When it comes to resolving family law matters, things can get very complicated and messy. The more you are informed and prepared for what is to come, the more likely your legal concerns will be resolved in an amicable manner. To ease your mind, our firm has provided this frequently asked questions section for you to review.
What is a divorce settlement?
When a couple no longer wants to be married, they will likely choose to pursue a divorce. While this may seem like a straightforward legal step, there are many factors that go into a divorce, especially if it has to be settled by the court. For example, if a couple cannot agree on a certain factor or one spouse refuses to cooperate, the divorce will be handled by the court. Here, factors like child custody, spousal support/alimony, child support, property division, visitation rights, and other issues must be decided.
How long will my divorce take?
There is a 60 day waiting period from the date you file for divorce, and if there is no delay in resolving the terms of your divorce settlement, at the end of this period your divorce will be finalized. An attorney can help you speed the process significantly by helping you avoid common pitfalls and representing you with your former spouse to facilitate negotiations.
How do I change my child custody order?
Whether you want to increase the amount of time you spend with your child or give the other parent a little more responsibility, there is always room to change a child custody order. However, the court will likely not agree to the modification if there is no substantial reason for the change. A new job, change in health, financial obstacle, change in geographic location, or new relationship may be enough to grant a modification. If the other parent opposes, it will be trickier to get the order changed, which is why you need a lawyer by your side.
Will all of my property be divided with my spouse in a divorce?
No. Florida is an equitable division state, which means property will not be divided equally, but fairly. In that regard, only marital property will be divided between spouses, which is anything that was obtained during the marriage. This includes items like homes, vehicles, electronics, real estate, bank accounts, savings, etc. Any property obtained prior to the marriage or through inheritance or a gift will be considered separate property and will not be included in the division.
What is the difference between an uncontested and contested divorce?
When going into an uncontested divorce, both spouses are willing to come to an agreement on all the major factors (child custody, property division, etc.) and resolve matters outside of the court. However, in a contested divorce, the court must intervene to make decisions on these factors. In either case, it is wise to have the counsel of a seasoned divorce lawyer throughout the process.
What is a collaborative approach?
While resolving family law matters can be tough, we often recommend that clients do everything they can to do so in a collaborative manner. What does that mean? Our Pensacola divorce lawyers will strive to resolve all matters between you and your spouse or family member in an amicable way, minimizing court costs, time, and headaches associated with family law battles. The goal of collaboration is to provide a middle ground for both parties, considering everyone's interests involved and working out a resolution from there.
What types of family law cases does your firm handle?
There is no legal requirement in the State of Florida for you to hire any type of legal professional to represent you during your divorce, but it is highly recommended that you do so.
At our firm, we can take on a wide range of family law cases, such as uncontested and contested divorce, mediation, adoption, domestic violence, spousal and child support, paternity disputes, and more. No matter the details and issues involved in your case, be sure to come to us for counsel and guidance.
If you don't see the answers you are looking for or have further questions, call our Pensacola family law attorneys at (850) 404-7263.
