Family Law Attorney: Florida Contested Divorce and Uncontested Divorce
In Florida, divorce is officially known as dissolution of marriage.
Regardless of what the state of Florida calls it, divorce is never easy and it is as much an emotional event as it is a legal one.
No one understands this more than the team at the law offices of Stephen K. Miller, P.A., a Florida divorce law firm with the experience and compassion necessary to help you through this difficult time in your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Understanding Florida Divorce Law
A basic dissolution of marriage is quite simple. In Florida, all that is required to dissolve a marriage is proof that it exists, proof that at least one party has been a state resident for six months prior to filing, and proof that the marriage has been irretrievably broken.
Whether or not the dissolution of marriage is contested or uncontested will actually depend on the husband and wife themselves. If both parties can agree on each issue related to their dissolution of marriage, the process can move forward uncontested. If the husband and wife cannot agree, the dissolution of marriage becomes a contested divorce filing.
With any Florida dissolution of marriage there will be a number of issues that must be addressed, which is why each case should be reviewed independently and handled on an individual basis. Child custody, time sharing, child support, alimony, health insurance, property distribution and debt division can all be raised in the divorce process. Whether or not the parties can agree on these and other related issues will determine whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
Florida Uncontested Divorce Procedure
An uncontested dissolution of marriage is typically a speedy process and less expensive than a contested divorce. This is because in an uncontested dissolution of marriage, both the husband and wife have agreed to any and all issues related to the divorce, including property and debt, child support and visitation, and any other issue that may arise in the process.
Even though an uncontested divorce process is much simpler than a contested divorce, it is wise for at least one of the parties to hire an experienced divorce lawyer to help them understand Florida divorce law, guide them through the process and help them to properly file Florida divorce forms appropriately, for the protection of themselves and their loved ones.
Florida Contested Divorce Procedure
The procedure for a contested dissolution of marriage is more complicated than an uncontested divorce. Because there is money, property, debt and even parent-child relationships on the line, it is even more imperative that the dissolution paperwork is drafted by a qualified Florida divorce attorney.
In a contested divorce procedure, papers must be served to the opposing spouse by a process server or by a county sheriff. The opposing spouse then has a certain period of time to respond to that paperwork. All contested issues concerning the dissolution of marriage are presented in these documents, also known as pleadings.
In the case of a Florida contested divorce, it can take months and even years for the courts to rule on important, life-changing issues.
Hiring an Experienced Florida Divorce Attorney
Whether filing for a contested divorce or an uncontested dissolution of marriage in Florida, it’s important for you to retain a divorce lawyer who can inform you of your rights and the alternatives available to you.
Stephen K. Miller and his team, available at several offices throughout North-Central Florida, are well-versed in divorce and family law.
Contact Us today to find out whether or not your dissolution of marriage can be resolved in an uncontested manner. With more than 5,000 cases under our belt, we have learned that what may now seem like a hopeless situation may be easily resolved through the guidance and advice of one of our skilled Florida divorce attorneys.
Even though our Florida law firm may never need to take your dissolution of marriage to court, our strength and our track record of success can influence negotiations related to any disputed family law issue.
On the other hand, what may have been simple divorce proceeding for your friend or relative may not be the same in your situation. That’s why Stephen K. Miller’s commitment to your immediate and long-term interests can benefit you in a Florida divorce, regardless of how complex it becomes.
Contact Us today to find out how one of our skilled Florida family law attorneys can help you.
