Clearwater Divorce Attorneys

How Can I File for Divorce in Florida?

There are two ways you can file for a divorce (often referred to as a dissolution of marriage). One way is through Florida’s simplified dissolution of marriage process, and the other way is by filing for a “regular” dissolution of marriage. The process you will use will depend on your individual needs. Only certain couples will qualify for filing for a simplified dissolution of marriage. While a simplified dissolution of marriage can sometimes lead to a faster divorce, it requires that both parties give up important legal rights, like the ability to appeal and the ability to go to trial. The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet is a divorce law firm that can review your case and assist you with choosing the best possible divorce process for your needs.

In determining the most appropriate divorce process, it’s crucial to consider not only the legal but also the emotional and financial elements involved. A simplified dissolution might seem less complicated and quicker; however, sacrificing rights should not be taken lightly. At our firm, we take the time to explain all implications of each option, ensuring your decision aligns with both your practical and personal objectives.

Common Issues Spouses Face During Divorce

Divorce proceedings can introduce a multitude of challenges and complexities for both parties. Understanding these common issues can help you better prepare for the process and create solutions that address your unique case. Below are some of the most frequent issues spouses encounter during divorce:

• Division of Assets and Debts: Deciding how to split marital assets and debts equitably, including bank accounts, real estate, retirement accounts, and credit card debt.
• Child Custody and Visitation: Developing a parenting plan and visitation schedule that considers both parents' involvement, the child's best interests, and minimizes disruption to the child's routine.
• Spousal Support (Alimony): Determining if one spouse should receive alimony, the amount, duration, and type of alimony, based on the couple's financial circumstances and contributions to the marriage.
• Child Support: Establishing the amount of child support one parent will pay to ensure the child's needs are met, following Florida's child support guidelines.
• Emotional Stress: Managing the emotional toll that divorce can take on spouses and their children, which can impact decision-making and overall well-being.
• Communication Issues: Navigating conflicts and maintaining effective communication between spouses, especially in acrimonious separations.
• Legal Procedures: Understanding and complying with the complex legal requirements and documentation involved in filing for divorce.
• Property Valuation: Accurately assessing the value of shared property and businesses, which can be contentious and require expert valuation.

Teachable moments during these challenging times often arise in the form of honing communication to ensure both parties feel heard. Further, seeking professional guidance, whether legal or emotional, to help manage these adversities is strongly advised. By having the right strategies in place, such challenges can be more manageable, leading to an amicable resolution that serves the long-term well-being of all household members.

To learn more about your options, call our Clearwater divorce lawyers at (813) 285-5705 or contact us online today and schedule your free initial consultation.  

Commonly Asked Questions

There are many ways couples can reach divorce settlements. Some couples can reach divorce agreements through mediation, others are able to reach settlement through out-of-court discussions between parties and/or their attorneys. If a settlement cannot be reached, it will be necessary to take the case to trial. Whatever your needs, The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet will be able to help you. Our attorneys are very experienced in negotiating settlement agreements, as well as litigating cases through trial.

Understanding Spousal Support in Florida

Spousal support also referred to as alimony is often times money paid by the higher-earning partner to the partner that earned less money during the marriage. Some types of alimony are designed to help a lower-earning partner adjust to single life, get work retraining, gain skills, and, ultimately, live independently. However, in some cases, like cases where a couple was married for a very long time, or where one partner is disabled, ill, or older, spousal support may be more long-term in nature. The kind of spousal support award you might be required to pay, or may be entitled to receive, will depend on your unique needs and situation.

Spousal support is not determined based on a fixed formula in Florida. As a result, the kind of case you present to the judge can make a big difference in the type of spousal support awarded or ordered to be paid, if any. The courts will consider many factors when determining a spousal support award. Some of the factors that may be considered in determining whether to award alimony include whether one partner gave up work opportunities to raise children, whether one spouse provided support to the other while he or she pursued career goals, the length of the marriage, the assets both parties have independently, the age of both parties, the employability and health of each party, and other relevant factors. If you are thinking of seeking alimony during divorce, or are concerned about being ordered to pay alimony, The Law Offices Of Yeazell And Sweet will be able to assist you.

Additionally, the evolving landscape of family law and societal norms can also influence how spousal support decisions are made. Recent trends show a greater consideration for gender-neutral perspectives when evaluating spousal support claims, recognizing the diversity of modern family arrangements. Our informed approach ensures that we engage with these developments, offering balanced, fair support that reflects current standards.

What Are the Child Custody Laws in Clearwater?

In Clearwater, as in the rest of Florida, child custody decisions are based on what will best serve the child’s interests. The state emphasizes shared parental responsibility, meaning both parents should remain involved in the child’s life unless it is not in the child's best interest. The court assesses various factors, such as the ability of each parent to facilitate a close and continuing relationship with the child, the child’s needs, and the mental and physical health of each parent.

Related factors include each parent's ability to meet the child's needs, the child's home, community, and school record, and the length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment. In Clearwater, as local judges tend to favor arrangements that maintain the child’s connection with the community, understanding neighborhood dynamics, schools, and available local support systems can impact custody arrangements. Legal assistance can help parents navigate these aspects, ensuring agreements reflect both parental and child welfare.