Fort Walton Beach Uncontested Divorce Lawyer
What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all key issues, including:
- Alimony (Spousal Support) – Whether alimony will be awarded, the amount, and the duration.
- Child Custody and Parenting Plans – Establishing legal and physical custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and parental responsibilities.
- Child Support – Determining financial support based on Florida’s child support guidelines.
- Division of Property and Debt – How marital assets, liabilities, real estate, and financial accounts will be divided.
Since both parties agree on these matters, uncontested divorces typically move faster and cost less than contested cases. However, even in uncontested divorces, legal complexities can arise, making it beneficial to work with an experienced Fort Walton Beach uncontested divorce attorney to ensure your rights and interests are fully protected.
The Virga Law Firm, P.A. serves clients across Okaloosa County and beyond. Call (800) 822-5170 to request an initial consultation.
Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Florida?
To file for an uncontested divorce in Florida, the following conditions must be met:
- Both parties agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
- Both spouses reach a mutual agreement on all divorce-related issues, including property division, alimony, child custody, and child support.
- At least one spouse has lived in Florida for six months before filing.
If you and your spouse disagree on even one issue, the case may become a contested divorce, requiring litigation or mediation. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies for an uncontested divorce, our legal team can evaluate your case and provide guidance.
Why You Still Need a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce
- Protecting Your Legal Rights and Interests. Even if you and your spouse agree on all terms, you may not fully understand your legal rights. Florida divorce laws govern issues like alimony eligibility, separate vs. marital property classification, and proper child support calculations. An attorney ensures:
- You are not giving up assets or financial support you are entitled to.
- The agreement is fair and enforceable under Florida law.
- There are no hidden legal pitfalls that could cause problems later.
- Avoiding Costly Mistakes. Divorce involves overlapping areas of law, including family law, property law, tax law, and estate planning. Without legal guidance, you might unknowingly agree to terms that financially harm you in the long run, such as:
- Miscalculating tax consequences of asset division.
- Overlooking retirement accounts or debts in the settlement.
- Agreeing to unfair alimony terms that do not comply with Florida’s legal standards.
- Ensuring Proper Filing and Court Procedures. Florida courts require specific documents, hearings, and legal procedures to finalize a divorce. Failure to comply can lead to delays, court rejection of your settlement agreement, or dismissal of your divorce petition. An attorney ensures that all paperwork is correctly filed, court requirements are met, and your divorce proceeds smoothly and efficiently.
How to File for an Uncontested Divorce in Fort Walton Beach
Our legal team will handle every step of the uncontested divorce process, including:
- Step 1: Preparing and Filing the Divorce Petition
- We draft and file a "Petition for Simplified Dissolution of Marriage" with the circuit court in Okaloosa County.
- You and your spouse must sign a written marital settlement agreement outlining how assets, debts, child support, and custody will be handled.
- Step 2: Paying Court Filing Fees
- A filing fee must be paid when submitting your petition. These fees vary by county.
- Step 3: Scheduling a Final Hearing
- Both parties must attend a short court hearing where a judge will review your agreement. If everything is in order, the judge signs a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, officially granting the divorce.
The entire uncontested divorce process in Florida can be completed in as little as four to six weeks if all documents are properly prepared and filed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Florida?
Uncontested divorces typically take four to six weeks from the time you file to the final judgment, depending on the court’s schedule and processing times.
Do We Have to Go to Court for an Uncontested Divorce?
Yes, both spouses must attend a short final hearing where a judge will review and approve the marital settlement agreement.
Can We Change the Terms After the Divorce Is Finalized?
Certain issues, like child support and custody, can be modified later if circumstances change. However, property division and alimony terms are usually final and cannot be changed unless fraud or coercion occurred.
What Happens if We Cannot Agree on Everything?
If you and your spouse disagree on even one issue, your case may become a contested divorce, which requires litigation or mediation. Our attorneys can help negotiate a fair settlement to avoid court battles.
Speak with a Fort Walton Beach Uncontested Divorce Attorney Today
While uncontested divorces are more straightforward than contested ones, they still require legal knowledge, strategic planning, and careful execution to ensure fairness and compliance with Florida law. At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., we have over 100 years of combined experience guiding clients through the Florida divorce process.
Why Choose Our Firm?
- Experienced Florida family law attorneys
- Clear guidance through legal paperwork and filings
- Protection of your rights and financial interests
- Efficient and affordable uncontested divorce services
Get started with help from a team of top-rated divorce lawyers. Fill out our online contact form to request a case evaluation today!
Our Core Values
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The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
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Authenticity and TransparencyWe believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
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Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
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Growth MindsetWe continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
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OwnershipWe take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
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Results DrivenWe focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
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Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
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Unquestionable IntegrityWe stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
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We are in it TogetherWe are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
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ReputationReputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
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Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office
Job Title: Family Law Associate Attorney Position
The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL
Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?
We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.
Who We Are
The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.
Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.
Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate:
- Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
- Has a passion for family law
- Excels at identifying crucial case details
- Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
- Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
- Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
- Is committed to helping others and leading by example
Minimum Qualifications
- An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
- Demonstrated experience in family law
- Proven history of passionate representation and client service
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
- Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
- Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
- Ability to work independently and produce superior work product
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
- Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
- Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
- Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
- Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
- Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
- Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
- Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package based on experience
- Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
- Progressive Paid Time Off:
- One week per six months
- Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
- Paid holidays and one flex holiday
- Parental and bereavement leave
- Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive team environment
Why Choose The Virga Law Firm
- Unified company culture dedicated to success
- Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
- Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
- An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
- Commitment to personal and professional growth
- No-drama, no-judgment work environment
- Strong focus on team collaboration
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Current resume
- Writing sample
- Two letters of recommendation
- Cover letter
How to Apply
- Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
- Submit required documents
Additional Information
- Website: www.thevirgalawfirm/careers
- Email: careers@thevirgalawfirm.com
- Work Location: In-person at Panama City Beach office
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts
The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates.
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