FAQ
- All
- How Does Domestic Violence Affect My Family Law Case
- How Will Property Be Divided in My Divorce
- I Lost My Job and Can’t Afford Child Support. Now What
- What Factors Affect Child Custody
It is in your best interests to hire an attorney to represent you in your divorce. They can protect your rights, explain your options, guide you through the process, and handle everything in between, from paperwork to negotiations to problem-solving and more. With so much on the line and emotions running high, you’re better off entrusting your case in the hands of an experienced and compassionate lawyer who will see your case through. As such, you can count on our Pinellas County family law attorneys to advocate for your best interests, clarify your confusions, and ensure every decision made is well-suited for your needs and goals.
We bring 30+ combined years of experience to the table and a track record for successful outcomes on behalf of countless families in Pinellas County. Experience the difference we can make in your life by getting in touch online or at . You are not alone!
If you are the victim of domestic violence, you may file for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to receive protection from further abuse. The TRO may become permanent if circumstances call for it. On the other hand, if you are accused of domestic violence, you may be subject to tight restrictions on your lifestyle and whereabouts until the order is dropped, unless it becomes permanent. In either case, the bottom line is that a domestic violence accusation may impact child custody, support, and spousal support, among other issues in a divorce or other family law case.
Life happens. We win some and lose some. Fear not, however, because Florida judges are often understanding of and accommodating to major changes in life circumstances. You can petition the Court for a modification of your child support order. From there, a judge may request evidence before granting o denying your petition.
Florida is an equitable distribution state, meaning that any property you and your spouses acquired during the marriage (called “marital property”) is subject to equitable division. Don’t confuse ”equitable” with “equal,” however, as equitable distribution means property will be divided fairly and equally among both spouses. As such, there is no guarantee that your marital property will be divided 50/50.
Judges will evaluate various “best interest” factors to determine an effective child custody arrangement. Those factors include, but are not limited to:
- The parent’s ability and willingness to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, and other needs.
- The parent’s ability to care for the child’s safety, wellbeing, and physical, mental, and emotional health
- The current and future mental and physical health needs are the child
- The mental, physical, and emotional health of the parent
- The presence of domestic violence or neglect
- The relationship between the child and their current custodian
- The child’s ability to form a significant relationship with the parent
- The child’s preferences (if a judge finds them fit to express their preferences)
Benefits of Collaborative Law
Many clients who have used the collaborative process report finding fair and favorable resolutions to even the most complex disputes.
A collaborative approach can be used for:
- Divorce
- Child custody arrangements
- Child support disputes
- Alimony disputes
- Visitation/time sharing disputes
- Property division
- Paternity
The collaborative approach is best suited for parties who are willing to work together and are open to compromise but who need help and guidance along the way. The collaborative process utilizes a certified public accountant and a mental health professional. This process of collaboration allows the professionals and the parties to have monthly meetings to go over the agenda to move the case forward amicably.
Collaborative law can be beneficial because it:
- Saves time and money.
- Ensures privacy.
- Keeps decision-making power within the family and out of the hands of judges.
- Can result in a more agreeable solution.
Have questions about collaborative law in Pinellas County? Call (727) 734-1010, Attorneys at Law at now.
