Can I avoid going to court and still get a dissolution of marriage (divorce) in Florida?
If we represent you, neither party will have to attend court if your case is uncontested. Uncontested means the parties agree on all issues of their case and each party cooperates to get the case over with. All documents will be transmitted to the Court electronically and neither party needs to be present in court for anything.
What if my spouse is violent or harasses me?
Many many cases are resolved at mediation. It is a lot cheaper to have a mediator involved with a case than to pay lawyers to do the great deal of work necessary to prepare for trial before the Court. Mediators cannot force a settlement on anyone but they can certainly use their skills to show people what would be a reasonable settlement, and further advise them as to what the Court may do if their is a trial.
How long does a divorce take in Florida and does it matter who files first?
It doesn't matter who files first. How long the case will take depends on whether it is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce can take as little as four to five weeks once all of the necessary paperwork is completed.An uncontested divorce means that both parties agree on absolutely everything such as child support, timesharing with minor children, division of property and debts and alimony, if any. And it also means that both parties cooperate to get the case over with.
Should I represent myself?
Unless you have legal training or the case is extremely simple it is best to have a lawyer advise you. Without legal training it is difficult to know what your rights and responsibilities are. If you do not know what your rights are, you may not ask for them or you may agree to things that you don't need to agree to.
