TBS Law, P.A.
Divorce
About Divorce
Referred to as Dissolution of Marriage in the Courts under Florida Statute Chapter 61. Florida is a No-Fault State and the only requirements are that one party must plead that the marriage is irretrievably broken and one of the parties has resided in the State of Florida for at least 6 months prior to filing.
There are several ways to obtain a divorce in the State of Florida:
- Pro Se – each Courthouse should have a Self-Help Center which can assist couples who DO NOT want to use lawyers with all the paperwork they need to obtain a Final Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage.
- Mediation – when couples don’t want to use lawyers, but want to mediate an agreement or have someone else draw up the paper work for them. Use an attorney who mediates. If using a non-lawyer mediator make sure they have a lot experience drawing up agreements. I am able to provide mediation services through Choice Mediations, LLC.
- Simplified Dissolution – there are no minor children and both parties want to file and have already agreed to distribution. Both parties must sign the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and both parties must appear at the Final Hearing. The Financial Affidavit requirement can be waived providing there is no support for either party.
- Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage – there may or may not be minor children and there may be assets and/or debts to be divided. The parties already know how they are going to handle the parenting issues and how they are going to divide the assets they want representation and someone to draw up the documents. TBS LAW PA offers a flat rate for Uncontested Dissolutions with and without children.
- Contested Dissolution – the parties are arguing over the children, the distribution of assets/debts, or over alimony. When the parties cannot agree then the Court will decide for them. This process is costly and time consuming and in the end there is very little justice. When necessary TBS LAW PA is prepared, willing and ready to aggressively advocate on your behalf.
- Collaborative Divorce – both parties hire a “Collaboratively Trained” attorney and everyone signs an agreement stating they will not litigate. A mental health professional is used as an intermediary and the parties work at an agreement using a team approach. Find more information and a list of other trained professionals at www.choosecollaborative.com
