The Divorce Process in Florida
Getting Divorced in the Sunshine State? Call (800) 822-5170 to Bring an Experienced Divorce Lawyer on Board.
Our team at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. has your best interests at heart, especially during divorce. We understand that splitting up with a life partner isn’t just emotionally traumatic—it is often rife with conflict and disagreement. We also know that your marital disagreements are far from insignificant, and that they are often related to issues of alimony, child support, shared property and more.
Over more than four decades of service to couples and families in the state of Florida, our divorce attorneys have mastered the art of the successful, efficient divorce. There are many reasons to choose us, so don't delay in speaking with our team.
Don’t get divorced without first getting the help you need. Contact The Virga Law Firm, P.A. today by calling (800) 822-5170.
How Does Divorce Work in Florida?
We get this question all the time, and we are happy to answer it. In the state of Florida, there are several important steps during the divorce process.
Here is a brief overview of what you can expect during your divorce:
- File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage—Whether you and your spouse are on the same page or not, you can still get started on your divorce by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Even if you and your spouse both agree that your marriage should end, one of you must still file a petition in order to officially begin the process. Because Florida does not assign fault in divorce cases, there is no need to prove that either spouse committed any wrongdoing, which means either spouse is eligible to file. It is not important which spouse files the petition, as long as one of you does so promptly upon deciding to divorce.
- Seek temporary court orders (if applicable)—Sometimes filing for divorce can turn a bad family situation into an even worse one, and in other cases it occurs because the family circumstances are already unbearable. In many cases, spouses who file for divorce are in immediate need of temporary orders for child custody and support or alimony. If filing your petition will put you in a bad spot as a parent or as a newly-financially-unsupported individual, you may need temporary orders in order to ensure you have access to your children and to the money you need to cover basic costs. (Such situations are typically dire, so contact a Florida divorce lawyer immediately for help.)
- Serve the Divorce Papers—Regardless of who files the petition for divorce, the other spouse must officially be “served” the divorce papers. Typically, this is done by a county sheriff or other member of law enforcement, but it can also be done by a hired, private servicer. Serving divorce papers can become complicated in cases of absent, missing, or belligerent spouses. If you are experiencing trouble getting your divorce papers in the hands of your spouse, secure legal representation immediately to ensure you take full advantage of all your options.
- Negotiation and Mediation—Except in cases of uncontested divorce, in which you and your spouse agree on every detail of your separation, you will likely need to negotiate various aspects of your divorce. You and your spouse will likely need to decide where children with live, how one spouse will be supported (if applicable), which property belongs to who, and so on. Unless you hire an experienced negotiator, your spouse may be able to take advantage of you and keep you from the support, custody, and assets you deserve.
After all this has occurred, you and your spouse will finalize your divorce by appearing before a judge. However, there is likely to be at least one major detour or difficulty along the way if you and your spouse are not in agreement about the terms of your split. That’s when you will need an experienced divorce lawyer on your side.
Speak to a Skilled, Experienced Divorce Attorney in Florida Today
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., we know what it takes to get you the kind of settlement you need and results you want in your divorce. With our highly skilled, tactful negotiators and legal representatives on your side, you can be sure your best interests will be protected throughout the process.
Schedule your consultation 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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Community StewardshipWe embody the concept of giving back to the community. The Virga Law Firm is committed to supporting and improving the community through responsible and caring actions, setting an example of character.
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