Jacksonville Divorce Lawyer
Consult the Legal Team at Hutchinson Law: (904) 638-3134
Our team of family law attorneys understand that the prospect of divorce is extremely emotional, stressful, and intimidating. In addition to the significant changes to your lifestyle that a dissolution of your marriage creates, the legal process of finalizing it can feel drawn-out and complicated. With an experienced and compassionate Jacksonville divorce & family lawyer in your corner, however, you can understand the specifics of your divorce and ensure that your interests are protected.
Why Choose Our Jacksonville Divorce Attorneys?
- Experience: 10+ years of trial-tested representation
- Communication: Strong client-communication is our priority
- Trusted Advocacy: Our firm is known for proactive, tireless representation
- Help for any Divorce: We handle mediated divorce, collaborative divorce, uncontested divorce, contested divorce, and military divorce cases.
Not every divorce case is the same as the next. Depending on a number of factors, the circumstances surrounding your divorce can greatly vary. Regardless of the complications and specifics, you know you can trust us to manage it with care and compassion.
Contact us to have your case reviewed by our attorneys! We offer weekend & evening appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Divorce in Florida
In an effort to help our clients make sense of their divorce proceedings and their legal options, we have compiled a list of FAQs that you will hopefully find useful. If you do not see the question on your mind, however, please feel free to contact us at our Jacksonville office right away by calling (904) 638-3134 and speaking directly to a helpful member of our staff.
How do I file for divorce in Florida?
Before you can file for a divorce, you must have been a resident of Florida for six months or more. Filing out-of-state can be complicated, so if you live in Florida and you think your spouse might be planning to file in another state, it is highly encouraged that you take the initiative and file in-state immediately. Contact a Jacksonville divorce attorney if you are not sure you understand all the paperwork from the county clerk.
What does "no-fault" divorce mean?
Spouses do not need to cite a specific reason for wanting a divorce in Florida State, as it is a no-fault state. They must provide some reason, though, even if it is just the general reason of "irreconcilable differences."
What is involved in divorce negotiations?
In most cases, divorcing spouses will have to consider child support, alimony, division of assets, and child custody rights.
How long does it take for a divorce to finalize?
The time it takes to complete your divorce mainly depends on you and your spouse's ability to cooperate. Other than that, a judge has up to six months to make a ruling on your divorce case once it has been filed.
What is equitable distribution?
Florida State judges commonly use the concept of equitable division – or distribution – to divide marital property in a way that they deem fair. This means it might not be an even 50/50 split of your assets, but rather an "imbalanced" one that addresses the needs of one party.
Can a divorce be canceled once it has been filed?
If you reconcile with your spouse and wish to continue the marriage, you can request a dismissal form from the county clerk, as long as no judgement has been made. If you have missed this crucial deadline, you may require the help of a professional divorce attorney.
Legal Alternatives to Divorce
There may be other legal options for you and your spouse to consider, some of which will be based upon your own financial status and religious beliefs. For instance, you might consider separation if you are not ready for the finality of divorce, or if your personal religion does not allow it. Essentially, a separation allows a court to rule on all aspects of a traditional divorce without the actual dissolution of the marriage.
You may also qualify for annulment, which basically treats the marriage as if it never happened. Generally, annulments are granted in short-term marriages as to prevent any division of assets and circumvent the need for child or spousal support arrangements.
Grounds for annulment include:
- Fraud or misrepresentation
- No consummation of marriage
- Incest, in which spouses are too closely related for marriage to be legal
- Bigamy, in which one spouse is still legally married to someone else
- Underage, in which one or both spouses are under the age of consent
- Unsound mind, in which one or both spouses was too intoxicated or otherwise unable to willfully consent to the marriage
- Force, in which one spouse was forced to marry without consenting
Hire a Jacksonville Divorce Attorney to Skillfully Resolve Your Divorce
Divorces are messy and stressful enough without having to deal with the headaches of the legal system. Let our team at Hutchinson Law use our 10+ years of experience help you negotiate the many terms of your divorce. We know the ins and outs of divorce procedures and any complications that can occur. Discover how we can help you!
Ensure your interests as upheld at every step. Schedule your case evaluation today!
Further Information on Divorce Matters
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