Divorce is not fun. We won’t sugarcoat the challenging emotions and logistical difficulties of separating your life from an ex-partner. Finding a future that feels a little more certain is easier when you have the right divorce attorney in Florida by your side. That is where our expertise at Dadan Law Firm can make a significant difference. We help protect your rights and support your best interests at every step.
Step 1: Begin a Petition
Before the divorce process begins, you must fill out and properly file a petition with the courts. These are known as a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. You typically do this with the circuit or county court. Florida is known as a “no-fault” state, meaning you don’t have to prove any wrongdoing on anyone’s side, but simply wish to divorce because the marriage is irretrievably broken. In some areas, you can e-file your petition and include additional petitions.
Step 2: File Responses
The person being served divorce papers will need to respond. They have a given period (for example, 20 business days) from receiving the notice to answer and address any claims or requests in the petition.
Ignoring this petition risks a judge defaulting on the divorce, awarding everything to the other partner. Even if you and your ex are on the best of terms, you should have a divorce attorney in Florida ready to answer and respond to any filing.
Step 3: Gather Information
It’s time to put on your research hat and review all accounts, shared property verifications, housing notes, and anything related to shared or co-owned assets. Everything from pay stubs to debt confirmations is crucial to disclose. You want a fair and equitable division of property, alimony, and child support. If anything is left out or inaccurate, it could result in severe legal consequences you do not want.
Step 4: Mediation & Settlement
Florida will often require mediation of a divorce proceeding. This is common and a big reason you want a qualified divorce attorney in Florida. During mediation, you’ll discuss the division of assets and how child support will work in the future. You’re developing a contract moving forward so you and your ex can live your independent lives and manage any shared assets effectively.
Step 5: Parenting Plan & Timesharing
Children make divorce messy. Yes, you love and adore your kids, and that is amazing. The problem is figuring out a division of who drives a kid to soccer practice or deals with weekend sleepovers is emotionally driven. This process is built on the child’s best interests. It could include various stipulations like attending a co-parenting class or determining who pays health insurance.
Step 6: “Optional” Trial
If the settlement agreement during mediation isn’t reached or there is a breach of contract due to a lack of transparency during the process, your divorce could go to trial. We at Dadan Law are fully equipped and experienced to act on your behalf so this time-consuming, emotionally draining process runs as smoothly as possible.
Step 7: Final Judgment
Once everything has been thoroughly aired and resolved, you will receive a “Final Judgement.” This legal document ends your marriage and outlines any and all terms moving forward. You’ll want to keep a copy of this document safe for the future.
Start Today with Dadan Law Firm
While this step-by-step process is a bit “surface level,” it should give you a good idea of what to expect. Every divorce is unique, and there will be hiccups and bumps in the road before it’s all finalized.
The good news is with one of our experienced divorce attorney in Florida team members by your side, the entire process becomes much easier to manage. We help clients all over Fort Pierce, West Palm Beach, Vero Beach, and more. Give us a call today at 772-263-7417 and let’s get started.