Florida Divorce Lawyers

File For Divorce in FL

At the Virga Law Firm, our Florida divorce attorneys stand ready to assist you with all your legal needs. During a dissolution of marriage, we know the significance of timely action to achieve our clients' goals. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, we can quickly build an effective case for your individual needs.

Choose us for the experience you need. Call (800) 822-5170 or reach out to us online to schedule your consultation with our experienced Florida divorce attorneys today!

On This Page:

• Grounds for Dissolution of Marriage in Florida
• The Florida Divorce Process
• Uncontested Divorce in Florida
• Contested Divorce in Florida
• Annulment vs. Divorce in Florida
• Common Divorce Mistakes
• Contact a Florida Divorce Lawyer Today
• Commonly Asked Questions

For those undergoing divorce, the reasons are varied. In a legal sense, divorce is also known as dissolution of marriage.

Whatever your unique circumstances are, our individualized approach will identify the best pathway for effective case resolution. Furthermore, the firm’s divorce lawyers will assist with all relevant documentation and prepare you for every aspect of your case.

The first steps in the divorce process in Florida are:

1. Pick up a divorce packet from your local court or download divorce forms from the Florida Courts website
2. File a Petition for Dissolution and pay the fee (or have it waived, if applicable)
3. File an Answer to Petition and Counterpetition

Once you have filed for divorce or responded to a divorce petition, you will either go the route of an uncontested divorce (without court) or a contested divorce (in court). This depends on whether you and your spouse are able to agree on the terms of your divorce, such as property division, custody, and support.

Florida law also requires both parties to attend a mandatory disclosure exchange. This involves providing detailed information on income, assets, liabilities, and other financial matters to ensure a fair settlement is reached. Additionally, the parties may be required to attend mediation sessions designed to facilitate an amicable resolution before proceeding to a court hearing.

Deciding on the right divorce lawyer in Florida is crucial for navigating the complexities of your case. When selecting an attorney, consider their experience in family law, specifically divorce proceedings. A lawyer with extensive experience in handling divorces in Florida will be well-versed in local laws and common proceedings, ensuring your case is efficiently managed. Evaluate their communication skills and how well they understand your specific needs. Clear and effective communication is vital to creating a strategy that best represents your interests.

Additionally, seek feedback or testimonials from former clients to gauge their satisfaction with the lawyer's services. Look for an attorney who can balance professional legal strategies with compassionate counsel. Given the emotional nature of divorce, an attorney should demonstrate empathy while maintaining a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes. Make sure they are accessible, offering flexible communication channels, so that you can reach them when needed without unnecessary delays.

In Florida, child custody—often referred to as parental responsibility—requires careful deliberation. The state prioritizes the child’s best interests, encouraging both parents to remain involved in the child’s life unless there are compelling reasons otherwise. Courts evaluate various factors, including the emotional bonds between the child and each parent, the child’s home, school, and community history, and the moral fitness of the parents. Working with a knowledgeable family law attorney is crucial in advocating for parental rights while prioritizing the child's well-being.

During custody disputes, aim to establish a comprehensive parenting plan detailing visitation schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and resolutions for potential disputes. This plan serves as a framework for co-parenting arrangements and helps minimize conflict. Legal support helps ensure that the agreement is both fair and in accordance with Florida’s statutory requirements. Representation can also provide insight into how factors like parental relocation or unique needs of the child might affect custody arrangements.

In some cases, both parties want an amicable end to the marriage. When the divorcing couple is willing to cooperate, no litigation is required. Both parties must agree upon the division of property and debt. This is known as simplified dissolution of marriage. In this event, the matter is resolved outside of court.

During an uncontested divorce, dedicated attorneys guide you through the process. Utilizing professional experience, our Florida divorce lawyers draft pleadings and build your marital settlement agreement with your needs prioritized.

In the event your divorce is not fully uncontested, a team of reputable attorneys will negotiate on your behalf. The Virga Law Firm’s divorce attorneys excel at mediation and reaching optimal solutions. Your needs are our priority.

Uncontested divorces typically proceed much more quickly than contested divorces, as they avoid the lengthy litigation process. This approach not only preserves privacy and reduces stress but also can be more cost-effective for both parties involved. However, it requires a high level of cooperation and mutual agreement between spouses.

In cases where one or more parties cannot agree on terms, this is known as regular dissolution of marriage, or a contested divorce. Often, volatile emotions are involved in contentious divorce proceedings, and many prospective clients undergo significant emotional stress. Our passionate litigators will work tirelessly to defend your rights and interests during this turbulent time.

Contested divorces can involve numerous court appearances, expert testimonies, and complex legal arguments, making them potentially more costly and time-consuming. While this route can be challenging, it may be necessary when significant disparities exist over asset distribution, child custody, or other critical issues. Working with skilled lawyers ensures you receive comprehensive support and representation throughout the process.

Sometimes prospective clients question the difference between annulment and divorce. With annulments, the dissolution is based on the premise that the marriage is void by law. As for divorce, the parties are considered ending a legally valid marriage. Since Florida lacks an annulment statute, there are no definitive fixed steps for proceeding. Annulments are typically more difficult to attain because they require a higher burden of proof.