Disputes over property, child custody, and financial support are common, and quickly overwhelm people going through a divorce. During these times, having a compassionate and knowledgeable Tampa divorce lawyer can make a difference.
Navigating Florida’s complicated family law rules might lead to unnecessary stress. With a trusted Tampa family law lawyer from Melone Hatley, P.C., you won’t have to face these difficulties alone.
At Melone Hatley, P.C., we are committed to protecting your family, your finances, and your future. Rely on us to advocate for your best interests and to guide you through this process with care and confidence.
Our Tampa Divorce Lawyers Will Listen to Your Story
As you know, divorce is one of life’s most challenging experiences. When making such a significant change, emotions run high, especially if you and your spouse disagree on the outcome. Understanding your rights and options under family law is essential during this difficult time.
When working with our Tampa divorce attorneys, we will provide:
- Guidance through the divorce process: Our attorneys offer the support and knowledge you need.
- Clear communication: We’ll keep you informed about your legal rights and choices every step of the way.
- Focused on your needs: Our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Choosing the right Tampa divorce lawyer makes a real difference in how smoothly this transition. Our attorneys know it’s hard—and we want to relieve some of that burden.
Overview of the Florida Divorce Process
When facing a family law matter like divorce, understanding the process makes things smoother.
In Florida, divorce can be pursued without assigning blame. This is known as a “no fault” dissolution of marriage. While fault doesn’t need to be assigned a party must provide there are specific grounds for dissolving the marriage, such as that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” or that a party is mentally incapacitated.
Key Steps in Divorce
- Residency requirements: Before filing, you or your spouse must have lived in the state of Florida for at least six months.
- Filing for divorce: The process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, including requests related to property division, division of assets, and any issues concerning minor children or prenuptial agreements.
- Mandatory financial disclosures: Both spouses must submit a Financial Affidavit detailing all assets and debts within 45 days of service to aid in fair property division.
Finalizing the Divorce
Unfortunately, the answer to “How long will my divorce take?” must be met with “It depends.” The Court can grant a “default” after the minimum 20-day waiting period from when the respondent is served, the court can finalize the divorce, making the agreed-upon terms legally binding. If life circumstances change, specific terms such as child support, child custody, and alimony can be revisited through a petition to modify the order in accordance with Florida law.
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Types of Divorce
We know that not every divorce is created equal. Sometimes, a partner sees it coming, and other times, it’s a complete shock. Regardless of your situation, you have our support.
Our skilled divorce lawyers are familiar with all types of divorce, including:
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce arises when you and your spouse disagree on important matters such as property division, support, or a time-sharing schedule for your children. Even if there’s just one unresolved issue, it’s still considered contested.
These cases can be lengthy, but our Tampa family law attorneys bring extensive experience to help you work through disputes. We utilize strategies like mediation and arbitration to help you reach a resolution as efficiently as possible.
Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses agree on all aspects of the divorce, including property division and custody, it’s known as an uncontested divorce.
These cases are generally quicker and less expensive. However, an attorney’s guidance protects your rights and ensures more favorable terms. Sometimes the “amicable terms” that parties agree upon may not be supported by the law, such as wholly waiving child support. Our team is here to guide you through the process smoothly, keeping your best interests at heart.
Military Divorce
Military life brings its own set of challenges, particularly during a divorce. Issues like residency requirements, property spread across different states, and decisions about where to raise minor children can make a military divorce more complex.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling military divorces and understand the unique needs involved. We strive to simplify the process while focusing on what’s best for your family.
Same-Sex Divorce
Since 2015, same-sex couples have had the right to marry in Florida, but sometimes marriages don’t work out. Divorce can be more complicated for same-sex couples, particularly with determinations of parenthood, of who is entitled to seek child custody and ownership of biological materials for in vitro fertilization.
Our Tampa family law attorneys stay current with changes in Florida law affecting LGBT couples. We are committed to supporting you through every step of the process, working to simplify the experience and achieve the best outcome for you and your family.
Collaborative Divorces
Collaborative divorces offer a way for both spouses to work together, often with their attorneys, to resolve issues amicably without going to court. This method is suitable for all types of divorces, including military and same-sex marriages.
Our attorneys guide you to reach agreements that satisfy both parties while maintaining a positive and cooperative approach.
Helping with All Aspects of Your Divorce
Deciding to get a divorce is just the beginning. Next, you’ll need to address various issues before the court can approve your petition.
Since 2014, we’ve been helping clients like you find the best resolutions in matters involving:
Custody of Children
Divorce is especially hard when young children are involved. Both parents have rights under the law, making it essential to establish a clear plan for their care. A thoughtful approach is necessary to address temporary custody and other important details during this time.
Whether you’re seeking shared custody or sole custody, a Tampa divorce attorney can assist in creating a Parenting Plan and time-sharing agreement tailored to your family’s needs. Our goal is to help you find the best solution that prioritizes your children’s well-being.
Your children’s happiness and stability are paramount. With the right guidance, you can make decisions that support their future and provide them with the care and security they deserve.
Child Support
After a divorce one of the critical aspects of divorce is determining how your child’s financial needs will be met. Questions about who will cover education, medical care, and daily expenses are important to address. More importantly, children with disabilities and special needs require not only planning within the dissolution of marriage process, but in the future as well. Our team of attorneys assist with planning for that future as well.
Ideally, both parents in the Tampa Bay area can agree to share these responsibilities and create a plan that fully supports their child.
In Florida, Child support is determined based upon the incomes of the parties and the amount of times sharing that each party has the minor children. Items such as expenses for medical care, expenses for childcare, and other sources of income that may affect the overall support calculation. One of the most surprising things that comes up from people in calculations of child support is that apparent who has majority custody may also have to pay child support to the parent with minority times sharing. That’s why having an attorney who understands these topics in detail can better protect your rights and your money.
Spousal Support
In many marriages, one spouse may earn more or leave work to focus on family, leading to a need for financial support after divorce. Tampa family law attorneys will help address this need through spousal support.
Florida law allows a spouse to request alimony to ease this transition. The court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, equitable distribution of assets, and parenting responsibilities. Although Florida is a no-fault state for divorce, behavior during the marriage can also influence spousal support decisions.
Tampa family law attorneys will help you in preparing a strong case for spousal support. We gather and organize essential documentation, including income and expense records, to support your request and pursue a fair outcome.
Protecting What Matters Most in Your Divorce
Choosing the right Tampa divorce lawyer will make all the difference when facing family law issues. If you’re thinking about or going through a divorce, having a caring, supportive attorney by your side will help you move forward with confidence.
At Melone Hatley, P.C., we understand the importance of protecting what matters most to you. Whether it’s your children, your assets, or your peace of mind, we are here to provide the guidance and support you need.
We Protect Your Family, Your Finances, Your Future. Let us help you through this difficult time with compassion and strength, making sure that you’re not alone on this journey.
