Contested Divorces in Florida
If you believe that your marriage is ending and a divorce is likely, it is critically important to get early legal advice from an experienced divorce attorney. Actions you take towards the end of the marriage — while making plans for a divorce — can have a significant impact on the eventual outcome of the divorce proceedings.
The Law Office of Cohen & Storie
Orlando, Florida
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These days, many spouses try to avoid the expense of a traditional divorce by making fairly speedy agreements on all the issues involved in ending a marriage: child custody and visitation, alimony and child support and division of marital property.
However, in some cases, an uncontested divorce is not a practical option. When real disputes exist — especially with regard to children or financial matters — you may need help from a dedicated and knowledgeable divorce lawyer who can advocate for a divorce agreement that best protects your future and the future of your children.
The Beginning Stages: Order for Temporary Relief
In a contested divorce case, one of the first major stages of the process is a hearing for temporary relief. The purpose of this hearing is to establish a temporary agreement regarding the children and financial matters that will allow each spouse and the children to maintain some level of normalcy during the divorce proceedings.
More general information about legal issues relating to divorce is available via the Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce page of this Web site. Or, register for our Family Law E-Newsletter for up-to-date information about a wide range of family law matters.
Mediation in Contested Divorces
In the vast majority of Florida counties, the court system requires parties to a divorce to attend mediation sessions before they are eligible to receive a court date for a full-fledged hearing before a family court judge.
The mediation is partly in response to the crowded family courts: the court system encourages parties to resolve their own differences rather than take up the court's time. Mediation is also encouraged because — in many cases — assistance from a neutral third party can truly help two spouses reach an agreement, even in a hotly contested divorce.
In a divorce mediation, you can — and should — be represented by a lawyer whose only job is to protect your best interests.
What Should I Do if I've Been Served With Divorce Papers?
If you have been served with a divorce petition, you have only 20 days to file a formal response with the court. If you do not file a response within 20 days, then a default judgment may be entered against you.
In a default judgment, your spouse will be granted everything requested in the divorce petition — as relates to the division of property. If children are involved, however, the default judgment cannot affect decisions about child custody and child support. Even if you fail to file a response to a divorce petition and have a default judgment entered against you, it does not mean that you will lose custody of your children.
Contact the Law Office of Cohen & Storie
If you have been served with divorce papers — or if you are considering a divorce — the Law Office of Cohen & Storie can help.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Call 407-246-0888 or send us an e-mail.
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