a divorce is one of the hardest things you will ever go through. According to many studies, the only thing more painful is losing a child or a parent. Although it may not be possible to avoid all of the frustration and stress that comes with ending a marriage, following some tips can help make the process easier on you. Below, one of our Tampa divorce attorneys outlines five tips that can help. Exercise Your Rights  Again, divorce is extremely hard on all parties involved. You may go into denial or become focused on simply getting the whole process over with. If you were not the o ..read more

If you are thinking about ending your marriage, you have likely wondered how much it will cost you. Divorce can be an expensive process, but that also does not always have to be the case. Generally speaking, the more disputes that arise in a case, the more expensive the divorce is. Uncontested divorces involve two spouses who agree to all the different terms of the case. These are the most affordable divorce cases. Still, it is unlikely that you will leave the divorce process without paying anything at all. Below, one of our Tampa uncontested divorce attorneys explains the cost associated with ..read more

When it comes to divorce and property division, many people wonder if Florida is a community property state. The answer is clear: No. Florida is not a community property state. Florida is an equitable distribution state. In Florida, assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered marital property, subject to division based on fairness. This blog post will cover the specifics of community property states and Florida’s equitable distribution laws, clarify common misconceptions about property division in the state, and provide guidance on protecting your assets during a divorce. If y ..read more