Clearwater Divorce Attorneys
Helping Clients Through The Divorce Process in Florida
The decision to file for divorce might be one of the toughest choices you will ever have to make. While divorce is a private decision, it also has major legal and financial implications. For example, if you are getting divorced, you will need to make decisions about how to split assets, debts, and property. If you have children, you will need to develop a parenting plan that works for you and your family. You will also need to establish a visitation (time-sharing) schedule that works for both parties and is in the best interests of the child(ren). Even if you are able to file for an uncontested divorce because you and your spouse agree about all aspects of your divorce, it is still a good idea to speak to a divorce lawyer at The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet in Clearwater, Florida before you file to ensure your legal rights are protected.
Our divorce attorneys in Pinellas County can review your unique situation, help you understand your rights and responsibilities, help you file, and assist you through the process. Contact us today.
How Our Clearwater Divorce Attorneys Can Help
Facing the many challenges of divorce can be daunting, but the divorce attorneys at The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet are here to provide the support and guidance necessary to navigate these complexities. Our experienced team will assist you in identifying fair solutions for asset division, developing workable parenting plans, and advocating for appropriate spousal and child support arrangements. We understand the emotional strain divorce can place on you and your family, and our goal is to offer compassionate, strategic counsel to help you through each stage of the process. Additionally, our attorneys will handle all legal procedures efficiently, ensuring that your case is presented effectively in court, if needed.
How Can I File for Divorce in Florida?
There are two ways you can file for a divorce (often referred to as a dissolution of marriage). One way is through Florida’s simplified dissolution of marriage process, and the other way is by filing for a “regular” dissolution of marriage. The process you will use will depend on your individual needs. Only certain couples will qualify for filing for a simplified dissolution of marriage. While a simplified dissolution of marriage can sometimes lead to a faster divorce, it requires that both parties give up important legal rights, like the ability to appeal and the ability to go to trial. The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet is a divorce law firm that can review your case and assist you with choosing the best possible divorce process for your needs.
Understanding Your Divorce Options in Florida
Simplified Dissolution of Marriage. With a simplified dissolution of marriage, couples file divorce paperwork after having agreed about how they will divide their assets, property, and debts. At least one party filing for divorce must meet Florida’s requirements for residency. The parties cannot have minor children in common, and neither party can be seeking alimony from the other. With a simplified dissolution of marriage, both parties give up their right to a trial and the right to appeal the divorce agreement. Before filing for divorce using the simplified dissolution of marriage process, couples should take the time to consider their goals and discuss them with an attorney.
Dissolution of Marriage. If you have minor children, will be seeking spousal support, are unable to reach amicable settlement, or if you believe you may need to go to court to finalize your divorce agreement (or just want to keep this option on the table), the dissolution of marriage process may be best for you. With the dissolution of marriage process, you can still reach an out-of-court divorce settlement, but you retain the right to a trial. This can potentially give you more options when it comes to negotiating the division of assets, debts, and property, and when it comes to negotiating your parenting plan with your former partner.
Common Issues Spouses Face During Divorce
Divorce proceedings can introduce a multitude of challenges and complexities for both parties. Understanding these common issues can help you better prepare for the process and create solutions that address your unique situation. Below are some of the most frequent issues spouses encounter during divorce:
- Division of Assets and Debts: Deciding how to split marital assets and debts equitably, including bank accounts, real estate, retirement accounts, and credit card debt.
- Child Custody and Visitation: Developing a parenting plan and visitation schedule that considers both parents' involvement, the child's best interests, and minimizes disruption to the child's routine.
- Spousal Support (Alimony): Determining if one spouse should receive alimony, the amount, duration, and type of alimony, based on the couple's financial circumstances and contributions to the marriage.
- Child Support: Establishing the amount of child support one parent will pay to ensure the child's needs are met, following Florida's child support guidelines.
- Emotional Stress: Managing the emotional toll that divorce can take on spouses and their children, which can impact decision-making and overall well-being.
- Communication Issues: Navigating conflicts and maintaining effective communication between spouses, especially in acrimonious separations.
- Legal Procedures: Understanding and complying with the complex legal requirements and documentation involved in filing for divorce.
- Property Valuation: Accurately assessing the value of shared property and businesses, which can be contentious and require expert valuation.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Florida?
Under Florida law, all marital property is subject to equitable distribution during the divorce proceedings. Generally, a judge will divide marital property 50/50 unless there are grounds why an equal split would be unfair.
There are many ways couples can reach divorce settlements. Some couples can reach divorce agreements through mediation, others are able to reach settlement through out-of-court discussions between parties and/or their attorneys. If a settlement cannot be reached, it will be necessary to take the case to trial. Whatever your needs, The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet will be able to help you. Our attorneys are very experienced in negotiating settlement agreements, as well as litigating cases through trial.
Understanding Spousal Support in Florida
Spousal support (also referred to as alimony) is often times money paid by the higher-earning partner to the partner that earned less money during the marriage. Some types of alimony are designed to help a lower-earning partner adjust to single life, get work retraining, gain skills, and, ultimately, live independently. However, in some cases, like cases where a couple was married for a very long time, or where one partner is disabled, ill, or older, spousal support may be more long-term in nature. The kind of spousal support award you might be required to pay, or may be entitled to receive, will depend on your unique needs and situation.
Spousal support is not determined based on a fixed formula in Florida. As a result, the kind of case you present to the judge can make a big difference in the type of spousal support awarded or ordered to be paid, if any. The courts will consider many factors when determining a spousal support award. Some of the factors that may be considered in determining whether to award alimony include whether one partner gave up work opportunities to raise children, whether one spouse provided support to the other while he or she pursued career goals, the length of the marriage, the assets both parties have independently, the age of both parties, the employability and health of each party, and other relevant factors. If you are thinking of seeking alimony during divorce, or are concerned about being ordered to pay alimony, The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet will be able to assist you.
What are the residency requirements for filing a divorce in Pinellas County, Florida?
To file for a divorce in Pinellas County, Florida, at least one of the parties must have lived in the state for a minimum of six months prior to filing. This residency requirement ensures that the Florida courts have jurisdiction over the divorce case. If you're considering filing for divorce and are unsure about the residency requirements, The Law Office Of Yeazell And Sweet can provide guidance and help you understand the legal prerequisites for divorce proceedings in Florida.
Can I file for divorce in Florida without going to trial?
Yes, it is possible to file for divorce in Florida without going to trial. Couples can opt for a simplified dissolution of marriage if they meet certain conditions, such as having no minor children and agreeing on the division of assets and debts. Alternatively, couples can negotiate an out-of-court settlement through mediation or discussions with their attorneys. The Law Office Of Yeazell And Sweet can assist in negotiating a fair settlement and guide you through the process to avoid a trial.
What is the difference between simplified dissolution of marriage and regular dissolution in Florida?
In Florida, a simplified dissolution of marriage is a quicker process that requires couples to agree on asset division and have no minor children, among other criteria. It waives the right to trial and appeal. A regular dissolution of marriage, on the other hand, is suitable for couples with minor children, those seeking alimony, or those who prefer to retain the option of going to trial. The Law Office Of Yeazell And Sweet can help determine which process aligns with your circumstances and legal goals.
To learn more about your options, call our Clearwater divorce lawyers at (813) 285-5705 today and schedule your free initial consultation.
Our Values
What Sets Us Apart-
Exclusively Practicing Family Law
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Extensive Trial Experience with Hundreds of Cases
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Committed to Providing Excellent Service for Clients
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We are a smaller firm able to provide more personalized attention
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Over 40 Years of Experience
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Five-Star Reviews from Our Past Clients
Why Choose The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet
Choosing the right divorce attorney is crucial for protecting your interests and achieving a favorable outcome in your divorce proceedings. At The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet, our attorneys are dedicated to providing personalized, attentive service to each client. We combine extensive legal expertise with a client-centered approach, ensuring that your unique circumstances and goals are at the forefront of our strategy. Our track record of successfully handling divorce cases in Clearwater speaks to our commitment to excellence.
By choosing our firm, you will benefit from our thorough knowledge of Florida divorce law, our skill in negotiation and litigation, and our unwavering advocacy on your behalf. Take the first step towards resolving your divorce with confidence and peace of mind.
