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Divorce Helping People Move Forward with Their Life

Filing for Divorce in Panama City, FL?

Discuss Your Options During An Initial Consultation - (800) 822-5170 

The divorce attorneys at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. are committed to providing exceptional divorce services to clients in Panama City, Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, and the surrounding areas. Having represented hundreds of clients before, and many of us being parents ourselves, our team understands how vital it is to reach a fair, swift, and amicable resolution.

With this in mind, we make it our goal to provide personalized, attentive service to each and every client. Whether we are handling an uncontested case outside of court or representing our client in litigation, we can be counted on to provide zealous advocacy focused on achieving positive results.

Our firm is set apart from the rest because of the following:

  • Glowing recommendations from past clients
  • Decades of combined litigation experience
  • Inclusion in Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers
  • 24/7 availability for our clients

If you are considering whether to file for divorce, or if your spouse has served you with divorce papers, then you can find the trusted counsel you deserve at our divorce firm in Panama City, FL. Backed by a team of attorneys with a proven history of successful case results, we are dedicated to getting to know you and your unique situation so we can effectively represent you and your interests.

We are ready to vigorously defend your legal rights! Call The Virga Law Firm, P.A. today at (800) 822-5170 to schedule your initial consultation.

What is a Divorce?

A divorce, also known as dissolution of marriage, is a legal process that formally ends a marriage relationship between two individuals. The process involves resolving various issues related to the separation, such as the division of assets and debts, child custody and visitation arrangements (if applicable), child support, and spousal support.

In Florida, common types of divorce-related issues include:

  • Child Custody: Determining which parent will have legal and physical custody of the children, as well as establishing visitation schedules and decision-making authority regarding the children's upbringing.
  • Child Support: Establishing financial support for the children, which typically involves determining the amount of support based on factors such as each parent's income, the needs of the children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children.
  • Spousal Support (Alimony): Determining whether one spouse is entitled to receive financial support from the other spouse following the divorce, and if so, the amount and duration of the support.
  • Property Division: Equitably dividing marital assets and debts acquired during the marriage, including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and personal belongings. Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital assets and debts are divided fairly but not necessarily equally.

Florida Divorce Laws

Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that spouses do not need to prove fault or wrongdoing on the part of the other spouse to obtain a divorce. The only requirement for filing for divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, with no reasonable chance of reconciliation.

To file for divorce in Florida, either spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months prior to filing.

Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution when dividing marital assets and debts in a divorce. This means that marital property and debts are divided fairly but not necessarily equally between the spouses. Factors considered in equitable distribution include the duration of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and contributions to the marriage.

In cases involving minor children, Florida courts make decisions regarding child custody (known as "timesharing" and "parental responsibility") based on the best interests of the child. Child support is determined using state guidelines that consider factors such as each parent's income, the child's needs, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child.

Florida courts may award spousal support (alimony) to one spouse if it is deemed necessary for their financial support. Factors considered in determining alimony include each spouse's financial resources, earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage.

In many cases, Florida courts require divorcing couples to attempt mediation to resolve disputes related to child custody, property division, and other issues before going to trial. If any divorce issues are not resolved in mediation, a judge will decide on unresolved matters in court.

For couples who meet certain criteria (e.g., no minor children, agreement on property division), Florida offers a simplified dissolution of marriage process, which is a quicker and less expensive option than traditional divorce proceedings.

Our Approach To Divorce Representation: Changing The Way You Think About Lawyers

At the beginning of each case, Founding Attorney Gerard M. Virga gives out his cell phone number. From the unique complexities of a military divorce to highly contested matters of child custody and visitation, our entire firm is ready to provide legal support around the clock.

Throughout every divorce case, we make it a priority to get to know our clients. It is only with an understanding of our clients' distinct situations and specific family dynamics that we can accurately represent them. This is particularly true of divorces that involve matters of child custody.

Many of us are parents, too. We realize what is at stake for you, and we are ready to deliver unwavering, tireless advocacy on your behalf.

The attorneys at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. are prepared to preserve your relationship with your child by skillfully asserting your legal rights.

Divorce Is Tough. Choosing The Right Lawyer Should Not Be.

Whether you need answers about divorce or need to learn what to expect from the divorce process, you can depend on our caring and compassionate Panama City divorce firm. We can help you determine which legal route would best help you move forward to a stronger future. Whether that means negotiating a settlement or preparing a compelling case for trial, our firm has the resources and experience you need.

During this intense season in your life, you need to know that you are supported by legal advocates who are trustworthy, accessible, and talented. While we can never guarantee the results of your or any case, we can tell you that our aim is to represent each client with the utmost professionalism and dedication.

Contact Us For Skilled Divorce Advocacy

Even the most straightforward divorce is a serious legal matter that redefines your future, requiring the counsel of a skilled team of attorneys to ensure all of your legal rights are protected. Even the most heated, complex dissolution can be successfully navigated with the advocacy of a tenacious lawyer, an experienced professional who is personally invested in clients' futures.

At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., you can find the personal service, litigation experience, and knowledgeable counsel you need to face your divorce with confidence, no matter what it brings. Please do not hesitate to call today to learn more about what our firm can do for your case.

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Our Core Values

  • The Client Comes First and All Else Will Follow
    We 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.
  • Authenticity and Transparency
    We 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.
  • Relentless Pursuit of the Win
    We achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
  • Growth Mindset
    We 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.
  • Ownership
    We 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.
  • Results Driven
    We 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.
  • Respect and Celebration for One Another
    We 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.
  • Unquestionable Integrity
    We 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.
  • We are in it Together
    We 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.
  • Reputation
    Reputation 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.
  • Community Stewardship
    We 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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    • "Eager to help and fight for clients."
      I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know that needs a child custody or divorce attorney!
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Gerard has been monumental to my case."
      Gerard has been monumental to my case. I recognized I needed an attorney who was committed to a positive outcome for my children and I. Gerard made himself available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I felt very comfortable working with the Virga Law Firm.
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Fast and supportive service."
      The Virga Law Firm, P.A. was a blessing during my divorce. Always available for questions, they made the process fast and fair. No need to fight—they handled it all. I'd recommend them in a heartbeat.
      - Visi, A Divorce Client
    • "He listened carefully."
      He answered in a way that helped me understand the law better.
      - A Divorce Client