Tampa Divorce Attorney
Experienced Divorce Lawyers Serving Hillsborough County, Florida
As the saying goes, “divorce is never easy,” which is why Four Rivers Law Firm takes a different approach to help you navigate what can be a stressful, expensive, and time-consuming process.
Our Tampa family law lawyers offer a unique choice for the representation of your divorce, one that is designed to match your individual needs and objectives. No two cases are ever alike and, in the matter of divorce, strong emotion can add even more complication to an already difficult process.
The Tampa divorce attorneys at Four Rivers Law Firm strive to take the emotion out of the equation by having both sides cooperate as much as possible. We prefer to work with your spouse’s lawyer in a reasoned approach to settling your divorce as efficiently and smoothly as possible.
Whether your divorce is simple or complex due to high assets, we offer menu-based prices and either limited or full representation. We also provide alternative dispute resolution methods to help you and your spouse come to an agreement.
Contemplating divorce? Contact us to learn more about how our Tampa divorce lawyers can accommodate your divorce process at (813) 773-5105.
Divorce in Florida
Divorce in Florida is called no-fault, which means you do not need to prove to the court that your spouse damaged the marriage through some misconduct. Rather, either spouse can seek a divorce based on the marriage being “irretrievably broken.” While this simplifies the divorce process, the issues in any divorce that need to be resolved can be complicated.
Our compassionate Tampa divorce lawyers understands that it can be difficult untangling a relationship that involves:
- finances
- children
- family homes
- pets
- debts
- other assets
- and more
You and your spouse will have to come up with a settlement agreement that is acceptable or put your case before the family court so that a Tampa judge can decide.
What is the 7 Year Divorce Rule in Florida?
Florida’s “7-year” rule is a non-official rule used by many courts to determine the length of a marriage. In Florida, a marriage that lasts less than seven years is considered a “short marriage.” A marriage lasting between seven and 17 years is a “moderate-term” marriage, and a marriage that lasts exceeding 17 years is a “long-term” one.
How Our Tampa Divorce Lawyers Can Help
The basic divorce issues that must be resolved to finalize the process include:
- Child custody, or what is referred to as a parenting plan
- Child support
- Alimony
- The division of marital property, assets, and debts, which must be fair and equitable
Our Tampa family law attorneys are experienced in every aspect of getting a divorce and are knowledgeable of the Florida divorce laws.
Contested vs Uncontested Divorce in Florida
A contested divorce occurs when both parties cannot reach an agreement on a divorce settlement. Disputes over child custody, alimony, property division, or any other detail related to the end of their marriage could cause this.
When a couple is unable to reach a compromise resolution through their own negotiations, their respective family law attorneys negotiate and attempt to reach a compromise resolution which can be approved by the family court in Tampa, FL.
An uncontested divorce is a divorce in which both spouses have agreed in writing on all terms and conditions of their divorce settlement. Uncontested divorces are easier, faster, and cheaper than contested divorces.
Do You Have to Go to Court for a Divorce in Florida?
In Florida, at least one spouse must appear in court for every divorce case, except for standard uncontested dissolution. In most cases, both spouses must appear.
In general, uncontested divorces are preferred since they provide a quicker resolution to the end of a marriage than contested divorces. It is important, however, for couples considering an uncontested divorce to seek legal advice from an experienced Tampa divorce lawyer so that they are aware of all aspects of the divorce process.
Divorce Mediation in Tampa
You can come to a divorce agreement through negotiation or mediation which can then be submitted to the court for approval. This is a less costly, less time-consuming, and less public method in which you can retain control of these important decisions.
How Long Do You Have to Be Separated to Get a Divorce in Florida?
Since Florida is a no-fault divorce state, you do not have to live separately for a specified of time before you can file for a divorce. You can file for divorce at any time, married or separated, as long as you believe that your marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
Is Florida a 50/50 State When it Comes to Divorce?
Florida is an equitable distribution state, which means that marital property is not necessarily divided 50/50. Instead, it is divided “equitably” based on what the court decides is fair. This is why it is so important to have a divorce attorney during the equitable distribution process in Florida.
Contact Four Rivers Law Firm Today
The team of Tampa family law attorneys at Four Rivers Law Firm can provide the guidance and assistance you need in a divorce.
Arrange for a free case consultation at our family law firm and call (813) 773-5105.
