Experienced, Compassionate Florida Divorce Attorneys
With nearly half of all marriages ending in divorce, it has become an all too common part of American family dynamics. Divorce is not just a division of two spouses; it also involves the division of property, assets and children. With all the complexities involved, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side with the compassion to guide you through this emotionally difficult time. The professionals at J. Demere Mason, P.A. have over 35 years of combined family law experience and can help you with every aspect of the divorce process.
Some divorces take a good deal of time while others can be settled in a matter of weeks:
Uncontested Divorces
There are many situations when the end of a marriage is not due to major conflict, but simply the fact that the spouses have grown apart over time. Often, they reach the point where they have irreconcilable differences, making it best for each party to go their separate ways. In these cases, a less costly option can be employed known as a collaborative divorce. Collaborative divorce is a process in which both parties agree to settle their differences privately, respectfully and without the involvement of the court. During this process, both spouses and their attorneys enter into a binding agreement committing them to reaching a fair and amicable settlement.
Contested Divorces
Divorces wherein there are heavy disputes between the two parties about the specific terms and conditions will need to be handled in the more traditional way. Some of the common issues involved in a contested divorce include:
- Division of Property/Assets: Depending upon the length of a marriage and the amount of property at stake, the specifics around the division of assets could become very complicated.
- Child Custody: There are certain considerations to take into account such as each parent’s living and employment situation, criminal background and much more. The goal of the court is to reach a child custody settlement that is in the best interests of the children involved.
- Visitation Rights: In most cases, the non-custodial parent will still have visitation rights, and this is another major issue that must be settled when the divorce is finalized.
- Alimony: Payments made from one spouse to another after the divorce is finalized could have a major impact on everyone involved.
There are likely to be many other issues that arise during a divorce, some of which may be unanticipated. There may also be a need to make some difficult decisions in what is already a very emotional time.
No-Fault State
When it comes to divorce, Florida is a no-fault state, meaning neither of the separating parties has to provide proof that the other was at fault in order to end a marriage. Whether a divorce is contested or uncontested, it is highly recommended to seek out competent legal counsel. Post-divorce modifications may also be needed once a divorce is final. The assistance of an experienced attorney can also be a major benefit in these instances.
If you have decided that there are no options other than to end your marriage, contact the attorneys at Mason Family Law. Our team will get right to work crafting a strategy designed to protect your legal rights and secure your family’s future. Call us today at 904-726-8589 for your consultation.