Filing for divorce is never how we plan a marriage to go. When we commit ourselves to someone, we expect to have that comfort forever. A sudden relationship loss has the same psychological effect on a person as the death of a loved one. There is a grieving process, and it’s going to take time and effort to get through it.
Choosing the right lawyer in Tampa to help with your unique situation can be difficult. You’ll get plenty of recommendations from friends and family who think they know exactly what you’re going through. There are plenty of divorce attorneys in Tampa and surrounding areas, so it’s important to research the best one for you.
You are not required to have a divorce lawyer in Florida, but representing yourself in a divorce can be a stressful experience that increases the chances of an unfair outcome. Even if you and your ex end on good terms, emotions are high and things can change very quickly when we’re dealing with emotions. Having legal guidance will make the property division part of a divorce a lot less heated than it would be without professional help.
Find the Best Tampa Divorce Lawyers for You
There are hundreds of divorce attorneys in Florida, and it can be difficult to know how to choose a divorce lawyer that will work for you. Whether you’re dealing with a contested divorce or uncontested divorce, we’re confident you’ll find the right attorney to help you navigate your unique situation.
At LaFrance Family Law, we make it our priority to work with every divorce client from an empathetic and understanding perspective. We fight for our clients the way we would for our family or friends. If this is the kind of representation you need, contact us for a divorce consultation today.
What to Expect from Divorce in FL
Not many people know how to plan for divorce. It’s a complex situation that can take a toll on all parties involved. While there’s no way to totally prepare, there are some things you can keep in mind to try and keep the process as low stress as possible.
1. There won’t be one “winner”
A lot of people mistakenly enter into the divorce process thinking it’s a competition to see who will come out on top. That’s not necessarily how it works. Divorce is a painful time for both parties, regardless of who initiated the breakup. Feelings have been hurt and the way you treat each other will never be the same, whether you ended things on good terms or not.
2. You will need to avoid making impulsive decisions
This is a time to be strategic. Being completely cutthroat is not always the best tactic, but you should have a plan to get everything you truly deserve. If you rush into anything without a plan of action, the likelihood of things not ending up in your favor will skyrocket. Now is a good time to hire a divorce lawyer so you can get the guidance you might not even realize you need.
3. People will try to give you advice
Your friends and family mean well when they try and advise you on how to navigate your divorce. When people have experienced similar situations, it’s natural to want to try and help by giving recommendations for divorce attorneys, therapists, and other professionals who helped them get through their divorce. It’s important to identify what you need during this difficult time, and it’s okay if it’s different from what other people have experienced.
4. Court may not be for you
A lot of people have the idea that divorce needs to be a big court experience with people screaming at each other over who gets the vacation home. But that’s not necessarily the case. While sometimes it does come to letting the courts decide who gets what, it often doesn’t even make it to court at all. Sometimes people just choose to stick with divorce mediation, which is mandatory in the state of Florida whether you go to court or not. Make sure you research the differences before deciding what is right for you.
Divorce FAQs
How do I decide which divorce attorney to use?
There are several things to consider when choosing a divorce attorney in Florida. First, you must be comfortable with your attorney. You should trust that your attorney has your best interests in mind and they should be diligent in moving your case forward. Your attorney must be knowledgeable about the issues you will face in your divorce and you should be sure that they can give you recommendations based on the laws applied to the facts of your case. You want an attorney that will not force you to settle your case. Your attorney should return your phone calls and emails promptly to keep you informed of what is happening in your case. Your attorney should explain the issues to you, ask for your input on the issues and give you advice. You want an attorney that will be transparent in their billing, giving you frequent detailed itemized billing statements so you know exactly what is being done and how your money is being spent.
Do I have to sell my house if I am getting divorced?
You do not necessarily have to sell your house if you are getting divorced. One of the spouses can keep the house, but will usually need to give the other spouse the equity they would have received if the house had been sold. There may also be issues of refinancing that may impact keeping the home. It is possible in certain circumstances for a spouse seeking alimony to be awarded the house as part of the alimony claim.
How is debt distributed in a divorce?
Debt that was incurred during the course of the marriage is generally considered marital and subject to equitable distribution. This can include credit card, mortgages, car loans, taxes, student loans, and unpaid parking tickets. These expenses will be divided evenly unless the factors of unequal distribution apply.
How long does a divorce take?
The length of a divorce depends on a few different factors:
- Whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. Uncontested divorces take less time than contested divorces.
- The number of issues you can settle with your ex outside of the courts. If you and your ex can agree on the majority of factors of the divorce, the easier the process will be.
- The amount of backup in the court system.
A divorce can cost anywhere from $3,000 – $60,000 with attorney’s fees making up a large portion of the cost. An uncontested divorce can be significantly cheaper depending on the complexity of the case. Filing for Divorce in Mutual Agreement is the cheapest option as you’ll save money on serving papers, mandated mediation, and potential attorney fees.
LaFrance Law Services
Contact the lawyers at LaFrance Law to schedule an appointment.
