Tampa Contested Divorce Lawyer

Assisting Clients Through The Contested Divorce Process in Florida

At Four Rivers Law Firm, we specialize in providing legal counsel and representation for individuals facing the complex and often emotionally charged process of a contested divorce. Our Tampa contested divorce attorneys are here to guide you through this challenging journey, advocating for your rights and ensuring the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances.

Call Four Rivers Law Firm today at (813) 331-5056 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our contested divorce attorney in Tampa.

What is a Contested Divorce?

A contested divorce is considered a legal process in which the spouses cannot agree on one or more crucial issues related to their divorce. These issues can include:

• Property Division: Dividing marital assets and liabilities can be a contentious matter in a contested divorce. This involves determining who gets what, including real estate, personal property, financial assets, and debts.
• Alimony: Spousal support, or alimony, is a financial payment made from one spouse to the other. The amount and duration of alimony can be a source of disagreement in a contested divorce.
• Child Custody: When children are involved, child custody and visitation arrangements can be highly contested. Determining which parent will have the primary custody and how visitation schedules will be structured can be emotionally charged issues.
• Child Support: Calculating child support payments, which provide for the financial needs of the children, is a significant concern in contested divorces.

A contested divorce is often more complex and lengthy than an uncontested divorce, as it involves resolving these issues through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.

What Are the Requirements for a Contested Divorce in Florida?

In Florida, the requirements for initiating a contested divorce are straightforward. These include:

• Residency: At least one of the spouses must have resided in Florida for at least six months before filing for divorce. Residency requirements must be met to ensure the court's jurisdiction over the case.
• Filing a Petition for Divorce: The spouse seeking the divorce (the petitioner) must file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court, indicating that the divorce is being sought on the grounds of the marriage being "irretrievably broken." This means that there is no hope for reconciliation.
• Service of Process: Once the Petition has been filed, the other partner (the respondent) must be served with the divorce papers. The respondent will have 20 days to respond after being served. If they fail to respond, the court may proceed with the divorce by default.
• Financial Disclosure: Both spouses are required to provide full financial disclosure, including income, assets, and liabilities. This is crucial for the equitable distribution of marital property and determining alimony, if applicable.
• Negotiations and Mediation: Before going to court, the spouses may engage in negotiation or mediation to attempt to resolve the issues in dispute. If an agreement is reached on all matters, the divorce can move as an uncontested divorce.
• Court Proceedings: If negotiations or mediation fail, the case will proceed to court. A judge will make decisions on the disputed issues, taking into account the best interests of any children involved.

Contact Our Contested Divorce Attorney in Tampa Today

If you are dealing with a contested divorce, Four Rivers Law Firm is here to bring you the skilled legal guidance and representation you need. Our Tampa contested divorce lawyers will work tirelessly to safeguard your rights and help you achieve a fair resolution to the issues at hand. We understand the complexity and emotional toll that contested divorces can take on our clients, and we are committed to delivering compassionate and professional legal services. Regarding these cases, trust Four Rivers Law Firm to be by your side every step of the way.

Contact Four Rivers Law Firm today to get started with our Tampa contested divorce lawyer.