West Palm Beach Divorce Lawyers Provide Strong Legal Representation in All Divorce-Related Matters

If you’ve reached a point in your marriage where you feel divorce is your only option, consider retaining a skilled divorce lawyer who can protect your legal rights and advise you throughout the process. No one enjoys going through a divorce. Divorces are typically fraught with contention as soon-to-be former spouses try to negotiate the terms to end their marriage.

That being the case, it is in your best interests to hire an experienced divorce attorney who can act as your legal advocate and help you through this challenging time in your life. RTRLAW is a full-service Florida law firm committed to helping individuals through the legal complexities associated with divorce so they may resume their lives.

If you’re considering a divorce, or your spouse has already filed, and you don’t have legal representation, contact RTRLAW in West Palm Beach by calling (561) 331-6920 or our toll-free number, 1-833-HIRE-RTR (833-447-3787) to schedule an appointment to answer your questions and determine how may be able to help you.

Does Florida Recognize Legal Separation?

While other states do recognize legal separation, Florida is one of the states that doesn’t recognize this as an option. Even if the two spouses live apart and separate lives, they’re still considered married under the eyes of Florida law until they obtain a dissolution of marriage through the court system.

In some situations, a court may grant temporary relief to one spouse until a divorce can be finalized. Temporary relief is designed to assist individuals with legal issues, such as spousal support, child custody, and living arrangements. However, those granted temporary relief should know that the order is not permanent and that all issues will be decided in the final divorce decree.

Temporary relief may be amended as the situation dictates with each spouse. To request a modification to temporary relief, one spouse must file a motion with the court detailing the reasons why the court order should be changed. If the court doesn’t find in favor of amending or discontinuing the temporary relief, it will remain in place until the divorce has been concluded.

To obtain temporary relief, the party petitioning the court must present clear and convincing evidence that there is a genuine need for the assistance requested. If you’re in the midst of a divorce or about to begin legal proceedings and feel that you have a need for temporary relief, contact RTRLAW to get more information about temporary relief and how we may be able to assist you.

What is the Difference Between a Contested and Uncontested Divorce?

The main distinctions between a contested and uncontested divorce in Florida are the length of time and money it takes to conclude the legal proceedings.

Contested Divorce in Florida

A contested divorce occurs when the two spouses can’t make a mutual decision on the terms of their divorce on their own. Instead, with the help of their attorneys, they allow the court to determine the terms that should be outlined for such issues as spousal support, child custody, parenting plans, and property division.

Typically, contested divorces are more expensive than uncontested divorces because of the time it takes to resolve issues and the fact that the case is being decided through the courts. Contested divorces also can become highly contentious, with emotions running high between both parties.

Uncontested Divorce in Florida

In an uncontested divorce, both parties mutually agree on the essential legal issues that need to be determined, such as the division of marital assets, parenting time between each party, and spousal support. One of the benefits of an uncontested divorce is that it saves time and money and helps each spouse resume their life quickly without having to go to court to decide on issues.

However, if there are minor children involved, the court will require that the spouses submit legal paperwork such as a Parenting Plan and a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet detailing both parents’ income and child-related expenses, so that it helps calculate the amount of support that should be granted.

To obtain an uncontested divorce, there is a 20-day waiting period before a judge will issue a Final Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage. However, individuals should be aware that although an uncontested divorce sounds economical, it leaves room for important issues to be addressed or even overlooked. That’s why having a divorce attorney on your side throughout the divorce process is crucial.

A knowledgeable divorce attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you on the best legal strategy to protect your interests.

RTRLAW’s divorce attorneys are dedicated to helping clients successfully resolve their divorce issues with as little conflict and distress as possible. Contact RTRLAW in West Palm Beach as soon as possible to schedule a consultation with a qualified family law attorney.

What is Equitable Distribution in Florida?

Under Florida law, equitable distribution is the division of marital assets and debts between both parties that must be decided during divorce proceedings. To determine how assets such as property, financial resources, and debt should be divided, the court evaluates several different factors to ensure the distribution is fair to both parties. However, individuals should understand that equitable distribution doesn’t necessarily mean equal.

Some of the most critical factors that a court considers include:

• The contribution of each spouse to the marriage.
• The duration of the marriage.
• The financial resources of each party.
• The debts accumulated during the marriage.
• The contribution of each spouse to the educational and personal advancement of the other spouse.
• The contribution of each spouse to the financial advancement of the other spouse.
• The benefit of retaining the marital home to provide a home for a dependent child and whether it would be in their best interests.

Dividing assets and debt can lead to a significant amount of animosity between spouses, so it’s always best to have a qualified attorney to act on your behalf and approach the matters objectively. It’s important to note the assets and debts obtained before marriage don’t fall under equitable distribution. Similarly, any inheritance or gifts gained while married also aren’t subject to equitable distribution.

Why Do I Need to Have a Divorce Lawyer?

Divorce is one of the most challenging times in a person’s life. A wide range of emotions is typically experienced, from anger to sadness, when it becomes evident that divorce is the only option. To put it behind you as soon as possible, a qualified divorce law attorney can provide you with the skill and objectivity needed to resolve your legal issues, ensure your voice is heard and help you obtain the outcome that you deserve.

RTRLAW can assist you in beginning the divorce process by completing the necessary legal paperwork and submitting it to the court promptly. Additionally, our divorce lawyers can advise you when the other side makes their reply and what legal steps you need to take to proceed with your case. Finally, if your case does end up going to court, RTRLAW will stand by you every step of the way and will fight for your rights.

For more information about filing for divorce, contact RTRLAW in West Palm Beach by calling (561) 331-6920 or our toll-free number, 1-833-HIRE-RTR (833-447-3787), to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified divorce attorneys and find out how we may be able to assist you.